Colostomy Diet & Hydration

After your surgery you may find your appetite is reduced, but it is still important to eat little and often to help your recovery. You should be able to eat normal foods and return back to the food you enjoyed before your surgery. You may find that some foods can upset your stoma, but this may be a one off and we would advise you to try them again in a couple of weeks.

Dietary tips for the early days:

You are likely to have lost weight following your surgery. It is important to increase your intake of calories, fat and protein to aid your body’s healing process. In addition to your normal diet, you should look to include the following foods:

Full fat milk and cheese
Double cream (add to soup, mashed potato and deserts)
Snack on biscuits and cakes
Foods high in protein each day such as fish, tender meat and eggs
Drink regularly to avoid dehydration

Ongoing dietary advice

Eat and drink regularly
Include fruit and vegetables daily
Have foods high in protein each day such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk or yoghurt
Include carbohydrates with each meal such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and breakfast cereals
Include milk and dairy foods two to three times per day as they are rich in calcium – choose lower-fat varieties as a healthier option

People with a colostomy will experience the same common digestive issues that they may have had before their surgery, such as wind, odour, constipation and diarrhoea.

Wind

Solutions to reduce wind

Sometimes certain foods can give you wind. The following foods
may increase wind:

Cabbage
Beans/lentils/pulses
Cauliflower
Sprouts
Spicy foods
Onions
Fizzy drinks
Chewing gum

Avoid talking and drinking whilst eating and keep your mouth closed whilst chewing
Avoid drinking with a straw
Eat regularly and avoid long gaps between meals
Allow fizzy drinks to go flat
Try drinking peppermint drinks such as cordial or tea
Eat live yoghurt – 1 carton per day. The natural kind seems more effective
Keep mobile
Avoid smoking and chewing gum

Leafy green vegetables can cause more wind in the early days. Try root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes

Odour

Solutions to reduce odour

The following foods can sometimes cause odour:

Fish
Eggs
Onions
Cabbage
Garlic
Asparagus

Eat live yoghurt
Peppermint oil capsules (available from chemists and health food shops)
Peppermint cordial, diluted to taste
Peppermint tea

Diarrhoea:

Solutions to reduce loose stools:

Diarrhoea can be caused by many things including diet, medication
and your emotions. Common foods that can cause loose stools:

Green vegetables
Spicy foods
Alcohol
Raw fruit
Prunes or prune juice

Very ripe banana
Marshmallows or jelly babies
Live yoghurt
Apple sauce
Cheese
Noodles
Boiled milk
Starchy foods such as white rice, pasta, white bread and potatoes
Tapioca and other milk puddings
Smooth peanut butter

If you do experience diarrhoea, it may be advisable to temporarily use a drainable bag that can be emptied, rather than repeatedly removing your usual closed bag as this can make the skin sore.

Solutions to reduce constipation:

Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables
Eat wholemeal/wholegrain products
Drink plenty of fluids – approximately 2 litres each day (avoiding caffeine)
Take some gentle exercise
Try fruit juice or prune juice
Try a mild laxative

Constipation can be caused by various reasons, such as some medication, diet, lack of mobility and lack of fluids. If you have persistent diarrhoea or constipation, please contact your Stomal Therapy Nurse or GP for advice.