Your Colostomy

Of course, some foods may cause odour and/or gas. That’s natural. So, post-surgery, you may want to try these foods privately and one-at-a-time in small quantities. Knowing your body’s reaction to these foods means less time worrying and more time building healthy bonds to the world around you.

 

Odor-Causing Foods

• Eggs
• Certain spices, such as curry, cumin and chili powder
• Garlic
• Fish
• Aspargus
• Alcohol

Note: Some foods may help decrease odor. These include cranberry juice, parsley, buttermilk and yogurt3.

Gas-Producing Foods

• Beer/carbonated beverages
• Dairy products
• Onions
• Cucumbers
• Mushrooms
• Beans
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts

Medications

After stoma surgery, the way your body digests and absorbs medications may be affected. Make sure to review all of your medications — both over-the-counter and prescription — with your doctor, ostomy nurse and pharmacist.

Medications you may need to adjust include:

• Antacids
• Antidiarrheals
• Anti-inflammatory agents, such as Tylenol®, Advil® or Aleve®
• Aspirin
• Laxatives
• Vitamins

Diarrhea

Diarrhea has many causes, including viruses and some medications. It can also be a sign of trouble digesting certain foods. In this case, you can reduce some fiber and bulk from your diet, cut back on certain foods, and eat other foods that thicken your stool. These foods include³:

Foods to Avoid During Episodes of Diarrhea

• High-fiber bread
• Whole grains
• Edible fruit and vegetable peels, such as apples
• Any food labeled “high fiber”
• Fried foods
• High-sugar foods
• Raisins, prunes and other dried fruit
• Spicy foods

Foods that Thicken Stool

• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Cheese
• Pasta
• Rice
• Creamy peanut butter
• Potato (without skin)
• Tapioca