Diet guidelines for patients with an ileostomy
Now that you have had an Ileostomy, there is no need to follow a special diet and you should eat as wide a variety of foods as possible. However, it is important to remember that every individual is different so this information contains a few guidelines to help you follow a well-balanced diet.
Main points
- Try foods in small amounts then gradually increase your portion size until you are eating normally
- You may find it easier to have small regular meals/snacks throughout the day rather than 3 large meals
- Relax, sit upright, eat slowly and chew food well keeping your mouth closed
- Avoid talking when eating, this will help reduce wind
In the early days and weeks following formation of your new stoma, we suggest you stick to a low fibre bland diet, until such time that you are able to establish a ‘normal’ stoma output. You can then start to introduce a wider variety of foods , gradually building up to a diet that is normal for you.
Foods likely to decrease output
These are good in the early days after your stoma formation as they help to thicken the output and make managing the stoma easier.
- Potatoes
- Marshmallows
- White Bread
- Porridge
- Crisps
- Pasta
- Ready break
- Toast
- Rice (boiled plain)
- Rolled Oats
- Smooth peanut butter
- Bananas
- Mild Cheese
- Jelly Babies
- Cereal, i.e. Rice Crispies, Cornflakes
Foods likely to increase output
The following foods may cause increased diarrhoea, especially when your stoma is new. Try them in small amounts first and only avoid them if they cause discomfort:
- Beer
- Caffeine
- Spicy Foods
- Raw Fruit
- Chocolate
- Chillies
- Vegetables
- Citrus fruits
- Alcohol
- Pulses
- Fruit juice
- Fish
- Cabbage
- Fatty food
- Coconut
Foods that may increase gas/wind
The following foods may cause increased wind. Try them in small amounts first and only avoid them if they cause discomfort:
- Beer
- Onions
- Cauliflower/broccoli
- Beans – Kidney or Baked
- Fish
- Milk & Milk drinks
- Cabbage/Sprouts
- Fizzy drinks
- Eggs Products
Foods that may cause blockages
It is important that you chew your food well to prevent blockages from a food bolus. The following are examples of food which need extra chewing:
- Grape Skins
- Popcorn
- Lamb, when not chewed well
- Potato skins
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple
- Asparagus spears
- Tomato skins
- Nuts
If your stoma stops working for longer than 3 hours and you develop abdominal pain, please contact your Stoma Care Nurse Specialists or GP for advice. if you vomit at any time seek medical advice or attend your local Accident and Emergency department.
Fluids
Your daily fluid intake is very important. Drink 6-8 cups of fluid a day. Suitable fluids include:
- Water Milk
- Tea/coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Malted milk drinks
- Squash
If you suffer from constipation make sure to increase your fluid intake. If you take part in strenuous exercise, holiday in hot climates, perspire during spells of hot weather or the contents in your pouch are very loose your fluid intake should be increased to avoid dehydration. Fluids high in salt such as Bovril or sports drinks are very good as they replace lost salt and glucose.
Signs of dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Weakness/lethargy
- Dizziness
- Palpitations (feeling that the heart is pounding or jumping)
- Confusion, sluggishness, even fainting
- Inability to sweat
- Decreased urine output: a darker urine colour may indicate dehydration.
What to do if any of these signs occur
Suck on Ice lollies made from juices and sports drinks. Drink carbohydrate/electrolyte containing drinks. If you are diabetic only use rehydration solution from the chemist.