Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. If detected early, colonoscopy can prevent further cancers from forming. Fortunately, if you have been diagnosed with a recent colonoscopy, you should be able to safely return to normal diet as soon as you are able to safely do so.
How Do You Protect Yourself?
Although most people won’t experience any problems after a colonoscopy, some can experience side effects. While the procedure isn’t painful, a number of people may experience diarrhea or cramping. Additionally, you may notice any of the following side effects. If any of these occur, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. This could signal a potential problem and you could need additional medical help. – Muscle cramps – Trouble breathing – Low energy – Fever – Nausea or vomiting – Change in bowel movements – A weak immune system – Unusual bleeding – Headaches or body aches
What Should You Eat?
In case you have not heard, there is a huge surge in colon cancer cases. So, eating right could be a great thing to do after your procedure. There are certain foods that you should avoid eating. These include red meat, processed meats, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and fatty foods. If you must consume these items, it is best to have them well before your procedure. Other than that, it is best to consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
Common After Effects of a Colonoscopy
Even though you may have had a colonoscopy, there is a chance that you may experience some of the following after effects. These are some of the most common, but not necessarily always experienced by everyone. Headaches can occur, as can dizziness or a sensation that you’re falling. These may be short-lived, but if you notice any of them, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. You may also experience abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, or a change in bowel movements. There may also be bloating, as well as an increased sensitivity to light. Additional after effects can include constipation, gas or bloating, nausea, indigestion, pain, fatigue, and in some cases increased discomfort with defecation. Some people may have a sore throat, or constipation, and a burning sensation in the rectum. You may also have an urge to have a bowel movement, and may not be able to. If you do get a sore throat, it may take several days to go away. You may have difficulty swallowing or a feeling of pressure in your throat, and may have trouble breathing. Some people may notice that they don’t feel like eating or eating less than usual. It’s also possible to experience a change in your skin’s color. This may be due to dehydration or bleeding.
Post Colonoscopy Diet
It’s important to replenish your body after you have a colonoscopy. This is especially true if your procedure was long and you’re experiencing digestive discomfort. You’ll probably have some pain and discomfort after the procedure, and it’s important to give your body time to heal. Dieting after a colonoscopy is a great way to maintain the health of your colon and keep your digestive system in good shape. Here’s a post-colonoscopy diet for you to try out.
How Should You Eat After a Colonoscopy?
The best post-colonoscopy meal, if you’re prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a clear liquid diet for about 24 hours after the procedure, followed by an 8-ounce glass of plain water and some light, fiber-rich foods such as brown rice, baked sweet potato, or broccoli. You can also have some fruit (bananas, apples, or oranges are ideal), lean protein, or lean vegetable, such as a green salad or coleslaw with low-fat dressing. After you’ve recovered from the procedure, stay away from dairy products, fried foods, and spicy foods.
I’m Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. I’m here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! I’ve been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. I’ve been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and I’ve loved every minute of it! I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. I’m here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that it’s not as difficult as you might think! I hope you’ll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you!