Dante Carrillo
Following an ileostomy, it is important to adopt a well-balanced diet, comprising a variety of foods. However, it is worth noting that individuals may experience unique responses to different foods, and thus, certain guidelines should be followed to maintain a healthy diet. This includes staying hydrated, chewing food thoroughly, and eating small meals throughout the day. Additionally, it is recommended to introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any discomfort or intolerance.
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What You'll Learn
Eat small meals regularly
Eating small meals regularly is an important part of managing an ileostomy. This is because eating smaller meals more frequently can help to limit bowel movements, which is especially important at night. It is recommended that you eat six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. It is also important to avoid eating too much in the evening.
When eating, it is important to relax, sit upright, and eat slowly. You should also make sure to chew your food well with your mouth closed, and try not to swallow any air with your food. It is also recommended that you avoid talking while eating, as this can help to reduce wind.
In the early days and weeks following the formation of your ileostomy, it is important to stick to a low-fibre, bland diet. This will help to keep you comfortable while your colon heals. You can then gradually introduce a wider variety of foods and increase your portion sizes until you are eating normally again. When adding new foods to your diet, it is important to introduce them one at a time, as you may have developed some new food intolerances after your surgery.
It is also important to stay hydrated, as people with an ileostomy lose more water, salt, and potassium than usual. Aim to drink 6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 litres) of fluids every day. You can also suck on ice lollies made from juice or sports drinks to help with hydration.
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Drink 6-8 cups of fluid daily
People with an ileostomy should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluid every day to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is a common side effect of having an ileostomy, as you lose more water than usual through your ileostomy. You also lose more salt and potassium, so it is important to replace these lost electrolytes. Fluids high in salt, such as Bovril or sports drinks, are good options to replenish lost salt and glucose. You can also suck on ice lollies made from juices and sports drinks, or drink carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing drinks.
It is important to monitor your liquid intake and output. Keep a record of how much liquid you drink and how much liquid comes out of your ileostomy. You can use a measuring cup to measure your output. If your output is more than 1000 millilitres (about 34 ounces) per day, or if it is watery, contact your doctor. They may recommend a fibre supplement or medication.
In addition to staying hydrated, there are other dietary guidelines to follow after ileostomy surgery. It is recommended to eat small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than three large meals. This helps to limit bowel movements during the night. Eating slowly, chewing food well, and avoiding talking while eating can also help reduce wind.
In the early stages after surgery, it is advisable to stick to a low-fibre, bland diet. As your colon heals, you can gradually introduce a wider variety of foods, one at a time, to determine any new food intolerances. When adding high-fibre foods, do so slowly and only one food at a time. Fats should also be introduced gradually, as they may cause discomfort.
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Chew food thoroughly
After ileostomy surgery, it is important to chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. This is because, after surgery, your body may have difficulty processing certain foods, and thorough chewing can help prevent discomfort and other side effects.
Firstly, chewing your food well allows your body to better process and digest the food you are eating. This is especially important if you are experiencing food intolerances, which can be common after ileostomy surgery. Food intolerances can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and bad odour. By thoroughly chewing your food, you can aid your body's digestion process and potentially reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Secondly, chewing your food well can help you manage your weight. After ileostomy surgery, it is important not to gain weight, as excess weight can negatively impact the function and fit of your ostomy. By chewing your food thoroughly, you allow your body to better register when you are full, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Moreover, chewing your food well can help prevent ileostomy blockage. Ileostomies can be susceptible to blockage, and certain foods, especially those high in fibre, can increase the risk. By chewing your food thoroughly, you can aid in the breakdown of these foods, making them easier to pass through your intestine and reducing the risk of blockage.
Additionally, chewing your food well can help reduce wind and gas. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly reduces the amount of air you swallow while eating. This, in turn, can decrease the amount of gas in your intestine, reducing the need for over-the-counter gas medicine.
Finally, chewing your food well can aid in the healing process. After ileostomy surgery, your colon needs time to heal, and thorough chewing can help reduce the workload on your digestive system, giving your colon the rest it needs to recover. This, combined with a bland, low-fibre diet, can provide a comfortable environment for your body's healing process.
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Avoid foods that cause discomfort
While there is no need to follow a special diet after an ileostomy, it is important to remember that every individual is different and certain foods may cause discomfort. To avoid discomfort, try foods in small amounts and gradually increase your portion size. In the early days and weeks following the formation of your new stoma, it is recommended to stick to a low-fibre, bland diet until you can establish a 'normal' stoma output. You can then start to introduce a wider variety of foods, building up to a normal diet.
It is also important to eat small meals often, aiming for six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Eating slowly, chewing food well, and avoiding talking while eating can also help reduce discomfort. Additionally, it is important to drink enough fluids, with the recommended daily intake being 6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 liters) of fluids. Dehydration is a concern for those with an ileostomy, so be sure to monitor your fluid intake and increase it if necessary, especially in hot weather or if you are physically active.
Some specific foods that may cause discomfort or an ileostomy blockage include fats, onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, fish, certain cheeses, eggs, baked beans, and Brussels sprouts. Alcohol and red foods, such as tomato juice, cherry-flavored drinks, red peppers, and beets, may also cause discomfort or concern as they can make your stool look red. It is important to introduce new foods one at a time so that you can identify any that cause discomfort or other issues. If a certain food causes uncomfortable symptoms, avoid it for a few weeks, and then try it again to see if your tolerance has improved.
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Monitor liquid intake and output
People with an ileostomy should be mindful of their liquid intake and output. This is because you can get dehydrated more easily with an ileostomy, as you lose much more salt, potassium, and water than usual. It is recommended that you drink 6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 liters) of fluids every day. Liquids with high salt content, such as Bovril or sports drinks, are good options as they help replace lost salt and glucose. Fluids are especially important if you are constipated, exercising strenuously, or experiencing hot weather, as you should increase your fluid intake in these cases. Dehydration can also be indicated by decreased urine output and darker urine colour.
To monitor your liquid intake, keep track of how much liquid you are drinking throughout the day. You can use a measuring cup to help you accurately record the amount. Additionally, keep a record of your ostomy output, or how much liquid is coming out of your ileostomy. If your output exceeds 1000 milliliters (about 34 ounces) per day or is watery, contact your doctor's office, as they may recommend a fiber supplement or medication.
It is also important to be mindful of gas and bowel movements. If you haven't passed gas or had a bowel movement in 6 hours, try taking a warm bath to relax your abdominal muscles, or change your position, such as drawing your knees up to your chest while lying down. Over-the-counter gas medicine can also help if you are experiencing excessive gas. However, it is advised not to take a laxative without first consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the problem.
In terms of diet, it is generally recommended to eat small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than a few large meals. This helps limit bowel movements and allows you to monitor the effects of different foods more easily. When introducing new foods, start with small amounts and gradually increase your portion size. It is also suggested to stick to a low-fiber, bland diet, especially in the early stages following the formation of your ileostomy.
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Frequently asked questions
You should eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. However, it is important to eat small meals often, sitting upright and eating slowly to avoid discomfort.
Drink 6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 litres) of fluids every day. You can get dehydrated more easily after an ileostomy, so it is important to monitor your fluid intake and increase it if you are constipated or in hot weather.
You should avoid foods that cause discomfort, and foods that can cause an ileostomy blockage. These include onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, fish, certain cheeses, eggs, baked beans, and Brussels sprouts.
Eating parsley, yoghurt, and buttermilk can help to reduce wind.
If you are constipated, make sure to increase your fluid intake. Take a warm bath to relax your abdominal muscles and change your position, such as drawing your knees up to your chest while lying down.
