NUTRITION AND THE OSTOMATE$

Marty Laubhan, R.D.

The nutritional needs of the ostomate are the same as for other individuals, so that good normal nutrition is the best recommendation. The focus of this article, therefore, is aimed toward helping you understand normal physiology, metabolism and nutrition so that you will be better equipped to assess your own individual needs.

Don’t be afraid to try new things

Never forget how to laugh (at and with yourself)

Inner peace and relaxation can be your best allies

Some General Guidelines:

Good normal nutrition is recommended for stoma patients who have no other problems that require management by a special diet. (Your prior dietary restrictions for high blood pressure, diabetes,heart and kidney disease, and others should be continued unless advised otherwise by your physician). Very few foods need to be eliminated from the diet of the patient who has undergone an ostomy operation.

First:

Chew food carefully and slowly!

Introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts

Keep written records if helpful to keep track of offending foods#

Don’t be afraid to try foods again if ill-effects were seen the first time

Gas ordinarily comes from swallowing excess air. Be sure to eat leisurely in a relaxed

atmosphere. Chew with a closed mouth and avoid talking while eating

Regular meals are stressed since an empty stomach can generate gas!

The ostomate should have an adequate breakfast; this aids in regulating stoma discharge and stimulate the gastric colic reflex.

Bowel upsets can be caused by emotional pressure; many outside forces such as travel and strange surroundings can have a dramatic effect on the colon.

Try problem foods again in a week or so to make sure the food was what really caused

the upset.

Specific Guidelines:

The Ileostomy patient should increase dietary intake of water and salt unless other conditions contraindicate (as directed by your physician). This is especially important in the summer and during hard work. Liberal use of table salt or Gatorade can accomplish this.

The ostomate should use caution when eating fibrous foods or foods with a high fiber content which may lead to blockage. Some of these foods include coconut, celery, coleslaw, grapefruit, nuts, popcorn, corn, Chinese vegetables.

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