Diet & Blockages

Ostomy Food Reference Chart

Listed below are some general guidelines of the effects of foods after Ostomy surgery. Use trial and error to determine your individual tolerance. Do not be afraid to try foods that you like, just try small amounts.

Stoma Obstructive Odor Producing Constipation Relief
Apple peels
Cabbage, raw
Celery
Chinese vegetables
Corn, whole kernel
Coconuts
Dried fruit
Mushrooms
Oranges
Nuts
Pineapple
Popcorn
Seeds		 Asparagus
Baked Beans
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cod liver oil
Eggs
Fish
Garlic
Onions
Peanut butter
Some vitamins
Strong cheese		 Coffee, warm/hot
Cooked fruits
Cooked vegetables
Fresh fruits
Fruit juices
Water
Any warm or
Hot beverage
Increased Stools Odor Control Diarrhea Control
Alcoholic bev.
Whole grains
Bran cereals
Cooked cabbage
Fresh fruits
Greens, leafy
Milk
Prunes
Raisins
Raw vegetables
Spices		 Buttermilk
Cranberry juice
Orange juice
Parsley
Tomato juice
Yogurt		 Applesauce
Bananas
Boiled rice
Peanut butter
Pectin supplement
Tapioca
Toast

Ostomy Blockages from Food

An Ostomate with an ileostomy or Colostomy should learn some important tips and emergency signs to manage their ostomy in case of a blockage.

Foods high in fiber may cause a problem. All foods should be chewed slowly and thoroughly. In the case of a new ostomy, foods should be slowly added back into the diet and watch for reactions as different foods affect people in different ways. You also need to stay well hydrated with 8 – 12 cups of water daily.

Eating large amounts of foods at one time may not be digested properly and cause a blockage, this could become an emergency if not managed correctly.

Signs of blockage are constant spurting of liquid or a watery stool, feeling full or bloated, cramping, swollen stoma, nausea and vomiting, the problem with blockages are that the intestine could rupture, and you could become severely dehydrated.

It is important to remember the following points if a blockage is suspected:

  • Don’t eat solid food.
  • Consume liquids such as Water, Hot tea.
  • Avoid use of laxatives.
  • Cut the opening of your wafer/barrier a little larger than normal as the stoma may swell.
  • Massage the abdomen and the area around the stoma as this might increase the pressure behind the blockage and help it to “pop out.” Most food blockages occur just below the stoma.
  • Lie on back pull knees to chest and roll side to side.
  • Take a hot bath for 15 – 20 minutes.

If those steps don’t work and the conditions persist for more than 2 hours or if you start vomiting, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION EITHER FROM YOUR OSTOMY NURSE or a HOSPITAL EMERGENCY FACILITY

To prevent blockage in the first place you should chew food slowly and thoroughly, eat small amounts of new foods and limit high fiber foods.

Beware of foods that are known to cause blockage problems such as corn, celery, popcorn, nuts, coleslaw, coconut macaroons, grapefruit, Chinese vegetables such as bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, raisins, dried fruit, potato skins, apple skins, and orange rinds.