A colonoscopy is a screening test to look for changes such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps, and cancer cells in the large intestine and rectum. One of the best gastroenterologists in Newtown stated that after colonoscopy, patients are advised to eat soft and liquid-based foods which are easy to digest and will not cause any irritation in the colon.
However, following the procedure, your doctor might recommend you to remain empty stomach for some hours. For the rest of the day, you can eat digestible food and drinks.
Foods you can eat after colonoscopy: Recommends the best gastroenterologist
After colonoscopy, gastroenterologists usually recommend food and drinks that are easy to digest and gentle on your digestive system. In most cases, your doctor will ask you to follow a low-residue diet after the procedure consisting of limited dairy items, and low-fibre foods to produce less stool.
Some other food and drinks to have after a colonoscopy are as follows:
- Drinks with electrolytes
- Soup
- Fruit juice/vegetable juice
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Mashed potato
- White bread
- Tender and boiled vegetables
- Pudding
- Herbal tea
Colonoscopy causes dehydration in patients; hence gastroenterologists advise patients to include fluids and electrolytes in their diet to avoid further dehydration. These dietary precautions are required for a day or two, but they might sometimes be different for different patients.
What to avoid eating after a colonoscopy? Recommends the best gastroenterologist
After a colonoscopy, your system needs time to recover. To heal quickly, doctors of the best gastroenterology hospital in Newtown ask patients to avoid spicy and high-fibre rich foods. Heavy food and drinks will increase your feeling of nausea and bowel irritation.
During colonoscopy, air is introduced into the colon, and patients tend to expel more gas. For this reason, patients must avoid carbonated beverages, which will add more gas to their system.
Below are the foods and drinks that you must avoid after a colonoscopy:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Brown rice
- Legumes
- High-fibre fruits
- Raw vegetables
- Coconut
- Fried food
- Garlic, Pepper, and curry
- Whole grains
- Corn
- Nuts
Conclusion
Taking care of your colon is essential as it is a vital body part. Besides screenings, patients are advised to eat a balanced diet, keep their weight in check, and avoid leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and staying active are also important to keep your colon healthy. Reports suggest that people who maintain a healthy lifestyle are less likely to have colon cancer than those who follow an unhealthy lifestyle.