Top 5 Tips to Avoid Ostomy Odor
When it comes to ostomy, there are certain changes that you need to make to your lifestyle. Although you do not have to change your diet for good, the food and beverages that you consume have a direction impact on your ostomy. Ostomy odor can be difficult to manage, especially when out in public. Most people are afraid that their ostomy would affect their love life and social life. This only further increases stress which only causes harm. Stress is known for emitting strong odor. Therefore, it is important that you prepare yourself to avoid ostomy odor by following the tips mentioned below.
- Monitor How Your Body Responds to Food and Beverage
The most important thing that you need to keep in mind to avoid ostomy odor is monitor how your body responds to food and beverage. The body digests foods and drinks in various ways. The digestion process has an impact in the odor or gas produced. Anyone who has an ostomy should minimize certain foods to reduce the gas inside their ostomy bag. These foods tend to be high in sugars and soluble fiber. As everyone reacts differently to food and beverage, you must pay close attention to what you eat and drink. The effect of the following foods should be monitored upon consumption.
- Apricots
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Beer
- Broccoli
- Nuts
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Dairy Products
- Beans
- Peaches
- Raisins
- Soda
- Pears
- Mangoes
- Regularly Empty the Ostomy Pouch
Another tip that will help you avoid ostomy odor is emptying the ostomy pouch regularly. If you let the waste build up, the odor would become intense. To ensure that the odor is under control, the ostomy bag should be emptied. Once the bag is half full, you should empty it. The doctor will help explain how you can do this.
- Use an Odor Eliminator
A great way to avoid ostomy odor is by using an odor eliminator such as Na’Scent. For those that still struggle with odor despite monitoring their food and beverage consumption, they should give an odor eliminator a try. There are plenty of products in the market that will help you better manage ostomy odor.
- Use a Filter
There are different ways through which you can filter the ostomy pouch. As gas starts building up, it would result in the bag inflating. This would put a strain on the seal which would eventually cause leaks. If you have trouble with odor problems because of the bag inflating, it might be best to give an odor-reduction filter a try.
- Purchase a New Ostomy Bag
If you are still having ostomy odor despite trying out the tips mentioned above, it might be time to get a new ostomy bag. You can discuss with your doctor to find a new ostomy bag. Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes to find a bag that suits your requirements.
Conclusion
Once you have finished reading this post, you will be able to avoid ostomy odor in no time. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above for the best outcome.