Proper diet and exercise are well-established keys to a healthy lifestyle. Following surgery, many individuals with ostomies continue to follow a normal balanced diet and exercise program. However, food tolerances may vary from person to person, so it is important to be discuss healthy food options with your health care provider.
Ostomy
Certain digestive diseases can only be treated by removing parts or all of the intestines, colon or rectum. Therefore, an opening, or stoma, must be created in order for feces to exit the body. An ostomy is an opening in the abdomen performed by surgery for the discharge of bodily wastes. The two most common types of ostomy surgeries performed are colostomy and ileostomy, according to the Changi General Hospital.
Diet Significance
Most patients follow a normal diet following an ostomy surgery. There is no special diet if you have an ostomy; however, certain foods affect the digestive tract differently, according to MayoClinic.com. Certain foods are recommended for ostomy patients to promote the frequency and consistency of stools. In addition to promoting regularity, an ostomy diet is also necessary for healing the stoma, preventing blockage, and minimizing gas, diarrhea and constipation, according to the Changi General Hospital.
Nutrition
Immediately following ostomy surgery,you must avoid fiber for six to eight weeks, reports the Changi General Hospital. A well-balanced diet that consists of a variety of healthy food options from all food groups is then recommended after recovery. Certain foods may not be well tolerated and cause intestinal complications for individuals with an ostomy. The MayoClinic.com notes that alcohol, carbonated drinks, beans, green leafy vegetables and onions increase the production of gas. You should also be aware of certain foods that do not properly digest. Foods such as dried and raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, popcorn and cabbage may cause blockage in the stoma because they are incompletely digested, notes MayoClinic.com. Other foods, such as asparagus, eggs, fish and garlic increase the production of odor. Consult with a registered dietitian for calorie needs and healthy food options.
Fitness
Watching calorie consumption and maintaining a healthy weight is necessary for proper care of the ostomy and overall health, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Individuals with an ostomy should consult their health care provider before starting an exercise regime. Also inform fitness trainers and physical therapists of your ostomy before participating in any fitness program. Individuals with an ostomy should not be limited in sports or exercises. However, rough contact sports are not recommended because they may result in injury to the stoma, according to the United Ostomy Associations of America. A health care provider may recommend special ostomy supplies and products that assist you if you wish to participate in contact sports or exercise programs. The UOAA also reports that heavy weight lifting is not recommended if you have an ostomy because it may result in a hernia. Many individuals with ostomies participate in a variety of sports, such as running, swimming and skiing, notes the UOAA.
Considerations
Be aware of foods that cause the most problems such as gas, odor, or constipation so that you discuss healthy alternatives with your health care provider. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends trying new foods one at a time so its easier to determine the problem-causing food. Chew all foods carefully and thoroughly to avoid blockage and promote digestion. The Changi General Hospital recommends that you consume at least six to eight glasses of fluids each day to prevent dehydration. However, you will require more than that during exercise.
Member Comments