Living and supporting life with stoma

What to eat

If you have urostomy

You will not have any restriction on what you eat even if you have urostomy. If you are on a diet therapy due to intestinal diseases, you can continue the therapy as before the surgery.

• The urine color and odor might be affected by the medication you take or the things you eat.
• Decrease in the amount of urine may deteriorate the kidney function, increase the number of bacteria in the urinary tract, or make the urine smell stronger, so it is recommended that you drink sufficient liquid. Take enough liquid so that the amount of urine stays at 1500 to 2000 ml per day. Hydrate regularly by drinking water and also by eating water-rich food such as soup, fruit and vegetables.
• Normally, the urine pH is slightly acidic. However, when you have urostomy, the urine tends to become basic due to infection in the urinary tract and especially, if you have ileal conduit, by the intestinal mucus that mixes into the urine. Basic, or alkaline, urine may make the urine odor stronger or cause skin problems, so it is important to keep your urine pH acidic.
• Cranberry juice or other food that contain vitamin C helps you keep your urine acidic. It will be a good idea to include these to your daily intake of liquids.