Colostomy - Nutritional Advice & Tips - Convatec (2024)

FAQs

What are the nutritional considerations for a colostomy patient? ›

Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. Eat meals and snacks on a similar schedule every day. output through the colostomy at night. Lean, very tender, well-cooked poultry, fish, beef, pork or lamb (If you have a stricture or colostomy, slow cook any meats until soft, then chop.)

Aim for a little and often approach to eating (three small meals with snacks in between) Snack suggestions: biscuits, yogurts, cheese and crackers. Try nutritious drinks such as milk or supplements recommended by your dietitian.

Foods and drinks may increase the wind passed by your colostomy e.g. beans, beer, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, cucumber, eggs, fruit, green vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, onions, peas, spinach, sweet corn, fatty foods (pan-fried or deep-fried foods) and/or rich creamy foods.

One of the most familiar anti-diarrhea strategies is the BRAT diet (which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast).

For the first few weeks after a colostomy, you should eat mostly foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest, including lean proteins, refined grains, smooth nut butters, and certain types of fruits and vegetables.

Eating more often, in small amounts, and drinking enough liquids will help your body handle food and help with gas. For the first few weeks after your surgery, it will be easier to digest simple and bland soft foods. Keep in mind that chewing your food well also helps with digestion.

Carbonated drinks in general can cause gas. Beer can cause the output from the ostomy to become more liquid. You can drink alcohol. However alcohol can cause dehydration, so make sure to drink enough water.

Apple sauce, banana, melon, tinned peaches/pears in natural juice (ensure all pith and peel are removed and avoid large portions at a time). Help to thicken stool and decrease output. Will provide essential vitamins and minerals. Try to have 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Foods that are reported to help thicken the stoma output include apple sauce, bananas, buttermilk, cheese, marshmallows, jelly babies, (boiled) milk, noodles, smooth creamy peanut butter, rice, tapioca pudding, toast, potatoes and yoghurt.

What is the best breakfast for stoma? ›

The low fibre versions are better tolerated so try white bread, breakfast cereals like rice krispies or cornflakes, white rice/pasta, and avoid skins on potatoes. These provide protein, vitamins and minerals which is essential for health and repair of body tissues.

Foods Not to Eat with an Ileostomy or Colostomy

Raw vegetables, including salad e.g. lettuce, celery, raw bell-peppers and spring onions. Hard to digest vegetables, including beans like butter beans or green/runner beans, sweetcorn, peas, mushrooms, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, kale and spring greens.

Home remedies include increasing your fiber intake or taking a laxative, using a suppository, or taking a stool softener. Trying out a squat position, doing light exercise, or performing a colonic massage may also help.

Limit intake of foods that have strong odours, such as onions, fish, eggs, cheese and asparagus. Eat a low-residue diet for the first couple of months to reduce the strain on your bowels and stoma. It might be a good idea to avoid certain foods, such as popcorn or celery seeds.

For a client with a colostomy, the nurse should recommend a balanced diet and adequate hydration. Foods that result in manageable stools are important, not all fiber and fruits need to be eliminated, and solid stool usually indicates healthy digestion.

Now that you have had a Colostomy, there is no need to follow a special diet and you should eat as wide a variety of foods as possible.

What should the nurse include in dietary teaching for a client with a colostomy? Liquids should be limited to 1 L per day. Non-digestible fiber and fruits should be eliminated. A formed stool is an indicator of constipation.