Celebrating Ramadan with a Stoma

Date: 10 April 2019      Category: Advice

Celebrating Ramadan with a Stoma | Blog | Medilink

We know how important Ramadan is to many of our patients, so we have pulled together some advice to help you participate.

Please remember that fasting isn’t obligatory if you are elderly, sick or it would be detrimental to your health.

If you do decide to take part, here are our top tips to make the experience as smooth as possible: 

Food Tips

Avoid Salt

If you have a urostomy or ileostomy, you may be at a higher risk of dehydration. Salty, processed or fried foods can be difficult to digest and can make you feel more thirsty.

Control Output

We would recommend that you avoid foods that make your output loose or give you wind, such as leafy green vegetables, very spicy foods, baked beans or a lot of fish. If you live with an ileostomy, you may be able to take loperamide during non-fasting periods to help thicken and slow down your output. You can speak to your Stoma Care Nurse about taking loperamide.

You can find out more about foods we recommend as well as foods to avoid on our ‘Dietary and Nutrition Advice’ page.

Drink Tips

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 2 litres of non fizzy water or caffeine-free drinks when not fasting. If you have a urostomy, introduce foods that are high in water, such as melon or cucumber.

Introduce Juices

Juicing fruits and vegetables can be a good way of getting the health benefits and extra fluids if you are unable to eat whole pieces of fruit and vegetables.

Other Hints & Tips

Delay Fasting

Patients who have recently had surgery may be excused from participating. Discuss this with your Imam or mosque leader and see if you can ‘make up the days’ after you have completed your recovery.

Change Regularly

Change your bag daily to check the health of your stoma. It’s important to ensure your stoma is pink, red and moist.

Keep Cool

If the weather is hot, try to stay cool and don’t exert yourself too much. Try to keep out of direct sunlight.

What if I become unwell?

Stop fasting and contact your GP. If you are concerned about any of these issues or how your stoma may be affected, please speak to your local hospital, GP or Stoma Care Nurse for more information.