How to Restore Intestinal Flora After a Colonoscopy

The presence of normal gut bacteria, called the intestinal flora, is important in the process of digestion. In the preparation for colonoscopy, laxatives are taken which interfere with the normal flora. The restoration of this flora therefore becomes expedient after the procedure and this can be done by taking some clearly defined and easy steps.

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows for the visualization of the large intestine for the purpose of the diagnosis of some conditions that affect the large intestine such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The preoperative procedure is done.

In the preparation for this procedure, the normal intestinal flora may be disrupted as a result of the use of laxatives that are meant to clear the bowel. These laxatives kill the normal gut bacteria that aids in digestion

Some steps can be taken after the procedure to restore the normal intestinal flora, which will in turn, restore normal bowel habits.

• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Just as laxatives, antibiotics can further disrupt the normal intestinal flora. Only use antibiotics prescribed by your physician.


• Eat plenty of fibers in your diet. Normal gut bacteria feed on fibers, which can be found in food such as onions, yam, garlic and banana.


• Take probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus) that can be found in yoghurts and yeast. However, consent should be taken from your physician before you take probiotics because it may cause an adverse reaction in some individuals.


• Reduce the intake of fat. Excess fat will further damage the intestinal flora


• Treat concurrent parasitic infections because they can prevent the restoration of the normal flora.

The presence of intestinal flora is essential in digestion and the maintenance of normal bowel habits. Its restoration after colonoscopy should therefore be a priority and can be achieved by taking these steps.