After colonoscopy, what should I eat to recover health?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh - Digestive Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

1.Learn about colonoscopy

The colon is a vulnerable organ with many different complications. Therefore, when experiencing abnormal signs related to the digestive system, patients should perform a colon examination, in which colonoscopy is the most common and accurate method of examination.
Colonoscopy can help doctors easily assess and detect signs of damage in the colon. Endoscopic procedures can be combined with biopsy or lesion treatment if necessary. The doctor will use a flexible tube with a camera and light, through the anus, the endoscope is inserted deep inside the colon and record images inside.
Usually, the colonoscopy process takes about 15 - 30 minutes or it can take longer. When colonoscopy can feel uncomfortable, a little tight, so the patient can choose the form of colonoscopy under anesthesia to minimize the discomfort during the colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a safe examination method, rarely negative complications occur. But after colonoscopy, if you notice symptoms such as high fever, chills, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, nausea and vomiting... then you should notify your doctor for treatment. timely handling.

2. Colonoscopy steps

Step 1: The doctor will instruct you to lie on your side with your legs bent high up to your abdomen. The doctor will use a flexible tube with a camera and light, through the anus, the endoscope is inserted deep inside the colon and record images inside. Step 2: Then, the doctor will blow air into the colon. Air entering the colon will inflate to make it easier to see through the monitor. Step 3: Under the doctor's observation, if there is an abnormality in the colon, the doctor will remove it or perform a biopsy. After the colonoscopy is done, you can completely do your daily activities, but you need to be aware of some dietary issues.

3. What should I eat after colonoscopy to recover?

After colonoscopy, the patient needs to rest for about 1 hour. The colonoscopy requires the patient to fast, so the patient may feel tired. Therefore, "What should I eat after a colonoscopy?" is something to be noted. Here are some notes on what to eat after a colonoscopy that you should take to avoid complications to the digestive system as well as the colon. Specifically:
About 1 hour after the endoscopy, you can drink a cup of fresh milk and use some other foods such as cold porridge to replenish energy. It is recommended to eat soft, liquid, cold and easily digested foods to restore the lining of the colon, reduce bloating (olive oil, aloe vera, wheatgrass juice, fish oil, plantain seeds, ginger, galangal). ...) Do not eat too full, chew food thoroughly before swallowing, eat many small meals a day, each meal can be spaced from 3-4 hours. You can eat chicken eggs because it contains many nutrients that are good for health recovery, but it should not be overused and should be in a reasonable frequency. Fresh fruits to supplement essential minerals, vitamins and fiber needed by the body. Do not use sour fruits because they can irritate and affect the colon during recovery.

Besides, after colonoscopy, you should not use some foods such as:
Cold foods: After colonoscopy you should not use cold foods such as ice cream and ice a lot to avoid negative effects on the colon and stomach. Spicy, hot and sour foods with high acid content such as mango, grapefruit, lemon, pickles, salted eggplant, ... Foods containing a lot of fat are foods that should not be used after colonoscopy, because the digestive system The patient's condition is not good, so when using foods containing a lot of fat, it will interfere with the digestive process and make the stomach unable to absorb food, affecting the health of the patient. Do not use alcohol, tobacco, carbonated drinks or stimulants. This is taboo for patients undergoing colonoscopy because the above substances are negative factors that destroy the mucosa and cause colon damage. Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. and treatment.

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