This topic is all about finding foods, supplements, and products that can help thicken ostomy output. If you're looking for ways to firm up your output, here are some suggestions from the community:

1. Everyday foods that can help thicken output:
- Potatoes in any form, such as baked, mashed, roasted, steamed, boiled, French fries, chips, or wedges. They also provide a good source of potassium.
- Oatmeal or porridge, white bread or toast, and plain rice.
- Macaroni with sauce or gravy.
- Bananas, whether mashed or eaten whole.
- Apples without the peel, stewed apples, or apples combined with Greek yogurt and mashed banana, especially handy for travel days.
- Cheese.
- Fruit-based smoothies that retain the fiber, using fruits like bananas, clementines, and strawberries. Some people use a personal blender like the Breville “Blend Active.”

2. Fiber and bulking agents:
- Over-the-counter fiber powders such as Metamucil or Citracel.
- Food-grade calcium bentonite powder mixed with water or another drink.

3. Prescription or medicinal options:
- Codeine Phosphate, which requires a doctor’s prescription, has been effective for some, particularly those with ileostomies.

4. In-pouch gelling and deodorizing products:
- Smelleze (Emtek, USA): A teaspoon in the pouch can gel liquid output and control odor. It is available online.
- Ileo Gel sachets (Omnigon, Australia): These sachets turn watery output into gel and are popular among Australian users.

5. Additional tips and explanations:
- Pectin, which is naturally high in apples, may be responsible for firming output.
- High-carb "comfort" foods are often the most effective at thickening.
- Maintaining a good appetite is important. While not directly related to thickening, some members discuss using medical cannabis for pain and appetite management.