GUIDELINES FOR CERTAIN FOODS

via Metro Maryland

GAS PRODUCERS; Cabbage, beans, turnips, onions, cucumbers, radishes, milk, carbonated beverages, chewing gum, nuts, beer, alcoholic beverages, macaroni, eggs.

ODOR PRODUCERS: Fish, onions, peanut butter, strong cheeses, cabbage, eggs, garlic, baked beans, asparagus, cod liver oil, some multi-vitamin preparations.

BULK FORMERS: Bran, corn, lettuce, noodles, raw vegetables, raw fruit, whole wheat bread

DIARRHEA CONTROLLERS: Bananas, boiled rice, peanut butter, boiled milk, applesauce, tapioca, pretzels, sometimes marshmallows.

ODOR CONTROLLERS: Tomato juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, parsley, yogurt, buttermilk.

CONSTIPATION ALLEVIATORS: Fresh fruit, cooked fruit, cooked vegetables, chocolate, coffee, increased fluid intake.. Ed’s note: Try bran muffins too.

COLON IRRITATORS: (increased stools): Raw vegetables, green leafy vegetables, spices, beer, alcoholic beverages, milk, prunes, fresh fruit, raisins, whole grain wheat, bran cereals.

STOMA OBSTRUCTORS: (eat with caution): Nuts, seeds, popcorn, (for some), coconut, fibrous foods, lobster, shrimp, Chinese foods, mushrooms.

STOOL COLOR CHANGERS: Strawberries, beets, red jello, iron pills, licorice, red food coloring, in baking, and carbonated drinks, some red candies, watermelon.

-----------------------------------------------------------

WHAT CAUSES SO MUCH INTESTINAL GAS??

By B. Claypool, RNET - Oregon

There are two sources of discomfort and bloating due to increased air in the intestine. A small amount of gas is produced by the process of digestion and bacterial action. The greatest source of gaseous discomfort is swallowed air. Habitual fast eating with inadequate chewing, rapid swallowing, chewing with the mouth open, contribute to flatus production. (Gas!). Eating or drinking while assuming a reclining position, drinking through a straw, drinking carbonated beverages, smoking, chewing gum, sleeping on one’s back with mouth open, talking while eating and swallowing, are all factors contributing to air in the gut. There may be greater accumulation of air in the bowel when a person is constipated. ( or has diarrhea) Vegetables, especially legumes, and those in the cabbage family when thoroughly cooked, will be less of a problem in the digestive process. With a colostomy or ileostomy, then, it is important to allow time for intake of foods and fluids.