Nutrition & hydration: adapting your diet for optimal health

As temperatures rise and outdoor activity increases, hydration becomes even more important for ostomy health. Eating well and staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration, reduces digestive issues, and helps you feel more confident managing your ostomy.

How your ostomy type affects absorption

Your body may absorb fluids and nutrients differently depending on the type of ostomy you have.

• Ileostomy — higher risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss due to increased fluid output. Many people need additional fluids and electrolytes, especially in hot weather or during periods of high output.

• Colostomy — most people can gradually return to a varied diet, though some need to adjust fiber intake based on stool consistency and individual tolerance.

• Urostomy — staying well hydrated may help reduce mucus buildup and support urinary tract health.

Hydration strategies

Best choices: water, low-sugar electrolyte drinks, oral rehydration solutions, broths and soups, and water-rich foods such as melons and cucumbers.

Try to limit: excess caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugary soda or energy drinks — for some people these worsen dehydration.

If you're prone to dehydration, dizziness, fatigue or high ostomy output, ask your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse whether an oral rehydration solution would help you.

Stoma-friendly foods and meal planning

Foods that may help digestion and stool consistency:

• Lean proteins — chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu

• Cooked vegetables — carrots, green beans, squash, potatoes

• White rice, bananas, applesauce, oatmeal and toast

Foods that may cause gas, odor or blockage for some people:

• Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower

• Nuts, seeds and popcorn

• Mushrooms, celery, coconut and fibrous meats

• Carbonated drinks

Everyone's body responds differently, so treat these as starting points rather than rules.

Managing common food-related issues

Gas and bloating — eat smaller, more frequent meals, chew thoroughly, and avoid drinking through straws or talking while eating.

Loose output — bananas, white rice, applesauce, toast, peanut butter, pasta or potatoes may help.

Constipation or thick output — increase fluid intake gradually, and discuss fiber adjustments with your provider or ostomy nurse, especially if you have a history of narrowing, strictures or blockages.

Ask a Corstrata ostomy nurse

What are the best ways to stay hydrated with an ileostomy?

Because fluid and electrolyte loss is higher with an ileostomy, many people benefit from drinking fluids consistently through the day; including electrolyte-rich beverages or oral rehydration solutions when needed; eating water-rich foods such as soups, melons, cucumbers and fruit; and monitoring for signs of dehydration — dizziness, fatigue, dark urine, dry mouth or increased thirst.

Innovation corner: staying hydrated on the go

Newer low-sugar electrolyte powders and oral rehydration solutions make hydration easier for people living with an ostomy — particularly during travel, exercise, warm weather or illness.

When to call your provider or ostomy nurse

Contact your provider if you experience:

• High-volume output for more than two days, if you have an ileostomy

• A sudden increase in ostomy output

• No ostomy output, with cramping or nausea

• Signs of dehydration that don't improve

• Persistent vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down

• Dizziness or fainting

• Very dark urine