Constipation

The problem of constipation affects 30% of the world’s population, according to a survey. This condition refers to the passage of less frequent stools or the ones that are dry, lumpy, and hard. Some unpleasant symptoms that occur as a result of this issue include bloating, sickness, pain, and loss of appetite. Ostomates can experience this issue, and it can result in a stool buildup on the top of the bag, resulting in what is commonly known as pancaking. This issue can result in leakages and skin soreness.

Generally, only colostomies are at risk of constipation. That is because of the large bowel absorbing fluids from the stools before passing them out. People with ileostomies usually pass looser stools. If you have a colostomy, and it is not passing out stools for six hours, you will need to contact your doctor immediately.

Most of the factors that contribute to constipation are related to your diet. The first thing to see is the amount of fiber that you take. Having an inadequate amount of food and not drinking enough water are also the reasons behind constipation.

Soluble and insoluble fiber

When it comes to taking fiber, there are two types of it that you have to consider: insoluble and soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber doesn’t get digested in the small bowel. It just adds bulk to the stool, increasing its volume and transit time. Foods that contain insoluble fiber include high-fiber cereals and pip and peels of vegetables and fruits.

Soluble fiber is quite the opposite of insoluble fiber. It is more like a sponge that absorbs water and helps the stools to remain soft and easy to move through the bowel. This fiber is present in the flesh of vegetables and fruits, barley, and oats.

Generally, you have to make sure that you are getting a balanced mix of both fibers. Ostomates, however, have to get more of the soluble fiber to make it easier to pass out stools. Since soluble fibers do not add much to the volume of stools, they are an ideal dietary option for individuals with bowel ostomies.

If you want to add food that contains more fiber, make sure that you are doing it slowly. Do not add more than one food item at a time. Moreover, increase the amount of fluid you take.

Foods with medium fiber content

Based on the recommendation from your doctor, you can add foods with medium fiber content to your diet. These foods may include white bread, rice, baked foods with wholemeal flour or dried fruits, whole-wheat cereals, and porridge.

You may also consider adding smoothies to your diet. These smoothies are a good source of fiber that improves digestion.

Fluids

Whether you need to prevent or treat constipation, you will need to stick to a healthy fluid intake. An adult needs at 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day. You can also measure the amount of water you drink every day. You can also consider drinking flavored beverages to keep the consumption consistent.

Exercise

Being physically inactive is one of the reasons you can have constipation. If the reduced physical activity has affected your bowel movements, speak to your doctor or ostomy care nurse. Make sure that you are not buying laxatives without the prescription from your doctor, or the problem will become worse. Walking every day is the bare minimum you have to do to prevent constipation. You can engage in intense physical activity after speaking to you a physiotherapist. If you have an ostomy, and you want to engage in an intense physical workout every day, speak to your doctor first.

Medication

Constipation can also be a side effect of medications and supplements. If you are taking supplements or medicines without discussing them with your GP, stop taking them.