Gastrointestinal stones (bezoars) are a serious condition that can greatly affect a patient’s health. The points below summarize the main dietary measures doctors usually recommend after surgery so that new stones do not form.
- Drink plenty of plain water every day
A high fluid intake dilutes the intestinal and urinary contents, lowering the concentration of calcium and oxalate and reducing the risk of recurrent stones. - Add black fungus (wood-ear mushroom, Auricularia) to the diet when permitted
This food is rich in minerals and dietary fiber; it is traditionally thought to “soften” and break up debris so that fragments can be swept out of the gut. - Replace calcium correctly if a supplement is needed
Do NOT stop calcium suddenly—ask the surgeon or dietitian when and how much to take, and whether it should come from dairy, fortified foods, or a tablet. - Make sure vitamin A is adequate, but never excessive
Vitamin A keeps the mucous lining of the GI and urinary tracts healthy and may help prevent crystal adhesion. Foods such as broccoli, apricot, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and beef liver are good sources, but high-dose pills can be toxic, so always confirm the dose with your doctor. - Keep a balanced, low-oxalate, moderate-fat, high-fiber diet
Avoid large amounts of spinach, rhubarb, beet, cocoa, strong tea, and very salty or very fatty snacks. Eat regular small meals and chew food thoroughly to reduce the chance of new bezoar formation.
By following these simple rules and returning for regular check-ups, most patients can keep their digestive system free of stones and avoid further trouble.
| Post-operative dietary care for gastrointestinal stones (bezoars) | Key recommendations |
|---|---|
| 1. Fluid intake | Drink plenty of plain water daily to dilute gut/urine content ↓ calcium & oxalate concentration. |
| 2. Functional food | Include black fungus (wood-ear mushroom) – traditional fiber-rich food believed to soften & dislodge debris. |
| 3. Calcium balance | Resume/supplement calcium only as directed by doctor; avoid both deficiency and excess. |
| 4. Vitamin A | Maintain adequate intake (broccoli, apricot, cantaloupe, pumpkin, beef liver) to support mucosal health; high-dose supplements toxic—check dose first. |
| 5. General diet | Low-oxalate, moderate-fat, high-fiber meals; limit spinach, rhubarb, beet, cocoa, strong tea, salty/fatty snacks; chew food well & eat small regular meals to prevent recurrence. |