After a colonoscopy, it is best to eat soft, bland, and easily digestible foods that are gentle on the digestive system. Recommended foods include:
- Soft cooked vegetables (steamed, baked, or sautéed)
- Jarred or canned fruits without skins like peaches or pineapples
- Scrambled eggs (without added milk, cheese, or pepper)
- Pudding, gelatin, or custard gelatin
- Soups that are mild and not spicy (such as chicken soup)
- Applesauce
- White fish (steamed or baked, avoiding fatty fish)
- Mashed potatoes with minimal added salt or cream
- Smooth nut butter rather than chunky
- Herbal tea (not boiling hot)
- Drinks with electrolytes, such as sports drinks diluted fruit juices
- Fruit and vegetable juices
It is advisable to avoid spicy, fried, or heavily seasoned foods, high-fiber foods (like whole grains, nuts, seeds), tough meats, raw vegetables, carbonated drinks, and alcohol for a few days after the procedure to allow the colon to recover and avoid digestive irritation. This approach helps reduce digestive discomfort such as gas and cramping commonly experienced after a colonoscopy due to air introduced into the colon during the procedure. Most people can gradually return to their normal diet within a day or two, depending on tolerance and doctor's advice.
