Ostomy Diet Tips for the Holiday Season

Ostomy Diet Tips for the Holiday Season new
The holidays are quickly approaching. The season may come with more time spent with family and friends but also more issues with stoma management. Learn helpful ostomy tips from our wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse to help keep your ostomy-friendly diet on track during this year’s holiday season.

Holiday Foods and Beverages

It may be a good idea to stick to foods you know you tolerate well. The holidays are full of foods that we may not often eat and possibly foods we are not familiar with at all. It can be better to avoid these items or try them in small portions.

Chewing Foods

Make sure you take your time while chewing and try to avoid eating while talking. This can help prevent swallowing air which contributes to gas formation in the gut.

Even if you’re usually great about chewing your food well, being surrounded by new people or loved ones and engaging in conversation can be a distraction and you may change the way you usually eat. Taking smaller bites and staying mindful can help avoid blockages and other food-related issues.

Preparing Yourself With Options

If you suspect you will be at a meal with foods that you know cause you ostomy-related issues, be prepared by bringing your own food that does not contribute more to odor, gas and loose stool.

You can keep extra ostomy deodorant drops, some over-the-counter gas medication that your doctor approves and a bulk-forming agent (such as Metamucil) that your doctor approves to help with any issues that may occur. Also, make sure to have extra pouching systems, other supplies and a way to dispose of your supplies when you are at events. You can bring aluminum foil to wrap your supplies and a trash bag that you can tie up and throw in the garbage.

Hydration

Hydration is important for individuals with any type of ostomy because they can become dehydrated quicker. It’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids when busy during the holidays. The United Ostomy Association of America (UOAA) suggests drinking  8–10, eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Also, limit your alcohol intake as alcohol can contribute to dehydration. This is especially important if you’re traveling away from home and your doctor. Those with an ostomy process alcohol quicker. So, make sure you are counteracting any alcoholic beverage with water to help prevent dehydration.

The UOAA also recommends drinking liquids with electrolytes, such as sports drinks, to help restore electrolyte balance lost from alcohol.

To learn more on helpful tips and resources for ostomies, visit our ostomy blogs page here.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.