Should I Take Probiotics After Colonoscopy?

Having a colonoscopy is something you would be advised to have by a medical professional. It is considered an effective way of detecting if there are any signs of precancerous lesions that require treatment before there is further cause for concern. It is thought that performing a colon cleanse before your treatment is a simple and effective way of ensuring the colonoscopy goes smoothly. It will rid the body of any toxins and harmful bacteria and help the gut’s flora to be as balanced as possible before your treatment.

The question we are asking today however is, should you take probiotics after a colonoscopy? This is something that is as important as the prep for your treatment as a colonoscopy has a tendency to wipe out all the beneficial and good bacteria in the gut. This can often lead to an array of concerns, from stomach cramping, frequent bowel movements such as diarrhoea, and bloating. What is often forgotten is the complex and delicate microbes of the gut can be knocked off kilter by the slightest changes, from eating too much greasy food, to experiencing a stressful day.

Therefore today, we will be exploring how to combat these concerns and answer the question- should I take probiotics after a colonoscopy?

How do I restore my gut after a colonoscopy?

Apart from introducing probiotics into your routine, there are some simple and gentle ways of rebalancing the gut microbiome after a colonoscopy, here are some examples that have been proven to be most effective.

• Drink kefir or similar yoghurt-based drinks for one week after your colonoscopy. The good bacteria found in these products will give the gut a boost in vital good bacteria needed to keep the gut functioning properly.
• Keep away from overly processed food containing high levels of fat, sugars, and alcohol as these foods increase the bad bacteria in the gut resulting in the flora to take longer to become healthy again.
• Start your day by taking your probiotics on an empty stomach as this will ensure you reap the rewards without the supplement encountering anything.
• Up the ante when it comes to your diet after a colonoscopy by eating more fresh fruit and green vegetables.

By using these methods to rid the gut of toxins and a build-up of bad bacteria. This is the benefit of starting this gut flora reboot with a cleansed colon.

What happens to gut bacteria after colonoscopy?

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you must start by fasting, followed with a laxative drink. By doing this you are clearing the gut out completely which can sometimes lead to every ounce of bacteria removed, even the good. This results in the gut becoming imbalanced, but hopefully for only a short period of time returning to its original state before the colonoscopy. However, it has been known that once an imbalance occurs in the gut the microbiome can change. To avoid this and any discomfort that can often occur, it is best to consult with your doctor or GP to discuss the optimal way of performing your bowel preparation. There is still a lot to be learnt about how the gut microbiome is affected and how it is able to replenish itself and how it can have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

How long does it take for a bowel to heal after colonoscopy?

Once you have reached recovery and you have managed to shake off the groggy feeling as the sedation beings to wear off you will find yourself to feel yourself in no time. Some other side effects are an increase in feeling bloated with a bit of flatulence due to the extra air injected into your intestines during the procedure. These feelings and discomfort will subside in 30 minutes or so, having said that, you may find there is some gas and stomach cramps for a little while longer.

With the first bowel movement after your procedure, you may find there is some blood, this is something that is very common and shouldn’t cause too much concern. However, if the problem persists and you suffer from dizziness, cramping, or have a high fever you must consult with a doctor for a better understanding. This is something that rarely occurs, and many find having a colonoscopy to be a successful and simple treatment to have with it leading to impressive results.

Does a colonoscopy weaken your immune system?

Yes, it can weaken the immune system slightly for a short time after the procedure. This can leave you venerable to infection as well as the imbalance of good and bad bacteria found in the gut. This shouldn’t last for very long and can be helped by following some of the suggestions I have mentioned previously regarding, specific stuff to eat and drink as well as introducing probiotics into your routine. Other ways of boosting your immunity are to also follow some of these steps.

• Swap your morning tea or coffee for a cup of hot water and lemon. This simple recipe works wonders at giving the body a helping hand at combating nasty germs and free radicals
• Ensure you get enough rest after your treatment as this will help your body recover quickly.
• Introduce vitamin C and D supplements, both of these will help improve the body’s immunity and ward off any signs of cold and flu.

There you have a little more about replenishing the immune system whilst simultaneously rebalancing the gut’s microbiome.

What are signs of infection after colonoscopy?

There is a great deal of risk of developing an infection after having a colonoscopy, although its rare, it does happen. To avoid this, many experts suggest before having the treatment, you perform your own background check of the medical professional and space they work in. If you find yourself to be satisfied that the hygiene and equipment are of the best quality and standard. The signs of having an infection after a colonoscopy are having a fever, stomach cramps, unsettled stomach, diarrhoea, discomfort, and blood in your faeces. If you find any of these to last longer than 2 days, it’s important you consult with a GP.

There you have a little more information about whether you should take probiotics after colonoscopy. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for daily posts, discounts, new launches, and insider tips.