What To Eat After A Colonoscopy? | Learn About Colonoscopy

It can be daunting to go through a colonoscopy. Even though the procedure is pain free and generally only involves mildsedation, the days leading up to and afterwards can be quite uncomfortable. Despite all of that, an important part of recovering from the experience is followingthe diet given by your doctor – including what to eat after a colonoscopy procedue. In this blog post we will discuss what to eat after a colonoscopy, as well as how your should adjust their daily healthy diet routine going forward.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It involves using a long, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to it, called a colonoscope, to view the lining of the colon. The procedure is typically done to screen for colorectal cancer or diagnose intestinal issues such as polyps, ulcers, or inflammation. It is also a way for doctors to monitor and treat certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Who Needs A Colonoscopy? Is There A Certain Age?

As per current guidelines, individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer should have their first colonoscopy at age 45. If no polyps are detected during the initial colonoscopy, the subsequent screening can be scheduled after 10 years. Regular screenings are recommended between the ages of 45 and 75.

How To Prep For A Colonoscopy?

In order to properly prepare for a colonoscopy, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, this will involve a special diet and fasting the day before the procedure. Your doctor may also give you laxatives or enemas to help clear out your colon. It is important to follow all preparation steps as directed in order to ensure an accurate and successful colonoscopy.

How A Colonoscopy Procedure Affects Your Digestive System?

A colonoscopy procedure can have an impact on your digestive system, potentially resulting in complications. These complications may include continued bleeding following biopsy or polyp removal, as well as symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation. Additionally, the preparatory bowel cleansing process can also contribute to these issues.

What To Eat Before A Colonoscopy?

For a professional tone, when preparing for a colonoscopy, it is recommended to consume the following:

• Well-cooked, lean (low-fat) beef, lamb, ham, veal, or pork
• Fish, shellfish, or poultry
• White rice, noodles, or white pasta
• Cereal, including cornflakes and crisped rice cereal (excluding bran)
• White bread or toast
• Rich tea or other plain biscuits
• Boiled or poached eggs
• Butter, margarine, or cheese
• Milk, cream, or cottage cheese
• Potatoes without the skins (boiled, creamed, mashed, or baked)
• Soya or tofu
• Gravy made from stock cubes (plain flour or cornflour can be used for thickening)
• Sugar or sweetener
• Clear jelly
• Water, cordial, fizzy drinks, clear strained soup, or clear stock

What To Eat After A Colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, it is recommended to consume the following foods:

• Sports drinks high in electrolytes
• Fruit juice (apple, orange, cranberry, white grape)
• Herbal tea (without milk or cream)
• Plain crackers (lightly salted or unseasoned)
• Soup (chicken noodle, Italian wedding, and plain broth)
• Scrambled eggs (without added seasonings or dairy products)
• Canned fruit (peaches, pineapple, and fruit cocktails)
• Toast on white bread (not whole grain or wheat bread)
• Yogurt
• Jello
• Pudding
• Applesauce
• Mashed or baked potatoes
• Soft white fish with minimal seasoning (wild Alaska pollock, bass, cod, grouper, haddock, and halibut)

Recommended Foods To Eat After A Colonoscopy

Following a colonoscopy, it is typically advised by medical professionals to consume soft or low-residue foods that are gentle on the digestive system. Heavy foods can cause discomfort, such as bloating or gas. Some light food suggestions include eggs, white toast, applesauce, lean chicken (without skin), mashed potatoes, or softly cooked vegetables.

Foods & Drinks You Need To Avoid After Your Colonoscopy

Foods & Drinks to Avoid After Your Colonoscopy:

• Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and seltzers
• Whole grains such as crackers, brown rice, and whole grain bread
• Tough meats like steak that are hard to digest
• Snack mixes with dried fruit, raisins, and dried cranberries
• Breaded and fried foods cooked in oil or grease
• Strong spices like garlic, curry, and pepper
• Uncooked vegetables
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, chia seeds, chestnuts, dried coconut, flax seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds

Avoiding these foods for a few days after the procedure helps minimize any gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, if polyps are removed during the colonoscopy, the gastroenterology and endoscopy physician may recommend other specific foods to avoid.

FAQ: Colonoscopy

How long does it take your stomach to heal after a colonoscopy?

The recovery time for the stomach after a colonoscopy varies from person to person. It is generally recommended that patients take it easy with scheduled activities for the first week following the procedure to allow sufficient time for healing, especially if polyps were detected and removed by the doctor. Most patients typically feel ready to return to normal activities within 24 hours.

Can I eat spaghetti after colonoscopy?

Yes, you can eat spaghetti after a colonoscopy. Spaghetti is considered a low-fiber food that is easy to digest and does not strain your system, making it suitable for post-colonoscopy recovery.

How do you reset your colon after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, resetting your colon can be achieved through the consumption of prebiotics and probiotics. Integrate foods like psyllium, garlic, artichokes, chicory, or black salsify into your diet as examples of prebiotic options. These foods contain indigestible components that serve as a vital source of nourishment for beneficial bacteria.