After a colonoscopy, you can eat, but it is recommended to start with light, soft, and easy-to-digest foods and clear liquids. Many healthcare providers advise consuming clear liquids such as water, broth, and juices initially to rehydrate and then moving to bland, low-fiber foods like crackers, applesauce, mashed potatoes, white toast, scrambled eggs, and white fish. It is best to avoid heavy, greasy, spicy, high-fiber, or hard-to-digest foods as well as alcohol and carbonated beverages for at least the rest of the day after the procedure. Most people can return to their regular diet within 24 hours unless polyps were removed, in which case further dietary restrictions may apply. Key recommendations for eating after a colonoscopy:
- Start with clear liquids for 1-2 hours after the procedure.
- Gradually introduce soft, bland foods such as crackers, applesauce, mashed potatoes, plain eggs, and white fish.
- Avoid foods that are hard to digest, high in fiber, greasy, spicy, or gas-producing.
- Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks initially.
- Resume a normal diet usually within 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
This helps the digestive tract recover comfortably and avoid side effects like bloating, cramps, or nausea.
