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After a colonoscopy, you are only allowed to eat certain things. You are also not allowed to eat everything before the procedure, as your doctor will have already told you. But what about afterwards, once the examination is over? We explain whether you can eat whatever you want again or not.
Colonoscopy: Which foods are good for you afterwards and which are not
If your doctor does not give you any other instructions after a colonoscopy, you can eat whatever you feel like after the examination. However, you should exercise a little restraint at first.
- Before a colonoscopy, you will be thoroughly purged. It is therefore not advisable to start with a fatty pork knuckle or highly processed ready-made products. Less fatty and easily digestible foods are better. You should also avoid alcohol.
- In addition, air or carbon dioxide gas is blown into the intestine during a colonoscopy so that the intestinal walls unfold and are clearly visible. You will most likely experience flatulence after the examination. Flatulent foods such as onions, legumes, and beans would increase this and possibly lead to abdominal pain.
- It is important to drink plenty of fluids after a colonoscopy. You will have lost fluid due to the thorough bowel cleansing. This should be replenished. Teas, still water, and non-acidic juices, such as vegetable juices, are best.
- The bowel movements have stressed your healthy intestinal flora. To rebuild it, plain natural yogurt without added sugar or fruit is a good choice. Other probiotic foods such as kefir, ayran, or sauerkraut also support your intestinal flora.
- To compensate for the loss of salt caused by the laxatives, don’t forget to add salt and spices to your food. So why not make yourself a nice, spicy soup or kill two birds with one stone by drinking a cup of ayran? Special electrolyte solutions are also an option.
These foods are particularly suitable after a colonoscopy
We have put together a few foods for you that will satisfy your initial hunger after a colonoscopy:
- A soup, such as vegetable broth, is ideal. It provides fluids, vitamins, and salts and also fills you up. Legumes should not be included, as they cause flatulence. You don’t have to go without noodles entirely: a few soup noodles in the broth provide carbohydrates. Cooking some lean chicken with it gives you energy and adds flavor.
- If you’re craving something sweet, pudding or semolina porridge is just the thing to satisfy your initial hunger. Your gut will also appreciate yogurt sweetened with a little jam or honey.
- If all this isn’t hearty enough for you, there’s nothing wrong with bread with lean sausage or low-fat cheese. Don’t overdo it with the butter—too much fat upsets an empty stomach.
- You should be cautious with your food choices until your digestion has returned to normal and you are having regular bowel movements. Then you can eat whatever you like again.
