The holiday season brings with it festive meals, treats, and social gatherings that we all look forward to. However, for ostomates, these joyful moments can also introduce challenges, such as stoma ballooning. Stoma ballooning happens when your stoma bag fills with excess gas, causing the bag to inflate like a balloon. This can be particularly common during Christmas, with the increase in indulgent foods and carbonated drinks.
What causes stoma ballooning?
Ballooning occurs when wind builds up in the pouch, causing it to inflate. This is a common issue for ostomates, and the indulgent foods that go hand-in-hand with the holiday season can also contribute to increased excess wind production. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimise the impact of ballooning and enjoy the festivities with confidence.
Common triggers include:
- Carbonated drinks: Bubbly beverages like champagne, fizzy drinks, or sparkling wine can increase wind.
- Rich, fatty foods: Traditional Christmas treats, including sausages, cheese, and creamy dishes, are harder to digest, leading to gas buildup.
- Certain vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and beans are holiday staples that can cause wind for some people.
- Eating too quickly: Festive excitement can sometimes mean eating faster than usual, which leads to swallowing more air.
Tips for managing stoma ballooning:
To help manage ballooning and enjoy the holiday season, here are a few practical tips:
1. Monitor your food choices
While you don’t have to avoid all festive treats, being mindful of certain foods can help. If you know that certain vegetables, rich sauces, or fizzy drinks are triggers, try to limit their intake. Instead, enjoy them in moderation or swap them for lighter, stoma-friendly options. For example:
- Opt for steamed vegetables over those cooked in butter or cream.
- Choose leaner cuts of meat or turkey.
- Consider swapping fizzy drinks for still alternatives like water with a splash of lemon.
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
During holiday gatherings, it’s tempting to pile your plate high. However, eating large portions can lead to gas buildup. Try spreading your meals throughout the day, so you don’t feel too full. This can also prevent your stoma from producing too much gas at once. Small, frequent snacks can help keep you comfortable while still letting you enjoy the holiday feast.
3. Stay hydrated
Water helps aid digestion and can reduce wind buildup. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially between meals. Avoiding carbonated drinks and replacing them with water, herbal teas, or diluted juices can make a big difference in reducing ballooning.
4. Use Osto-EZ-Vent®
Christmas meals can lead to stoma ballooning and potentially odour issues. Using our Osto-EZ-Vent® can give you extra peace of mind when you’re out celebrating with family and friends. It can easily attach to any manufacturers bag helping you to release wind build up with ease.
5. Be prepared with stoma supplies
Whether you’re at a Christmas party or visiting family, always keep extra supplies on hand in case ballooning causes a need for bag changes. Having spare stoma bags and wipes with you ensures you’ll be prepared to manage ballooning confidently, even on the go.
7. Chew your food thoroughly
Chewing food thoroughly not only aids digestion but also reduces the amount of air you swallow. Taking your time and eating slowly during meals can help prevent wind from building up in your digestive system.
Managing stoma ballooning during the festive season is possible with a little planning and awareness. Remember, Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, and with a few mindful strategies, you can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about stoma issues.
