Managing Ostomy with Fluids and Electrolytes

For those who are recovering from an Ostomy, there needs to be special care taken as you heal from any surgical procedure that stems from it. One of these treatments is ensuring that you are consuming appropriate amounts of Fluids and Electrolytes that can support intestinal recovery. Consuming Fluids and Electrolytes are key to preventing three key symptoms: Dehydration, Sodium Depletion, and Potassium Depletion. While consumption of fluids and electrolytes are key for any person's overall health, they are critical towards the recovery of intestinal healing for an individual that just had an Ostomy.

A person recovering from an Ostomy should be consuming at least 2 to 2.5 liters of fluids per day, and more than that in hotter weather. It is advisable to consume drinks high in salt and sugar called isotonic fluids, as these beverages tend to also contain electrolytes. Isotonic fluids are ones that tend to go straight to a person’s gut rather than end up in a stoma bag.

It is important that any fluids consumed have electrolytes, as too much water by itself can wash away existing electrolytes within the body. This does not mean you should not drink water as it is critical to maintain hydration levels, but rather consume a balance of water and drinks with electrolytes. It is advisable to limit sugar intake as sugar can also cause dehydration. You will also want to stick to foods with low osmolarity, as this will help regulate fluid in bowel movements tremendously.

While sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade may have electrolytes, you can also obtain key amounts of Sodium and Potassium through a select number of food options. Some of the key foods to consider for potassium intake are black-eyed peas, fish, pinto beans, bananas, chicken, oranges, raisins, yogurt, and vegetable soups. Some key foods to consider for sodium intake are cheese, pickles, salt, buttermilk, canned soups, and any other commercially prepared foods that require sodium based preservatives.

As far as things to avoid, it is advisable to stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Caffeinated beverages will force kidneys to increase urine output which in return will increase your salt outtake. If you must consume caffeine than you will need to increase your water intake to keep adequate hydration levels as caffeine can cause dehydration due to the kidney’s response through increased urine output. Alcohol is always not recommended during surgical recovery as they can compromise an immune system that is crucial to be operating at optimal levels while your body is trying to heal.

Overall, it is critical that patients recovering from ostomy surgery take these dietary restrictions seriously. It was found through one study that nearly 50% of ostomy patients recovering from surgery were readmitted due to dehydration from improper consumption levels of fluids and electrolytes based on a high level of output stoma. Not only does this hamper recovery from ostomy surgery but could compromise the kidneys due to an increased risk of developing an ileostomy. Therefore, it is important to have self-awareness of when you may be developing symptoms within these three categories and act fast to treat them before you do more damage to your body.

 

 

Managing Ostomy with Fluids and Electrolytes

For those who are recovering from an Ostomy, there needs to be special care taken as you heal from any surgical procedure that stems from it. One of these treatments is ensuring that you are consuming appropriate amounts of Fluids and Electrolytes that can support intestinal recovery. Consuming Fluids and Electrolytes are key to preventing three key symptoms: Dehydration, Sodium Depletion, and Potassium Depletion. While consumption of fluids and electrolytes are key for any person's overall health, they are critical towards the recovery of intestinal healing for an individual that just had an Ostomy.

A person recovering from an Ostomy should be consuming at least 2 to 2.5 liters of fluids per day, and more than that in hotter weather. It is advisable to consume drinks high in salt and sugar called isotonic fluids, as these beverages tend to also contain electrolytes. Isotonic fluids are ones that tend to go straight to a person’s gut rather than end up in a stoma bag.

It is important that any fluids consumed have electrolytes, as too much water by itself can wash away existing electrolytes within the body. This does not mean you should not drink water as it is critical to maintain hydration levels, but rather consume a balance of water and drinks with electrolytes. It is advisable to limit sugar intake as sugar can also cause dehydration. You will also want to stick to foods with low osmolarity, as this will help regulate fluid in bowel movements tremendously.

While sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade may have electrolytes, you can also obtain key amounts of Sodium and Potassium through a select number of food options. Some of the key foods to consider for potassium intake are black-eyed peas, fish, pinto beans, bananas, chicken, oranges, raisins, yogurt, and vegetable soups. Some key foods to consider for sodium intake are cheese, pickles, salt, buttermilk, canned soups, and any other commercially prepared foods that require sodium based preservatives.

As far as things to avoid, it is advisable to stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Caffeinated beverages will force kidneys to increase urine output which in return will increase your salt outtake. If you must consume caffeine than you will need to increase your water intake to keep adequate hydration levels as caffeine can cause dehydration due to the kidney’s response through increased urine output. Alcohol is always not recommended during surgical recovery as they can compromise an immune system that is crucial to be operating at optimal levels while your body is trying to heal.

Overall, it is critical that patients recovering from ostomy surgery take these dietary restrictions seriously. It was found through one study that nearly 50% of ostomy patients recovering from surgery were readmitted due to dehydration from improper consumption levels of fluids and electrolytes based on a high level of output stoma. Not only does this hamper recovery from ostomy surgery but could compromise the kidneys due to an increased risk of developing an ileostomy. Therefore, it is important to have self-awareness of when you may be developing symptoms within these three categories and act fast to treat them before you do more damage to your body.