Managing Your Stoma Diet: Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
Adjusting to life with a stoma can be challenging, particularly when it comes to changes in your diet and eating habits. Whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, understanding how to manage your stoma diet is vital for maintaining your health and comfort.
This article offers essential tips and guidelines to help you optimise your ileostomy diet and make the most of your stoma diet sheet for a balanced and manageable eating plan.
Disclaimer: Before making any changes to your diet, especially after stoma surgery, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your medical history and specific needs to ensure you make safe and appropriate dietary adjustments.
Key Principles of a Stoma Diet
- Hydration is crucial
- Ostomates, especially those following an ileostomy diet, need to drink plenty of fluids, as the large intestine which absorbs water, may be bypassed, leading to an increased risk of dehydration.
- Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Include hydrating foods such as soups, broths and juicy fruits into your stoma diet.
- Chew thoroughly and eat slowly
- Thorough chewing aids digestion and helps prevent blockages.
- Take smaller bites and avoid gulping down food to minimise the risk of discomfort.
- Introduce new foods gradually
- Test your tolerance to new foods one at a time. This helps identify any foods that may cause issues like gas, bloating or diarrhoea.
Foods to Include in Your Stoma Diet
Choosing the right foods is essential for managing a stoma and ensuring your digestive system functions smoothly. Incorporating beneficial foods into your diet can help you maintain comfort and support your overall health. Here are some ideal options to consider:
- Low fibre foods: Initially, sticking to low fibre foods may prevent blockages. Opt for white rice, white bread and skinless fruits and vegetables, such as oranges or tangerines.
- Protein rich foods: Protein aids in healing. Include lean meats, eggs and dairy products.
- Electrolyte rich foods: To balance fluids, consume bananas, potatoes and sports drinks that replenish lost electrolytes.
It’s important to include a variety of foods from all food groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Consulting a dietitian can provide you with personalised advice to meet your nutritional needs safely.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can lead to complications or discomfort when managing a stoma. Being mindful of these can help you avoid issues and keep your diet manageable. Consider limiting or avoiding the following:
- High fibre foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds and raw vegetables can cause blockages, especially right after surgery.
- Gas producing foods: Foods like beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks may lead to discomfort and should be consumed cautiously.
- High sugar and high fat foods: These can lead to diarrhoea and should be limited.
For more information on more foods to avoid with a stoma, read our article focusing on foods to avoid with a stoma by clicking here.
Developing a Stoma Diet Sheet
A stoma diet sheet serves as a personalised guide that outlines the best dietary practices for individuals with a stoma. It includes lists of foods to eat and avoid, meal plans and tips tailored to the specific needs of someone managing a stoma.
We’ve put together an example of a stoma diet sheet that you can use. While it might not be tailored to your specific needs, it’s a great starting point and you can easily adapt it to create your own personalised version.
Sample Ileostomy Diet Plan
To help you get started with managing your stoma diet, here’s a sample meal plan that incorporates balanced and easy to digest foods. Feel free to adjust portions and ingredients based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Breakfast
- Scrambled Egg
- White Toast
- Banana
- Tea or Water
Begin your day with scrambled eggs served alongside a slice of white toast. Complement this with a banana for added energy and a glass of herbal tea or water to start your hydration early.
Mid-morning snack
- Low Fat Yoghurt
- Applesauce
For a mid-morning snack, opt for a serving of low fat yoghurt and a small portion of applesauce. These options are gentle on the digestive system and provide necessary nutrients.
Lunch
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Well Cooked Carrots
- Water
Enjoy a grilled chicken breast paired with creamy mashed potatoes and well cooked carrots. To stay hydrated, drink water or an electrolyte beverage with your meal.
Afternoon snack
- Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers make for a satisfying afternoon snack, offering a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Dinner
- Baked Fish
- White Rice
- Steamed Green Beans
- Water or other rehydrating drinks
For dinner, choose baked fish accompanied by a serving of white rice and steamed green beans. Complement your meal with water or a rehydrating drink to support your fluid balance.
Evening snack
- Low Fibre Smoothie
Finish the day with a smoothie made from low fibre fruits such as peeled peaches and a scoop of yoghurt. This provides a soothing end to your day while helping you maintain hydration and nutrient intake.
Tips for Managing an Ileostomy Diet Long-Term
- Keep a food diary: Record what you eat and any symptoms you experience. This can also help to identify trigger foods. Visit the NHS website for an example of a food diary, here you can download the document and record your meals daily.
- Stay connected with your healthcare team: Regular check-ins with your dietitian or stoma nurse can help adjust your diet as needed.
- Join support groups: Connecting with others who have stomas can provide support and share useful tips and recipes. Support groups can be found across the country and a list of these is available on the Colostomy UK website.
Make sure to have a look and see if there are any nearby. If there are not, many Facebook groups such as the Stoma and Ostomy Support Group can be very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stoma Diets
What are the key differences between a Stoma and Ileostomy diet?
A stoma diet is a general term that refers to dietary guidelines and recommendations for individuals with any type of stoma whereas, an ileostomy diet specifically targets the dietary needs of individuals who have had an ileostomy.
An ileostomy diet aims to manage fluid and electrolyte balance, prevent blockages and reduce digestive discomfort which can be more pronounced after an ileostomy.
What is a stoma diet sheet?
A stoma diet sheet is a personalised dietary guide that includes lists of safe foods to eat, foods to avoid, sample meal plans and tips to manage your diet effectively after a stoma surgery.
Can I eat fibre with a stoma?
Initially, it is recommended to avoid high fibre foods to prevent blockages. Gradually reintroduce fibre under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Some alternatives to high fibre foods include white rice or pasta. More information on this can be found here.
What should I do if I experience a blockage?
Stop eating solid foods and switch to clear liquids. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.
Are there any foods that can help with odour control?
Yes, foods like yoghurt, parsley and cranberry juice can help manage odour. Avoid foods known to cause strong odours, such as onions, garlic and certain fish
By following these tips and customising your diet to your individual needs, you can lead a healthy, active life with a stoma. For more personalised advice, always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
Please note: The information throughout these pages should be used as a guide only. Please consult your GP or medical professional for further information about your condition.
