A colostomy can be a valuable way to regaining the freedom and confidence you need to build a healthy bond with your life. Of course, there can be challenges as you settle into living with your colostomy. Here are some tips on what foods to eat after a colostomy.
; Food and Drink
Eating and drinking. They’re a big part of having a healthy bond with your life. But like everyone, at times you may experience constipation or diarrhoea. Luckily, increasing your fluid and fibre intake can help prevent these problems. Here’s how:
- Drink six to eight cups (48-64 ounces) of water and other beverages per day.
- For more fluid, fibre and a vitamin punch, eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. An easy way to do this is to fill half of your plate with fruit and/or vegetables at every meal1.
- Slowly increase your intake of high-fibre foods, such as whole grains, bread and cereals. As a daily goal, women need 25 grams of fibre; men need 38 grams of fibre2.
Of course, some foods may cause odour and/or gas. That’s natural. So, post-surgery, you may want to try these foods privately and one-at-a-time in small quantities. Knowing your body’s reaction to these foods means less time worrying and more time building healthy bonds to the world around you.
Odor-Causing Foods
- Eggs
- Certain spices, such as curry, cumin and chili powder
- Garlic
- Fish
- Aspargus
- Alcohol
Note: Some foods may help decrease odor. These include cranberry juice, parsley, buttermilk and yogurt3.
Gas-Producing Foods
- Beer/carbonated beverages
- Dairy products
- Onions
- Cucumbers
- Mushrooms
- Beans
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts
Medications
After stoma surgery, the way your body digests and absorbs medications may be affected. Make sure to review all of your medications — both over-the-counter and prescription — with your doctor, ostomy nurse and pharmacist.
Medications you may need to adjust include:
- Antacids
- Antidiarrheals
- Anti-inflammatory agents, such as Tylenol®, Advil® or Aleve®
- Aspirin
- Laxatives
- Vitamins
Diarrhea
Diarrhea has many causes, including viruses and some medications. It can also be a sign of trouble digesting certain foods. In this case, you can reduce some fiber and bulk from your diet, cut back on certain foods, and eat other foods that thicken your stool. These foods include3:
Foods to Avoid During Episodes of Diarrhea
- High-fiber bread
- Whole grains
- Edible fruit and vegetable peels, such as apples
- Any food labeled “high fiber”
- Fried foods
- High-sugar foods
- Raisins, prunes and other dried fruit
- Spicy foods
Foods that Thicken Stool
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Cheese
- Pasta
- Rice
- Creamy peanut butter
- Potato (without skin)
- Tapioca
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Read more1. Why 5 A Day? NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/5-a-day/why-5-a-day/. Accessed November 17, 2022.
2. Health & Diet Guide. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/default.htm. Accessed November 17, 2022.
3. Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/in-depth/ostomy/art-20045825. Published July 28, 2022. Accessed November 17, 2022.
