Providing the missing nutritional links to support the health and wellbeing of Ostomates
In my role as a qualified Nutritionist, I have attended many lectures, seminars, conferences and now webinars on diet. And I have examined dietary guidelines and trends from many different perspectives. Some diets can be categorised as trendy fads that promote weight loss, for example, without concern for overall health. Other diets, however, are developed … continue reading
As the weather starts to turn cooler in the Southern Hemisphere and winter approaches, the chance of developing some sniffles or catching a cold or the ‘flu increases. As a nutritionist, my thoughts naturally turn to the nutrients that can help defend against infection and assist the body to stay healthy during this time. Vitamin … continue reading
That might seem like a silly question. You might be thinking “I’m an ostomate – how can I have fun?” However, the two don’t necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. As an ostomate it is important to still find the joy in life, even if it is just in the little things. Stomal surgery can … continue reading
Fermented foods are not generally part of the current Western diet, however there are many benefits in consuming these foods and there can be specific benefits for ostomates in particular. Firstly, however, let’s have a look at what fermented foods actually are. What are fermented foods? Fermented foods have played a major role in many … continue reading
Happy New Year! I hope 2017 is starting off well for you and your family. January is always a good time to think about the year ahead, and what changes you would like to implement that will make the new year even better than the one before. As an ostomate, the manner in which you … continue reading
Christmas can be a wonderful time with lots of fun, festivities and joy. It can be an opportunity to spend time with family, catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while, and enjoy all the special activities on offer at this time of the year. Christmas can also be a hectic time with … continue reading
As a Nutritionist I am a fan of optimal nutritional intake. The food we eat is a source of nutrients for every cell, tissue and organ in the body, and supplies energy for our body to function. In a perfect world, I therefore like my clients to consume a nutrient-dense diet that provides everything their … continue reading
I was recently asked a question about cholesterol by an ostomate, and thought it a good opportunity to review it from the context of stomal surgery so that all ostomates are aware of their level of possible risk and required intervention. The question came from an ileostomate, who wanted to know if having the colon … continue reading
In my role as a nutritionist for ostomates I am asked many questions, and recently I was asked a really good one regarding salt intake. The question was whether there are any long-term repercussions for ileostomates consuming a high salt diet in terms of heart health. The person asking the question was young with a … continue reading
A common theme I am noticing with many of my ostomate clients at the moment is a lack of confidence. Not a lack of confidence in themselves, but a lack of confidence in pursuing normal day to day activities such as shopping, socialising and even going to work. And this lack of confidence is stemming … continue reading
