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Most people who have had a colostomy or ileostomy can eat the same way they did before the procedure. You may need to adjust your diet to help manage the following issues.

Gas (flatulence)

Gas can be caused by certain foods or drinks. It can be difficult to control and can sometimes be embarrassing.

You can help control gas by eating meals at regular times and chewing your food slowly. You can also limit your intake of foods that can cause gas, including the following:

• dried beans and peas

• broccoli

• cabbage

• cauliflower

• onion

• melon

• strong cheeses

• carbonated drinks

Odors

Certain foods can cause odors from the ostomy bag (stoma appliance). You may want to limit your consumption of foods that can cause odors, including the following:

• onion

• cabbage

• turnip

• garlic

• Dried peas and beans

• eggs

• fish

• fried food

Certain foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, and parsley help control odors. You can also add air fresheners to the bag to control odors.

Speak with your stoma therapist if you are concerned about odors coming from the bag.

blocked or irritated stoma

Sometimes, the colon or ileum can become narrow near the stoma. Some food can get stuck in this narrowed section of the colon or ileum and cause a blockage (obstruction). This same food can also cause inflammation and irritation of the stoma. Obstruction is more likely to occur with an ileostomy than with a colostomy.

Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent blockages. You can also limit your intake of foods that tend to block or irritate the stoma, including the following:

• foods with seeds, such as raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes

• nut

• Popcorn

• coconut

• but

• celery

• pineapple

• apples with the peel

Notify your doctor or healthcare team immediately if you experience nausea or vomiting and nothing is coming out of the stoma. These symptoms may indicate a blockage.