A colonoscopy is a test that checks your colon or large intestine. It can find problems like polyps or cancer. Before the test, you need to eat a special diet so that your colon is empty. After the test, you also need to watch what you eat and drink. You want to avoid hurting your digestive system and drink enough water. In this article, we will discuss the appropriate diet to follow after a colonoscopy, focusing on what to eat and what foods to avoid.

Foods You Can Eat After a Colonoscopy

After a colonoscopy, you should eat foods that are soft, easy to digest, and low in residue. These foods will help your digestive system work normally again and avoid problems, such as bleeding or infection. Some of the foods you can eat after a colonoscopy are:

• Water and drinks with electrolytes: You may lose water after a colonoscopy because of the bowel preparation and the sedation. Drinking water and drinks that have electrolytes, such as sports drinks or fruit juices, will help you get enough water and energy.
• Herbal tea: Herbal tea can calm your digestive system and help with any pain or nausea you may have after the test.
• Soup: Soup is a food that has a lot of liquid. It is easy to swallow and digest. You can have chicken or vegetable soup, but avoid spicy or creamy soups that may hurt your colon.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is a good food that has fibre. Fibre is gentle on your digestive system. It also has sugar and carbs that can give you energy. Applesauce also has pectin, which can help stop diarrhoea.
• Crackers: Crackers are plain and simple foods that can make your stomach feel better and give you some calories. You can have saltine or graham crackers, but avoid whole-grain crackers or crackers with seeds that may be hard to digest.
• Smooth nut butter: Nut butter is a good food that has protein and healthy fats. Protein and fats can make you feel full and happy. Pick smooth kinds over chunky ones, and put them on crackers or bread.
• Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are soft and starchy foods that can fill you up without causing any trouble for your colon. You can add some butter or cheese for extra taste, but avoid adding milk or cream that may cause gas or bloating.
• Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are another food that has protein. Protein is easy to eat and digest after a colonoscopy. You can add some salt and pepper, but avoid adding any spices or sauces that may be too strong for your colon.
• Cooked bland vegetables: Cooked vegetables are good foods that have vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals can help your body heal after a colonoscopy. Pick bland vegetables, such as carrots, beans, or peas, and cook them until they are soft and tender.
• Lean proteins: Lean proteins, such as skinless chicken, fish, or tofu, can give you essential amino acids and nutrients. Amino acids and nutrients can help your recovery. Avoid fatty or bony meats that may be hard to chew or digest.
• Canned fruit: Canned fruit is another food that has fibre and natural sugars. Fibre and sugars can help your colonoscopy recovery. Pick fruits that are in water or juice, not syrup, and avoid fruits with seeds or skins, such as berries or grapes.
• Yoghurt: Yogurt is a dairy food that has probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help balance your gut flora after a colonoscopy. Yoghurt also has calcium and protein that can make your bones and muscles stronger. Pick plain or low-fat yoghurt, and avoid yoghurt with added sugar or fruit.
• Jell-O: Jell-O is a dessert that has gelatin. Gelatin is easy to swallow and digest. It also has water and sugar that can give you water and energy. You can have any flavour of Jell-O, but avoid red or purple colours that may stain your colon.

Conclusion

A colonoscopy is a test that can help find and prevent problems in your colon. To get ready for the test, you need to eat a special diet. After the test, you need to eat foods that are good for your digestive system and drink enough water. You should eat foods that are soft, easy to digest, and low in residue. These foods include water, soup, applesauce, crackers, nut butter, mashed potatoes, eggs, vegetables, lean proteins, canned fruit, yoghurt, Jell-O, and pudding. You should avoid foods that are hard to digest or may hurt your colon.