Healthy Eating Advice For People with Stomas Patient Information Dietetic and Nutrition Department Author ID: AC Leaflet Number: Diet 016 Version: 4 Name of Leaflet: Healthy Eating Advice for People with Stomas Date Produced: April 2017 Review Date: April 2019
The following information is suitable for people who have Colostomies or Ileostomies. It is important to remember that different people respond differently to foods. You should choose foods to eat based on how well you tolerate them. Getting started Following surgery, it is important to follow as healthy a diet as possible. This helps your body to heal itself and will also help you to put on any weight you have lost. Introduce foods gradually and avoid any which cause upset. Include protein foods like milk, eggs, cheese, fish and meat. Eat plenty of starchy foods like bread, cereal, pasta, rice and potatoes. These will add bulk to your stoma output. To begin with, avoid food, which is very spicy, fried or high in fibre. Some foods are more likely to disturb stoma function than others. You do not have to avoid them, but take care when trying them for the first time. Use small amounts only. Food Mushrooms, sweetcorn, potatoes with skin on, lentils, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, carrots, apple, pear, pineapple, Chinese food. Baked beans, lentils, peas, onions, garlic, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, fizzy drinks, lager. Chocolate, coffee, spicy foods, cabbage, green beans, root vegetables, citrus fruits, tinned fruit, stewed rhubarb, apple, pear, melon, grapes, fruit juice, wine, beer, wholemeal bread, Weetabix, milk, cream, fried foods Nuts, seeds, spicy foods, citrus fruits, fruit juice. Fish, onions, garlic, eggs Chocolate, fruit juice Fizzy drinks Possible Symptom Passing undigested food Wind Increased stoma output Irritation at stoma site. Odour Loose stools Bloated stomach Remember to chew foods thoroughly. If you have a poor appetite take small meals and snacks frequently throughout the day. Your dietitian may recommend supplements. Adapting well It may take some time for your body to adapt to your pouch and for a few weeks you may experience loose stools. If this happens you will be losing more fluid and salt than is normal, causing dehydration. To prevent this:- Aim for at least six to eight mugs or glasses of fluid daily. Add extra salt to your meals. Aim for one teaspoon spread evenly throughout the day. Healthy Eating Advice for People with Stomas Page 2 of 5
As your body adapts, your stools will become more solid and less frequent. Ensure that you take plenty fluids and salt, even when you have adapted. When you feel a little more confident, try experimenting with food. Try to make sure you have a varied diet to give adequate nutrition. Healthy eating A healthy diet as pictured below is recommended. The main part of your diet should include starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, cereals and potatoes. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables aim for five portions per day. Include a small portion of a protein food at each meal meat, chicken, fish, beans, pulses, vegetarian alternatives or dairy products. Make sure meat is lean and cooked without adding any extra fat. Choose low fat varieties. If you have any further questions or need more advice, contact your dietitian. Healthy Eating Advice for People with Stomas Page 3 of 5
Useful contacts Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (ia) Central Office, Amblehurst House, P.O.Box 23, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 4TT. Telephone: 01623 28099 British Colostomy Association, 15 Station Road, Reading, Berks, RG1 1LG. Telephone: 01734 391 537 Contact Information Dietetic Department, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary 01942 822189 Healthy Eating Advice for People with Stomas Page 4 of 5
Comments, Compliments or Complaints The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and carers. Contact Us Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm) The Patient Relations/PALS Manager Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan Lane Wigan WN1 2NN Ask 3 Questions Become more involved in decisions about your healthcare. You may be asked to make choices about your treatment. To begin with, try to make sure you get the answers to three key questions: 1. What are my options? 2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me? 3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me? How We Use Your Personal Information For details on how we collect, use and store the information we hold about you, please take a look at our how we use your personal information leaflet which can be found on the Trust website: www.wwl.nhs.uk/patient_information/leaflets/default.aspx This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request. For more information call 01942 773106. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner Healthy Eating Advice for People with Stomas Page 5 of 5