Stoma, colostomy & ileostomy diet advice

Giving stoma or colostomy diet advice can be difficult because there are multiple types of stoma and sometimes people need to adjust their diet after bowel surgery, in the short term or for longer.

Furthermore, not everyone with a stoma needs to change their diet after colon surgery or bowel surgery.

This guide has been designed to give diet advice for stoma users with helpful hints and tips, but it is always best to discuss with your Doctor, Specialist Nurse, or a Registered Dietitian before making dietary changes.

Foods to Avoid with a Stoma

Some people find that caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and cola-style drinks can overstimulate their bowel and cause foods to pass more quickly through the digestive system.

Moderate to heavily-spiced foods are also common irritants to a sensitive bowel. Some people have gut-sensitivity to ‘rich’ meals that are high in fat. Choosing lower fat options or having smaller portions of these foods can help reduce symptoms and improve digestion.

Our first piece of advice is always to ask your stoma care nurse what is best for you. He or she can explain which foods to avoid with an ostomy and recommend the best foods and specific stoma diet recipes.

The second piece of stoma diet advice is to let your stoma settle and then to just try small portions of each food and see what effect they have.

If you’d like more information on foods to avoid with a stoma, sign up to Ostomates Kitchen for free here. Once you sign up you will also get some stoma diet recipes and meal ideas for stoma patients.

Low-Fibre Diet

The normal recommended ‘healthy diet’ is high-fibre, low-salt, and low-fat. However, this may not be the ideal diet for stoma users.

The gut can be extra sensitive within the first 6-8 weeks after surgery. A sensitive gut or bladder is more likely to be irritated which can mean food and fluid passing through the body quicker than normal; this can cause:

• Cramping
• Bloating
• Amore liquid stool
• Higher production of urine

Following a low-fibre or low-residue diet after surgery may help reduce these symptoms. However, there is no strong clinical evidence that a low-fibre diet is needed long-term in those with urostomies, colostomies or even ileostomies.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after surgery, you can try swapping high-fibre foods to low-fibre alternatives.

For example, swapping wholemeal bread for white bread, and brown pasta and rice to white pasta and rice, will help to reduce your fibre intake. Also swapping fibrous, stringy fruit such as rhubarb, pineapple, figs, and dates with peeled or skinless soft fruits such as strawberries, bananas, and melon.

For a complete list of low-fibre foods and low-fibre diet menu examples sign up to Ostomates Kitchen here.

Diet shortly after stoma surgery

It’s common to notice a shift in both appetite and eating habits when the body is on the mend after stoma surgery. Opt for a gentle approach at first and eat small, easily digestible meals often, this will make the transition smoother. Spicy dishes, fatty foods, and anything high in fibre should be avoided for a while, as they can cause extra strain or discomfort.

As healing progresses, introducing a wider variety of foods is usually possible. Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich options all play a part in supporting recovery. Staying hydrated is just as important for keeping the stoma output manageable, and sticking to a regular mealtime schedule can help the body settle into a comfortable rhythm again.

Foods that thicken stools

Starchy foods often prove gentler on the digestive system, helping to firm up stools and ease discomfort. Some staples that might be worth adding to your meal plan include:

• White bread
• White pasta
• White or basmati rice
• Potatoes
• Oats
• Plain biscuits
• Crackers
• Porridge
• Bananas
• Peanut butter

Incorporating these items can make a noticeable difference in day-to-day digestion. Many stoma-friendly recipes can be found online or in cookbooks for those seeking fresh ideas. You’ll likely find options that fit your dietary needs and align with personal tastes.