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Life with a stoma bag is not easy but adaptable. Colostomy bag allows you to eat what you want so you should live with it confidently. Read more at Meri Sehat.

Living with a stoma bag

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Living With A Stoma Bag

AL SHIFA CLINIC KARACHI

Syed Intisar Hussain

Does Diet Play A Role In Ulcerative Colitis?

Introduction

There is no single diet that people with ulcerative colitis should follow, but eliminating foods that trigger symptoms can reduce discomfort. However, while the cause of the disease is still unknown, it has been linked with genetics, lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and environmental factors.&nbsp;

In this article, we will highlight the foods that may trigger <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/ulcerative-colitis">ulcerative colitis</a> and foods that might be beneficial for people with the condition.

&nbsp;

Understanding The Role Of Diet In Ulcerative Colitis Management

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease and causes symptoms of&nbsp;diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort. Although there is no cure for ulcerative colitis yet, it can be managed by eating or avoiding certain foods, to help reduce inflammation and flare-ups.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Though diet specifically does not play a role in causing ulcerative colitis, some changes in your diet can help alleviate the symptoms. For example, it may be useful to:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Eat small 5 or 6 meals in a day, instead of eating 3 main meals. This may help control your symptoms.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It is easy to become dehydrated when you have ulcerative colitis because you lose a lot of fluids. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol, in addition to fizzy drinks, can cause flatulence (gas).&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ask your doctor to prescribe you food supplements, as you might not be getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

No single diet can help everyone with ulcerative colitis because the condition changes over time; therefore, your diet plan needs to be flexible, and the key is to find what works for you.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5>Planning Your Meals</h5>

While preparing your meals, remember that a well-balanced diet will give you the protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables that you need. With ulcerative colitis, you may not be able to eat everything at the restaurants you like or off the grocery store shelves. Simple tweaks in your meals can help alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. For example, switch to low-fat dairy and steam your vegetables. Some people follow a low-fiber diet and get about 10 to 15 grams of fiber a day, which helps with going to the bathroom less often.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5>Foods To Avoid&nbsp;</h5>

Below is a list of foods that are troublemakers if you have ulcerative colitis:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Caffeine</li>
	<li>Carbonated drinks</li>
	<li>Dairy products, especially if you&#39;re lactose intolerant</li>
	<li>Dried beans, peas, and legumes</li>
	<li>Dried fruits</li>
	<li>Foods that have sulfur or sulfate</li>
	<li>Foods high in fiber</li>
	<li>Meat</li>
	<li>Nuts and nut butters&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Popcorn</li>
	<li>Products that have sorbitol such as sugar-free chewing gum&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Refined sugar</li>
	<li>Raw vegetables and fruits&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Spicy foods</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Follow A Low-Residue Diet&nbsp;</h5>

A low-residue diet and a low-fiber diet have also been shown to help with the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. The purpose of this diet is to have fewer and smaller bowel movements each day. Below are examples of foods that can be eaten as part of a low-residue diet:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>White bread&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Refined breakfast cereals, for example, cornflakes</li>
	<li>White rice</li>
	<li>Refined, low-fiber pasta and noodles&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cooked vegetables&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Lean meat and fish&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Eggs&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Avocados&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Applesauce&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Keep a food diary to stay more organized. You can keep a small notebook or use your smartphone to keep track of what you eat and drink and how the food makes you feel, both good and bad. Though, maintaining a diary requires time and patience, it will help you keep track of your condition and adjust your diet plan according to your needs.&nbsp;A diary will also help you document the foods you can tolerate and others that make your symptoms worse. This will help you identify problem foods and help eliminate it from your diet. However, don’t eliminate entire food groups from your diet without speaking to your doctor. If you are trying new foods, it is advisable to try one type in a day, so it is easier to spot foods that are triggering the symptoms.&nbsp;<div> </div>

Studies have shown that certain nutrients help fight irritation and swelling in your gut that is caused by ulcerative colitis.&nbsp;

Researchers have studied how linoleic acid, found in coconut oil, egg yolks, olive oil, and walnuts triggers the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Although everyone needs good fats in their diet, this fat may play a role in triggering inflammation if you eat too much of it. Contrastingly, omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA may fight inflammation. Good fat blocks the inflammation-causing chemicals in your body. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Some studies have also shown that yogurt with gut-healthy bacteria also alleviates inflammation.&nbsp;

A diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates found in meats), fruits, and dairy may also help ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Though the evidence is unclear.&nbsp;

Any diet should be followed under close monitoring because restricting certain foods may lead to poor nutrition and other problems.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>People should review diet plans from time to time to note any changes in the body&rsquo;s reaction to specific foods.</li>
	<li>It is also essential that you inform your doctor if any of the foods in your diet trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis or make them worse.</li>
	<li>However, there&rsquo;s no &ldquo;one size fits all&rdquo; for diets targeting ulcerative colitis. Every diet may not be suitable for everyone; thus, you must talk with your doctor or nutritionist before starting one.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

[1] Rosa, R., Ornella, R., Maria, G.C., Elisa, S., Maria, N., Chiara, M., Antonio, N., Tiziana, M., Gian, L.D.A., Francesco, D.M. and Gioacchino, L., 2018. The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Acta Bio Medica: Atenei Parmensis, 89(Suppl 9), p.60.

