Can You Eat Pizza With a Stoma?

Did you think your pizza-eating days were over the moment you woke up from your ostomy surgery? For many people in the past, this would have definitely been true. However, with modern advances in medical technology and nutrition science, eating pizza with an ostomy is entirely possible. 

Read on if you’re curious about how you can eat pizza with an ostomy bag. Get ready to enjoy this delicious food again without fear of discomfort or negative consequences.

Can you eat pizza with a stoma?

Yes, you can absolutely eat pizza with an ostomy bag! Of course, there are a few things to consider and keep in mind. For starters, many people with ostomies must be mindful of high-fiber foods like vegetables that the digestive system may not tolerate well. 

Since pizza often contains these ingredients, avoiding any toppings that might irritate your stoma or cause blockages is important. It is also important to watch portion size and monitor the quantitiy of sauce, as these things can affect how quickly food passes through. 

Can you eat the cheese on pizza if you have a stoma?

Knowing how your diet affects health and function is important. If you have a stoma it’s doubly important. Certain foods can increase the risk of blockages or other problems in your stoma. Cheese is one such food. as it is 

The typical cheese used on pizza is high in fat and may be difficult for your body to digest. As such, you should speak with your healthcare provider before eating cheese on pizza. They may suggest trying different types of cheese that are easier for the body to break down, like lactose-free cheese or reduced-fat varieties. 

To be totally safe, you could also choose to go cheese-less. You might be thinking “pizza without cheese isn’t real pizza.” But experts have assured us that pizza with only crust, sauce and seasoning is, in fact, a neapolitan delicacy known as pizza marinara, which most certainly is pizza. 

Can you eat tomatoes on pizza if you have a stoma?

Yes. Eating cooked, de-skinned, and non-seeded tomatoes on pizza is generally safe if you have a stoma. This includes sieved, tinned tomatoes or even passata. However, it is important to remember that while these tomatoes may be easier for your body to digest, they can still irritate the stoma – especially if eaten in large amounts. 

What are the Specific Guidelines to Follow When Eating Pizza With a Stoma

Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Make your own pizza rather than getting take-out or delivery. As good as the food may be at your local pizza shop, making it yourself will allow you to control the ingredients.
• Choose thin-crust pizzas when possible. Thick crusts can be more difficult for someone with a stoma to digest. If you choose one of the thicker crust styles, ensure it is well-cooked and has been given plenty of time to cool off before consuming. 

• Avoid adding too many toppings, as this can add extra bulk, which may be difficult for your digestive system to process properly. Stick with minimal toppings like sauce and cheese. 

• Cut your pizza slices into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew and swallow. You can even use a fork and knife instead of picking up the portion with your hands if necessary.

• Eat slowly and take your time with each bite so you don’t overwhelm your digestive system with too much food. Chew thoroughly before swallowing to ensure everything is properly broken down before moving on to the next bite. (This a good piece of advice for anyone eating anything.) 

• Drink plenty of water throughout the meal, as this helps keep things moving along in your digestive tract and makes it easier for food particles to pass through. 

How to Prepare Your Pizza for Safe Consumption

Once your ingredients are prepped and gathered, it’s time to start the pizza-making process. Here are a few quick tips to remember when preparing your ostomy-friendly pizza: 

1. Start with a premade or frozen crust – homemade dough will tend to turn out thicker unless you really know what you’re doing. Thick crust can increase the risk of blockages. 
2. Choose tomato sauce carefully – opt for sauces free from chunks or large pieces of vegetables, as they may cause blockages in an ostomy bag. 
3. Avoid strong spices – stick to milder seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil which will add flavor without causing digestive distress.
4. Choose your toppings wisely – go for smooth, soft toppings like feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and soft vegetables. Avoid hard-to-digest ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, or bacon.   
5. Bake the pizza at a lower temperature – this helps to ensure that all the ingredients are cooked thoroughly without burning or charring. 

Pizza and ostomy systems don’t have to be mutually exclusive

Eating pizza with a stoma is indeed possible! It is important, however, to ensure that your ostomy system is working properly so that food does not leak and that the area remains clean. Medical Monks has everything you need to successfully maintain your stoma, from ostomy systems to scented odor eliminator spray. 

Our professional medical teams and manufacturers are carefully chosen to provide quality care and products for those who need them. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help equip you with everything needed before eating pizza or anything else with a stoma.