A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) for abnormalities or disease. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. While a colonoscopy is generally safe, the preparation and procedure can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the colon and cause side effects like diarrhea, bloating, cramping or constipation afterwards.
Fortunately, you can help restore gut health after a colonoscopy by following a gut-friendly diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and fluids. This article outlines the best foods to eat, as well as foods to avoid, while your colon recovers post-colonoscopy.
Why Does a Colonoscopy Disrupt Your Gut?
There are a few reasons why a colonoscopy may disrupt the normal gut environment:
- Bowel Prep: To properly visualize the colon, it must be completely cleared of stool. This requires following a liquid diet and using strong laxatives or enemas leading up to the colonoscopy. The powerful laxatives force the evacuation of everything in the colon, including most of the beneficial bacteria.
- Fasting: You need to fast for several hours before the colonoscopy, which means no eating or drinking. Fasting starves the gut bacteria of their main source of “food” (fiber) which they need to thrive.
- Sedation Medication: Colonoscopies usually require intravenous sedation medication. These drugs can directly kill gut bacteria and suppress immune function in the gut.
- Colonoscope Insertion: Inserting and moving the colonoscope through the colon can disturb the mucus layer lining the intestines and physically disrupt the bacterial community.
This triple assault on the gut microbiome — from the bowel prep, fasting and colonoscope insertion — leaves the colon depleted of bacteria and more vulnerable to disruption. That’s why many people experience bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation during colonoscopy recovery as the gut struggles to rebalance.
Best Foods to Eat to Restore Your Gut Post-Colonoscopy
After your colonoscopy, focus on eating gut-soothing foods that provide the right nutrients to replenish beneficial bacteria and restore your microbiome balance. Here are some of the best foods to include:
Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods contain live microorganisms that help repopulate the colon with healthy bacteria after they’ve been washed away from bowel prep and fasting. Try to eat probiotic-rich foods daily, such as:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Pickles
Aim for at least 2-3 servings of fermented probiotic foods each day. Read labels and choose brands that say “contains live active cultures.” Also consider taking a daily probiotic supplement while your gut recovers.
Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics. Eating prebiotic foods helps probiotics thrive. Good sources include:
- Oats
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Garlic
- Onions
- Bananas
Aim for 5-6 servings of prebiotic-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains daily. A mix of soluble fibers like oats and insoluble fibers like vegetables provides the best nourishment for gut bacteria.
High Fiber Foods
Fiber is essential nourishment for gut bacteria. Aim to eat 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Good fiber sources include:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Berries
- Avocados
- Bran cereal
- Chia seeds
- Quinoa
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
Focus on soluble fibers like beans, oats and berries which form a gel-like consistency to soothe the gut lining. But also include insoluble fibers from vegetables, nuts and seeds to provide bulk.
Bone Broth
Warm bone broth is extremely gut-friendly, supplying protein, minerals and collagen to heal intestinal damage. Sip 1-2 cups per day post-colonoscopy.
Fermented Vegetables
In addition to sauerkraut and kimchi, you can make homemade fermented vegetables like carrots, beets or green beans. This adds more probiotics and prebiotics.
Healthy Fats
Include plant-based fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds in your meals. These provide fuel for cells in the intestinal lining to regenerate.
Lean Proteins
Protein foods like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu or legumes help repair damaged tissue in the intestines.
Fluids
Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 cups of fluids daily like water, herbal tea, kefir and broth. Proper hydration supports gut function.
Foods to Avoid After a Colonoscopy
While your gut heals, steer clear of foods that may worsen digestion issues or gut inflammation. Foods to limit or avoid include:
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- High fat meats like bacon or sausage
- Buttery baked goods
- Caffeine
- Carbonated beverages
- Refined sugars
- Artificial sweeteners
- Excess alcohol
You may need to avoid high fiber foods at first if you experience cramping or diarrhea. As your gut recovers, gradually increase fiber over 2-3 weeks.
Sample Menu for Gut-Friendly Eating After a Colonoscopy
Here is a sample one day menu focusing on gut-restoring foods:
| Meal | Foods |
|---|---|
| Breakfast |
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| Lunch |
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| Dinner |
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| Snacks |
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Focus on getting probiotics, prebiotics and fiber at each meal and snack. Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea, or broth throughout the day.
Other Tips for Restoring Your Gut After a Colonoscopy
In addition to diet, here are some other tips to help your colon recover after a colonoscopy:
- Take a probiotic supplement. Look for a broad spectrum, high CFU probiotic with strains like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium to help repopulate your gut.
- Reduce stress. Chronic stress can negatively impact the gut. Make time for relaxation through yoga, meditation, massage or deep breathing.
- Stay active. Light exercise helps motility and intestinal contractions. Aim for a daily walk or other gentle activity.
- Avoid gut irritants. Steer clear of NSAIDS like ibuprofen and anything that causes individual gut sensitivity like dairy, gluten or certain FODMAPs.
- Give it time. It takes weeks for gut bacteria levels to fully recover. Be patient and stick with a gut-friendly diet.
When to See Your Doctor
Severe or prolonged gut issues after a colonoscopy may be a sign of complications. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe pain, bloating or cramping
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Constipation lasting more than 3 days
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever over 101 F (38 C)
Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating and bowel changes are common during the first week after colonoscopy. But if symptoms don’t start to improve after 7-10 days, see your doctor to rule out infection or other problems.
The Bottom Line
A colonoscopy inevitably disrupts the normal gut microbiome due to the bowel preparation, fasting and procedure itself. After your colonoscopy, focus on eating gut-friendly foods like probiotics, prebiotics and fiber to help replenish good bacteria. Drink plenty of fluids, reduce stress and avoid gut irritants. With time and a healthy diet, your colon will regain its normal function and feel like itself again.