Staff Writer

Undergoing a colostomy is a big decision. This is not only because a colostomy is a major surgery but also because the surgery comes with some drastic changes in your life, including having to live with a stoma bag attached to your body.&nbsp;

For many people having a stoma pouch attached to their bodies is an emotional rollercoaster. It may feel scary at first but with time it will be completely normal to adjust with. It is also possible to live a happy life even with a stoma bag.&nbsp;

A prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan concluded that almost half the patients were satisfied with their stoma bags, while the remaining half required <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/article/im-not-crazy-the-taboo-of-seeking-psychological-help">psychological help</a>, financial, and emotional support<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Understanding The Challenges Of Living With A Stoma Bag

Some illnesses may require the removal of a section of your bowel or bladder. In this procedure, the surgeon will form a hole in your abdomen, which is called a stoma. It is sometimes also referred to as an &lsquo;ostomy&rsquo;. The function of the stoma is to remove bodily waste, feces, and urine in a small collection bag. The stoma is moist and pinkish-red and will protrude from a hole in your abdomen. In the beginning, the stoma may be swollen but usually reduces in size over time. The stoma shouldn&rsquo;t be painful nor should it feel like anything. Over time, bodily waste and gas will pass out through the stoma, instead of the anus or urethra.&nbsp;

While living with a stoma may sound like a daunting experience, each year several patients undergo the procedure in Pakistan<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. A stoma can affect all aspects of a person&rsquo;s life, but with the right help and support, many maintain a normal quality of life.

&nbsp;

Stomas are needed for people of all ages, from newborns to older people for a variety of reasons:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Trauma to the abdomen caused by a road traffic accident or other major injuries</li>
	<li>Surgery to remove bowel cancer and other cancers in the pelvic area&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Crohn&rsquo;s disease or ulcerative colitis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Congenital birth defects&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Rare genetic disorders&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Neurological disorders that make going to the toilet difficult&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Following radiotherapy in the pelvic area&nbsp;</li>
	<li>To change the bowel&rsquo;s blood supply in premature babies and older adults</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Stomas can be created anywhere along the digestive tract. The different types of stomas include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Colostomy &ndash; In the colon or large intestine&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ileostomy &ndash; In the small intestine or ileum&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Urostomy &ndash; To divert urine from the bladder&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

In many cases, the stomas are temporary and can be reversed with surgery. However, in some cases where the bowel cannot be reconnected with surgery, or if the anus is removed because of a tumor, the stoma is permanent.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It takes time to adapt to a stoma. Many questions may run through your mind after the procedure. For example, can you go back to work after the procedure? Will you be able to ride your bike after? The answer to your questions is, yes! You can do many of the same activities that you enjoyed before the stoma. You can go back to work, you can wear whatever you want, you can eat whatever you want, and you can go wherever you want to.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Go Back To Work&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

You will need to take some time off to heal after surgery, but once you&rsquo;ve fully recovered, you can return to work. If your line of work is physically straining, your doctor may recommend wearing protective gear on the job. Returning to work can make you feel good about yourself and is a great way to transition back to normal life.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Eat Whatever You Want&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Once you&rsquo;ve been given a heads-up from your doctor to resume a regular diet, you can eat whatever you like. However, there are some ground rules. Some foods may affect your digestive tract differently. For example, the foods that triggered gas before the procedure will very likely have the same effect now as well. But this doesn&rsquo;t mean you should never eat gas-causing foods. You can eat the foods sparingly when you are at home, so it doesn&rsquo;t make you self-conscious.&nbsp;

Some foods are more likely to cause gas, constipation, and diarrhea. If you are unsure of how you will react to different foods after the procedure, reintroduce foods one at a time. Knowing how your digestive system will react to each food will keep you from worrying about the food&rsquo;s effects when in public. Chewing your food thoroughly and drinking plenty of water should help.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Go Sporty&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

You can go back to enjoying sports you like, after healing from the surgery. However, if your favorite sports are contact sports that have a potential for injury, there are risks of injuring the stoma. So, contact sports may be out. But you can always speak with your doctor about precautionary products that you can use to prevent injuring your stoma.&nbsp;

Also, check with your doctor before starting high-intensity workouts or lifting heavy weights at the gym, as you may need to wait for the surgical site to heal. You may also need to invest in a device that will support your abdomen while lifting weights. Your doctor may also recommend a special belt or binder to hold your stoma while swimming or doing other sports activities that may cause the stoma to loosen and leak.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;">Most people won’t notice the bag unless you tell them about it. You might look in the mirror and feel that the stoma is showing under your clothes, or feel like the gurgle or noise coming from your bag is obvious and can be heard by everyone in the room.&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;">This might make you self-conscious; however it is important to remember that these are completely normal feelings.&nbsp;Here are some ways to avoid these situations that may be embarrassing for you, but are otherwise completely normal; everyone pees, poops and farts, the only difference is you’re doing it in a bag.&nbsp;<ul><li>Empty the bag when it is one-third full, so it does not bulge under your clothes.&nbsp;</li><li>Find a stoma that works best for you.&nbsp;</li><li>If you are worried about odor, invest in pouch deodorants or air sprays to mask the smell.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Conclusion

You can always ask a close friend or family whether your stoma bag is visible under your clothes. Or, if it&rsquo;s as noisy as you think it is. While these scenarios may be embarrassing for you, don&rsquo;t let them get the best of you and ruin your day. Know that you can be active, do things that you love, wear fashionable clothes, and live a happy, fulfilling life with a stoma bag. Remember, you&rsquo;re not alone in this!&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[1] Irshad, A., Ahsan, M.F., Khan, M.A., Rasheed, I. and Asif, M., 2021. Quality of Life in Patients with Stoma. Annals of PIMS-Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, 17(3), pp.255-259.