What to Eat After a Colonoscopy: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Before a colonoscopy, it’s important to follow any dietary instructions your doctor gives you so your bowels are fully prepped for the procedure. But did you know that what you eat after a colonoscopy matters, too?

“During a colonoscopy, the colon is cleared of all its contents, which disrupts the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive system,” says Bharat Pothuri, MD, a gastroenterologist with Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.

“Consuming gentle, easily digestible foods helps the gut recover and return to normal functioning without irritation,” says Dr. Pothuri. And while no foods are strictly off limits after a colonoscopy in general, you may want to temporarily limit or avoid certain foods that are more likely to irritate your gut than others.

“Feeling bloated or gassy after a colonoscopy might also make some people not have a big appetite right away,” Dr. Uradomo adds. “These feelings are normal and should resolve on their own, but contact your doctor if they persist.”

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Bananas
• Scrambled eggs without any added dairy products or seasonings
• Yogurt
• Plain, lightly salted, or unseasoned crackers
• White bread
• Chicken noodle soup
• Pudding
• White rice
• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, soft tofu, or fish

“[Foods like these] help ease digestion and restore balance to the gastrointestinal system after the procedure,” Pothuri says.

Hydration is also extremely important following a colonoscopy. “Patients may be slightly dehydrated from the bowel prep process,” Pothuri says. “Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming foods with high water content helps replenish lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.”

If you get anesthesia for the procedure, you’ll likely be given intravenous (IV) fluids which help replete fluid loss, says Morgan Allyn Sendzischew Shane, MD, a gastroenterologist with the University of Miami Health System in Florida. “Still, we always recommend patients rehydrate after procedures with whatever they usually use to stay hydrated,” she says.

• Water
• Clear, plain broths
• Herbal tea without cream or milk
• Electrolyte drinks
• Apple juice

If you don’t like the taste of regular water, you can also try diluting some coconut water, Dr. Sendzischew Shane suggests.

“There is no set amount we recommend to drink after a colonoscopy,” she adds. “A good rule of thumb with hydration in general is to watch the color of your urine. If your urine is clear or lightly yellow tinged, you are probably okay. Dark urine indicates that you need to drink more.”

• High-fiber foods like whole grains, raw vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds (Fiber can be rough on the intestines, especially after a colonoscopy. That’s why it’s best to stick to low-fiber options like white bread and white rice as opposed to whole grains like whole-wheat bread or brown rice, Pothuri says. Thad said, high-fiber foods in general are good for gut health and should be incorporated back into your diet after a few days.)
• Greasy, fatty, or fried foods like fried chicken, french fries, and hamburgers
• Strong seasonings or spicy foods
• Uncooked or gas-inducing vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, onions, or garlic
• Red meats like steak

• Carbonated drinks, including soda and sparkling water
• Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee with cream
• Alcohol (“It’s important not to drink alcohol for 24 hours after a colonoscopy because it can have a negative interaction with the sedatives still in your system,” Uradomo notes.)

Colonoscopy recovery is usually fairly quick. Most people can expect to feel like themselves again shortly after the procedure. “Most people can return to their normal diet within 24 to 48 hours after a colonoscopy, depending on their overall health and how their body responds to the procedure,” Pothuri says.

Some signs you're ready to begin eating normally again, says Pothuri, include:

• You’re no longer feeling bloated, gassy, or experiencing abdominal cramps.
• Your bowel movements have returned to normal.
• You’re no longer experiencing nausea or fatigue.

“Even if you feel better, it’s a good idea to reintroduce foods gradually,” Pothuri notes. “Start with soft, easily digestible foods and add in more complex or fiber-rich foods slowly to monitor how your body responds.”

That said, if you have an underlying digestive condition or experienced complications during the colonoscopy, you may need a longer period of recovery before returning to a normal diet. “It’s always best to follow any specific recommendations from your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances,” Pothuri says.

• While no foods are strictly off-limits after a colonoscopy, it can help to eat gentle, easily digestible foods for the first day or two post-procedure and temporarily avoid foods that can cause gut irritation, such as high-fiber foods, greasy foods, or spicy foods.
• Some examples of easily digestible foods include applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, white rice, bananas, and lean proteins like chicken or tofu, among others.
• Hydration is key, so prioritize drinking plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths to replenish your body.