What Can I Eat After A Colonoscopy?

Posted By Author on April 25, 2022

Your colonoscopy is a simple procedure, but it is important to follow your GI specialist’s instructions before and after your visit. While colonoscopy prep often receives more attention, there are a few things to keep in mind following your procedure as well. For instance a common question is, “What Can I Eat After A Colonoscopy?”

What Can I Eat After An Colonoscopy?

Here’s what you need to know:

BEFORE A COLONOSCOPY

For a few days leading up to your colonoscopy, try to follow a low-fiber diet. Then, the day before your procedure, avoid solid food altogether and stick to a clear liquid diet.

The following clear liquids are approved:

Water, including mineral water
Soda
Club soda
Black coffee (without cream or milk)
Tea (without cream or milk)
Sports drinks containing electrolytes
Apple juice
Honey
Flavored gelatin
Clear broth

Note: Do not eat or drink ANYTHING the morning of your colonoscopy.

AFTER A COLONOSCOPY

Your gastroenterologist will likely recommend consuming easily digestible foods to allow your colon to recover. Fatty, rich foods and those with a high fiber content, for instance, should be avoided.

These foods are healthy options to enjoy for about a day after your procedure:

Applesauce
Yogurt
Canned fruit (without any skins)
Jell-O
Popsicles
Graham crackers
Saltine crackers
Soup
Pudding
Potatoes (mashed or baked)
Scrambled eggs
Tender white fish
Fully cooked vegetables
White bread/toast
Smooth nut butter

These drinks can help keep you hydrated:

Sports drinks with electrolytes
Fruit juices
Herbal tea
Vegetable juice
Water

Foods & Drinks You Need To Avoid After Your Colonoscopy

In the hours following your colonoscopy, avoid these foods:

Spicy or heavily-seasoned foods
Fried foods
Nuts or crunchy nut butters
Popcorn
Legumes
Brown rice
Whole-grain bread
Raw veggies
Fruit with the skin on
Tough, chewy meats like steak

It is best to avoid these beverages as well:

Alcohol
Coffee with cream
Highly acidic juice, like grapefruit, orange, pineapple or tomato
Juice, popsicles, or gelatins with red or purple dye
Milk
Smoothies

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure performed to detect abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During your colonoscopy, a GI specialist will insert a long, flexible tube with a light and video camera attached into your rectum. This allows for a thorough inspection of the inside of your colon and rectum in real time. It also provides the opportunity for your gastroenterologist to take tissue samples or remove polyps if necessary.

Who Needs A Colonoscopy? Is There A Certain Age?

The American Cancer Society now recommends colon cancer screening for all adults at an average risk of colorectal cancer starting at age 45. Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, may be advised to start regular screenings earlier.

How To Prep For A Colonoscopy?

Be sure to follow your GI doctor’s instructions carefully to properly prepare for your colonoscopy.

Maintain a clear liquid diet the day before your colonoscopy
Drink the cleansing solution / complete the bowel prep kit
Stay hydrated
Do NOT eat or drink anything the morning of your procedure
Inform your gastroenterologist of all your medications beforehand

Schedule Your Appointment with Charleston GI Today! No Referral Needed!

Our gastroenterologists are proud to provide a higher standard of caring – close to home! We offer 4 convenient office locations in Summerville, Carnes Crossroads, Mt. Pleasant, and West Ashley.

Our team of GI specialists is excited to meet you, so schedule your appointment today! You can even get to know us beforehand by clicking here.

If you’re looking for a gastroenterologist near me, visit Charleston GI.