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What is a good first meal after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, eat foods that are soft and easy to digest to ease side effects such as bloating or gas. This may include eggs, white toast, and applesauce for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, choices could include lean chicken without skin, mashed potatoes, and soft-cooked carrots.

healthgrades.com - What Foods Can You Eat After a Colonoscopy? - Healthgrades
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Eating foods that are easy to digest can help lead to fewer side effects after the colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive screening in which doctors use a camera on a thin, flexible tube to examine the inside of the large intestine. Preparation for colonoscopy involves fasting and taking a laxative treatment to clean your bowel. For this reason, you will likely look forward to eating after your procedure. However, choosing the right foods after a colonoscopy can help make your recovery easier. This article will give an overview of foods to eat after a colonoscopy, what not to eat after a colonoscopy, and how soon after a colonoscopy you can start eating.

What foods can you eat after a colonoscopy?

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Following the procedure, you will likely receive water and other fluids in the recovery area. This helps replenish any fluids and electrolytes lost during the bowel prep. After a colonoscopy, eating a bland diet consisting of easy-to-digest foods will be beneficial. Easy to digest foods to eat after a colonoscopy soft foods, such as: applesauce mashed potatoes scrambled eggs pudding cooked bland vegetables, such as carrots or beans

lean proteins, such as: skinless chicken fish tofu smooth nut butter

liquids, such as: soups and broths fruit juice vegetable juice tea

During a colonoscopy, doctors pump air into the colon to allow them to examine the tissue. As a result, you may experience bloating or cramping following the procedure. Some people also experience side effects from general anesthesia, including nausea.

Learn more about what happens during a colonoscopy.

Eating foods that are easy to digest can help your colon rest and recover from the colonoscopy as you start eating again. These foods can also help manage side effects by reducing gas and producing fewer bowel movements.

What if I had a polyp removed?

During your colonoscopy, your doctor may identify and remove small protrusions of tissue called “polyps.” The doctor will send any removed polyps to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether they are precancerous or cancerous.

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Learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatments for colon polyps.

Side effects after polyp removal may include temporary bleeding. Your doctor will discuss any specific dietary guidelines to follow after polyp removal.

What foods should you not eat after a colonoscopy?

After the colonoscopy, avoid foods that cause excess gas or stimulate bowel movements.

Foods to avoid after a colonoscopy include:

non-lean protein, such as: fried fish or meat chicken with skin beef

fatty dairy, such as: full fat milk or cream ice cream cheese

whole grains, such as: whole wheat bread whole wheat pasta whole grain cereal

acidic fruits, such as: oranges limes grapes berries

raw foods, such as: nuts raw vegetables raw fruits

A bland diet also eliminates beverages such as soda, coffee, and energy drinks.

How soon after a colonoscopy can you eat?

You can eat as soon as you feel ready after a colonoscopy. Most people return to their usual eating habits within a day after a colonoscopy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). If you experience any nausea or other side effects from general anesthesia, there may be some time before you have an appetite. Your doctor and care team can advise on managing any symptoms that follow a colonoscopy and provide guidance on when to start eating. A colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure with minimal complications. However, like any procedure, a colonoscopy does have some risks.

bloody bowel movements that do not go away

anal bleeding that persists

severe abdominal pain

a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

weakness

dizziness

When in doubt, consult your doctor about any symptoms that cause you concern following a colonoscopy.

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These are some other questions people often ask about what to eat after a colonoscopy. Kelsey Trull, PA-C, has reviewed the answers.

What is a good first meal after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, eat foods that are soft and easy to digest to ease side effects such as bloating or gas. This may include eggs, white toast, and applesauce for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, choices could include lean chicken without skin, mashed potatoes, and soft-cooked carrots.

Can I eat rice after a colonoscopy?

White rice is an easy-to-digest food that can be a good choice after a colonoscopy. However, avoid brown rice, which has more fiber and is harder to digest.

What foods are good for your colon?

The NIDDK recommends foods high in fiber to promote colon health and lower your risk of developing polyps. Healthy foods for your colon include fresh fruits and vegetables, bran, beans, and whole grains. Avoiding processed meat, fatty or fried foods, and red meat can help keep your colon healthy.

Summary

After a colonoscopy, choosing easy-to-digest foods can help your digestive tract recover and reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating. These include soft foods, cooked vegetables, and lean proteins. Foods to avoid after a colonoscopy include acidic fruits, fatty dairy, red meat, and raw fruit or vegetables. These can be harsh on the digestive tract and produce excess gas. Talk with your doctor or care team about the right foods to eat following your colonoscopy and when you can return to your typical eating patterns. Contact your doctor right away if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, or a fever after a colonoscopy.

healthgrades.com - What Foods Can You Eat After a Colonoscopy? - Healthgrades
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