Ostomy Foods List

According to a 2009 study by the National Institutes of Health, digestive diseases affect as many as 70 million Americans each year. The United Ostomy Association estimates that 750,000 Americans have an ostomy. Although as an ostomy patient you may not have to make major changes to your diet in the long term, being more conscious of the foods you eat after an ostomy is a necessity.

Controlling Odor

• According to the Ostomates Food Reference Chart, certain foods can help control odor and are, therefore, desirable. Foods known to control odor after an ostomy surgery are yogurt, buttermilk, tomato juice, cranberry juice, orange juice and parsley. These foods can be eaten after foods that may be odor causing to help offset the effect. The foods known to cause odors are asparagus, eggs, cabbage, garlic, baked beans, pungent cheeses, onions, peanut butter and fish.

Controlling Constipation

• To help prevent constipation or thickened stools, be sure that your meals contain plenty of high-fiber foods. Fibrous foods include cereals, whole grains, whole grain breads and fibrous vegetables such as green beans. Pay extra attention to your eating habits. Chew your food thoroughly and drink plenty of water. If you have followed all these suggestions and you still experience constipation, chocolate, fruit juices and fruits can help loosen stools.

Controlling Gas

• The Ostomy Wound Management website reports that if a particular food caused gastrointestinal problems before ostomy surgery, it likely will afterward. A good approach to minimizing gas is to eat gas-causing foods in moderation. Foods known to cause odor are also those that cause gas. These foods include fish, cheese, beans, eggs, cabbage, milk, onions and broccoli. Each person's body is different, but in addition to limiting gaseous foods, you may benefit from eating smaller meals more regularly.

Controlling Diarrhea

• According to the Ostomates Food Reference Chart, certain foods that have a higher fiber content can help control diarrhea after ostomy surgery. These foods are tapioca, bananas, boiled rice, applesauce, toast and peanut butter. Peanut butter is odor producing, however, so be aware of this side effect. When diarrhea does occur, your body loses potassium and sodium, two essential minerals. In addition to replenishing fluids, get plenty of foods that are high in potassium such as potatoes, broccoli, tomato juice, bananas, oranges or orange juice, grapefruits or grapefruit juice, apricots, avocado, strawberries, watermelon, milk, turkey, pork, chicken, fish and beef. The normal intake of processed foods can replenish sodium.

Controlling Blockages

• After ostomy surgery, you will need to monitor certain foods that can cause a blockage in the stoma, or artificial opening created during surgery. Foods that may contribute to blockage include dried fruits, nuts, seeds, peas, mushrooms, celery, popcorn, pineapple, coconut, coleslaw, raw vegetable peels and salad greens. Eat smaller amounts of these foods until you determine how your body reacts. Always chew your food well.

Color Causing Foods

• With an ostomy, you are more mindful of your stool, not only in consistency, but in color. Some foods can cause coloration of your stools. Licorice, asparagus or even iron pills can cause black stools. Strawberries, red peppers, tomato sauce, beets, pimentos and foods with food coloring such as red gelatin, can cause red stools. You may even mistake red peppers, beets or pimentos for blood in the stool. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure or have concerns.

Protecting the Seal

• Certain foods you eat may affect the seal on your ostomy bag. Foods that cause thinner stools, such as fruits, cooked vegetables and fruit juices, are more likely to break a seal than a thicker discharge.