Living with an Ostomy

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Living with an Ostomy

To people with colorectal cancer, quality of life is defined by the severity of the disease. In early stage disease, patients focus on the long-term effects of therapy, whereas in late-stage disease, symptom management is paramount.

For people living with an ostomy, there are special dietary considerations. Below is a chart of foods to address issues that become especially important to ostomates.

Stoma Obstructive
apple peels cabbage, raw celery Chinese vegetables corn, whole kernel	coconuts dried fruit mushrooms oranges nuts	pineapple popcorn seeds
Gas Producing
alcoholic beverages beans cabbage carbonated beverages cauliflower	chewing gum cucumbers dairy products milk nuts	onions radishes soy
Odor Producing
asparagus baked beans broccoli cabbage	cod liver oil eggs fish garlic	onions peanut butter some vitamins strong cheese
Color Changes
asparagus beets food colors iron pills	licorice reg gelatin strawberries tomato sauce
Constipation Relief
coffee, warm or hot cooked fruits and vegetables fresh fuits and juices	water any warm or hot beverage
Increased Stools
alcoholic beverages whole grains bran cereals cooked cabbage	greens, leafy milk prunes raisins	raw vegetables spices
Odor Control
buttermilk cranberry juice parsely	tomato juice yogurt
Diarrhea Control
applesauce bananas boiled rice	peanut butter pectin supplement (fiber) tapioca	toast

The information above is courtesy of the United Ostomy Associations of America(UOAA). If you would like more information, please contact UOAA.

Quality of Life Issues

Living with an Ostomy