Intestinal gas and feces can be odorous, especially with a transverse colostomy. Foods which may cause odors include baked beans, onions, alcohol, fish, cheese, cabbage family, prunes, eggs, and asparagus. Odors can be controlled through personal hygiene and diet.

Suggestions:

A cup of buttermilk in irrigating water can help decrease odor

Cranberry juice is a one remedy for fecal and urinary odor

Yogurt may be helpful in preventing odors

Parsley and green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll which decreases fecal and gas odor

Foods which produce gas include cabbage family, onions, beans, asparagus, cucumbers, fish, radishes, beer, carbonated drinks, eggs, peas.

Always keep in mind that foods that caused gastrointestinal problems prior to surgery may continue to be troublesome.

Mild constipation may be alleviated with cereal fiber, increasing fluid intake, especially fruit juices - and by cooked fruits and vegetables.

Diarrhea may be a problem to you whether you have a colostomy or an ileostomy.

Ileostomates should be especially careful because of increased danger of dehydration. If your diarrhea persists, contact your doctor.

Foods which may cause loose stools are beans, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, milk and milk products, raw fruits, beer, and highly spiced foods.

Foods which may help control mild diarrhea are applesauce or scraped apples, boiled milk, boiled rice, tapioca, peanut butter, strained bananas, gelatin, powdered pectin.

Specialized Needsl

Your physician will periodically assess your general health status, and will make recommendations if you should show a clinical need for vitamins, minerals, or other form of nutritional support. If you feel well, are not expressing any obvious problems, and feel energetic, then RELAX.

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