For the patients who have undergone ileostomy (stoma created through ileum) or a colostomy (stoma created through colon), a well-balanced and well-maintained diet is very necessary. Diet can affect the healing process. If a patient takes a good diet he or she can recover sooner. A better diet can help you to reduce the other complications that might occur after surgery.
In both cases, there is excess loss of fluids in the body. This is because of the Ostomy. Since water is reabsorbed by the colon, after the surgery it is very difficult to maintain the percentage of water.
Usually, it is advised to a colostomy and ileostomy patient to take two liters or 8 cups of fluids throughout the day. Water is the best choice and patients should avoid drinks with a higher ratio of caffeine i.e. Colas, strong tea, or coffee.
Patients of both groups should not shorten the amount of salts in their diet. Salts that are reabsorbed in the colon also can’t be reabsorbed after an ostomy. Especially the patients with an ileostomy should take extra salt to prevent dehydration. And persons with colostomy do not need to take a large amount but a moderate amount is necessary for the compensation.
If the ileum has been removed more than 100 cm during the ileostomy then you should take supplements like B2 vitamin, A, D, E and K. Consult your doctor, before adding them to your diet.
Ostomy can cause issues like diarrhea, odor, gas, constipation, or bowel obstructions. Many people can enjoy a normal diet, but in case of any other complications, adjustments are needed.
Diarrhea
After ileostomy the feces formation is very loose, feces are in liquid texture. That’s why in this condition if there are more than 1000 ml of loose feces output then it is considered diarrhea. In the case of colostomy, diarrhea is explained as frequent and thinned feces. Following tips can help you to control diarrhea:
∙ You should increase your liquid intake up to 2 and half liters throughout the day
∙ You should take food that thickens the feces such as applesauce, bananas, yogurt, rice, and oatmeal
∙ Avoid food items that trigger diarrhea such as prune juices, alcohol, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and capsicum.
∙ You should intake extra salt and eat more salty foods.
∙ You should eat foods that have a higher ratio of potassium such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, meats, and dried fruits.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition that is seen only in colostomy patients. It does not occur in ileostomies. The following tips can help you to avoid constipation:
∙ you should drink 2 and a half-liter or 10 cups of water throughout the day.
∙ you should eat foods that are rich in fiber such as bran, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Prune and prune juices can also prevent constipation.
Odor
Odor is a common problem following surgery. It is very awkward and embarrassing if there is an odor due to your ostomy, especially when you are in public places. There are some foods that can trigger the odor. In order to avoid odor you may need to:
∙ Avoid the food items that increase odor such as broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, Brussel sprouts, legumes, garlic, onion, etc.
∙ Increase the intake of foods that reduce odor such as parsley, yogurt, buttermilk, cranberry milk, etc.
Gas
Gas can be caused easily following a surgery. There are some foods that can cause a lot of gas in your ostomy. Gas can be caused due to:
∙ Swallowing air
∙ Eating chewing gums
∙ Using carbonated drinks and beverages
The foods that you should avoid are:
∙ Broccoli
∙ Capsicum
∙ Higher fats containing foods
∙ Food with higher proteins
∙ Foods with a high level of caffeine
Ileostomies can be a reason for bowel obstruction or blockage in many people. If you have no bowel movement or output for the last 12 hours then it indicates that a blockage is already there. In order to avoid blockage please follow these instruction given below:
You should drink 2 and a half liters or more water throughout the day.
You should take only small quantities of high fiber foods following surgery. Avoid or use the foods with precautions that have seeds and peels.
Conclusion
People who have undergone ostomies can take a normal diet but it should contain an adequate quantity of liquids and salts. Trying a new food especially the one which can cause diarrhea, odor, and blockage, or constipation, only one item should be tried at once. You should have awareness of the problem and its treatment. This would help you to live with an ostomy.
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