ColostomyIleostomy diet (1073)
Key points below
What is a colostomy or ileostomy?
A colostomy / Ileostomy is needed when the intestine is not working and keeps stool from passing. It is a connection from the intestine to outside the body. It lets stool pass from the body. It is often called an ostomy.
Why is a special diet needed?
People with an ostomy are at risk for:
- Blockage of the ostomy.
- Gas and foul odor.
- Diarrhea.
Changing what and how your child eats can help limit or stop these problems.
General tips for eating
- Eat meals regularly – this helps reduce gas.
- Chew food well – it helps to prevent blockage.
- Try new foods one at a time – This way you will know which foods are giving your child problems. If a food seems to cause problems, your child should not eat that food for a few weeks. Try it again later to see if it really was the cause of the problems.
How can blockage be prevented?
Be careful when eating the following foods. Our bodies do not fully digest these foods. This can lead to blockage. Your child should not eat large amounts of these foods and should chew them well.
- Nuts / seeds
- Popcorn
- Raisins
- Coleslaw
- Celery
- Dried fruits
- Peas
- Chinese vegetables
- Wild rice
- Coconut
- Corn
- Lunch meat in casings
Do not avoid all of these foods. Let your child try the foods if they like them or want to eat them. Only by trying them one at at time you learn which foods your child should not eat.
How can foul odor be prevented?
- Add yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cranberry juice and parsley to your child’s diet.
- To reduce the odor of the stool in the ostomy bag, deodorizing products can be ordered from the home care company. Please talk to your child’s nurse if foul odor is a concern.
Use caution when giving your child these foods, which can sometimes cause foul odor:
- Asparagus
- Fish
- Eggs
- Onions/ Garlic
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Baked beansStrong cheeses
How can gas be prevented?
Having some gas is normal. Eating regularly helps reduce gas. Avoid activities that may cause your child to swallow air such as drinking through a straw, chewing gum or eating too fast. This should help in managing gas. The following foods can sometimes cause more gas:- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Fish
- Soda
- Sweets
- Beans
- Peas
- Nuts
- Milk
- Onions
How can diarrhea be prevented?
These foods may cause loose stools:
- Broccoli
- Raw fruits
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fried foods
- Milk
- Fruit juice
- Beans
- Chocolate
Eating these foods can help control diarrhea:
- Bananas
- Tapioca
- Peanut butter (Creamy)
- Apple sauce
- Oatmeal
- Peeled potatoes
- Cheese
- White rice
- Marshmallows
If diarrhea is very severe, your child can be at risk of losing too much body fluid (dehydration). The signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth and lips.
- Less urine than normal.
- Less tears than normal.
- Possible decrease in activity.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration.
| Weight in pounds | Fluids per day |
|---|---|
| 10 pounds | 30 ounces (3 3/4 cups) |
| 20 pounds | 16 ounces (2 cups) |
| 30 pounds | 40 ounces (5 cups) |
| 40 pounds | 48 ounces (6 cups) |
| 50 pounds | 52 ounces (6 1/2 cups) |
| 60 pounds | 55 ounces (7 cups) |
| 80 pounds | 61 ounces (7 1/2 cups) |
| 100 pounds | 67 ounces (8 1/4 cups) |
| 120 pounds | 73 ounces (9 cups) |
| 140 pounds | 79 ounces (10 cups) |
| 150 pounds | 82 ounces (10 1/4 cups) |
What about formula feeding?
Having an ostomy should not interfere with formula feeding. By the time your baby leaves the hospital, they should be taking full-strength formula. Follow your doctor’s plan for feeding your baby.