Posted on March 24, 2008 in Latest News
Diet plays an important role in people’s lives that have undergone Ostomy. Ostomy or stoma can be defined as surgical opening on the abdominal wall for excretion of waste material from urinary tract or bowel. Usually there are two types of Ostomy: Colostomy and Ileostomy.
What are Causes for Ostomy?
According to the definition of Ostomy an opening is made for the removal of waste material from the digestive tract. Sometimes Ostomy takes place as a life-saving operation. The primary causes to undergo Ostomy are listed below:
- Blockage of colon due to benign or malignant outgrowth.
- Colorectal cancer: malignancy in rectum or colon tissue.
- Crohn’s disease: inflammatory disease of gastrointestinal tract.
- Ulcerative colitis: chronic inflammation in colon lining resulting in ulcers.
- Injury or accident resulting in the rupture of bowel.
- Diverticulitis: inflammation in the bowel pouches causing perforation.
Basic Dietary Tips for Ostomy:
After Ostomy surgery you need to follow few basic dietary tips to control the amount, consistency and frequency of stool eliminated. Here are few essential but vital dietary tips for Ostomy:
- Experiment with your diet: Remember that there is no single diet which will work for everyone. So you need to experiment with new diet but make sure that you do it in small amount. Gradually you will come to know about the foods you need to eat and avoid.
- Odor free diet: Odor is the major problem faced by people with Ostomy. So you need to avoid foods that produce strong gas or odor.
- Drink plenty of water: To keep stools soft and to avoid dehydration you need to drink plenty of water. After surgery you need to increase you water intake at least by 3 glasses.
- Chew your food thoroughly: Proper chewing of food helps in complete and proper digestion of food. Hence make sure that you chew your food thoroughly.
- Avoid foods with kernels or seeds: There are chances that kernels or seeds can block the stoma hence it is advisable to avoid foods with seeds or kernels.
- Mild constipation: In case after surgery you are troubled with mild constipation then it is advisable for you increase your fluid intake. You need drink lot of fruit juices as well as vegetables and fruits.
- Gas: While eating and drinking you tend to swallow air and it results in gas. Hence it is better to chew your food with closed mouth and eat slowly.
- Lastly do not restrict your sodium intake.
Dietary Guide after Ostomy:
Are you confused regarding your diet after Ostomy? As such there is no specific diet plan for Ostomy patients. The main point is that you should be able to tolerate the food you are eating. Still certain foods you need to avoid or include in your diet so as to maintain a good health after Ostomy. Below is the list of food you need to keep in consideration:
- Food resulting in thickened stools: Applesauce, Peanut butter, boiled milk, Tapioca, Rice, Cheese, Bananas, and Pretzels.
- Food resulting in soft stools: Red wine, Beer, Coffee, Prune juice, Fresh vegetables, Fruits and Food with high fiber content.
- Foods resulting in incomplete digestion: Broccoli, Cabbage, Raw carrots, Raw onions, Pineapple, Beans, Spinach, Potato skins, Corn, Coconut, Celery, Whole grains, Nuts, Raisins, Popcorn, Raw fruits, Chinese vegetables, Seeds and Skins.
- Foods causing odor: Cabbage, Beans, Asparagus, Onions, Garlic, Eggs, Fish, Alcohol and Vitamins.
- Foods causing gas: Raw apple, Cabbage, Broccoli, Onions, Turnip, Corn, Nuts, Milk, Beer, Carbonated beverages, iced beverages and Chewing gums.
- Foods causing diarrhea: Fried foods, highly spicy food, Legumes, Grape juice, Apple juice, Prune juice, Green beans, Spinach, Raw fruits, Cabbage and Milk.
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