Fruits and veggies with a stoma

Fruits and veggies with a stoma

Have you ever wondered about what fruits or vegetables are stoma-proof? Do you sit there and wonder, ‘if I eat this, then will my stoma have a purge-party later?’

Due to my individual needs, trying to navigate through healthy eating while having an ileostomy is a daunting task. I suffer with high output and blockages which just aren’t pleasant. I occasionally think that it’s going to be worth it and then I just deal with the repercussions on exit.

Small disclaimer: everyone is different. Some ostomates can eat anything with no issues and others can’t – it is based on your individual needs, so this is just a guide.

Some fruits and veggies contain both sorbitol and fructose and this can have a laxative effect on those with an ileostomy. From personal experience, I can’t consume sorbitol, as my stoma likes to purge and this then leads to having to battle with a flushing stoma and dehydration.

So what contains the mentioned above?

Fruit that contains sorbitol or fructose:

• Apples
• Apricots
• Blackberry
• Cherries
• Coconut
• Figs
• Guava
• Lychee
• Mango
• Nectarine
• Peach
• Pears
• Prunes, plums
• Sultanas
• Watermelon

Vegetables that contain sorbitol or fructose:

• Artichokes
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Sugar snaps
• Sweetcorn

Many thanks for reading,

Louise x

If you want to know more about nutrition with a stoma, please read our Exercise and Nutrition post.

*Disclaimer*

This blog post is intended to give advice to ostomates. The information given is based on Louise’s personal experience and should not be taken as clinical advice. Each ostomates needs are unique to them and their stoma care routine. Please consult with your Stoma Care Nurse before undertaking any changes to your stoma care routine.