Can I have rice after an endoscopy? A Nutritionist's Guide to Your Recovery Diet

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Endoscopies are common and generally safe procedures used to examine the digestive tract. While the process is straightforward, what you eat afterward is crucial for a smooth recovery, especially if you're asking, 'Can I have rice after an endoscopy?'

Quick Summary

After an endoscopy, patients should gradually reintroduce food, starting with clear liquids before progressing to soft, bland options like white rice within 24-48 hours. High-fiber brown rice and irritating foods should be avoided initially to allow the digestive system to recover fully.

Key Points

Start with Liquids: Begin with sips of water and clear liquids once your swallowing reflex is back and you are fully alert.
Opt for White Rice: Plain, cooked white rice is an ideal soft, bland food for the first 24-48 hours, as it is easy to digest.
Avoid Brown Rice Initially: High-fiber brown rice should be avoided during the initial recovery period to prevent irritation of the sensitive digestive tract.
Introduce Foods Gradually: Transition from liquids to a soft, bland diet before slowly reintroducing your normal foods over 1 to 2 days.
Steer Clear of Irritants: Avoid spicy, fatty, acidic, and fried foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, until you feel fully recovered.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how you feel after eating different foods and adjust your diet accordingly to avoid discomfort.

An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the upper digestive tract to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. After sedation, your throat may be sore and your digestive system sensitive, making dietary choices critical for a comfortable recovery. Many people can tolerate light, easily digestible foods like white rice soon after, but timing and preparation are key.

The Immediate Post-Procedure Period

For the first hour or two after the endoscopy, your throat may be numb from the local anesthetic, and you may feel groggy from sedation. Your doctor will advise you to wait until your swallowing reflex is fully back before consuming anything. Start with small sips of water or clear liquids to test your comfort. If you can tolerate these, you can slowly transition to softer foods. Symptoms like mild bloating, gas, or a sore throat are normal and usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.

Moving to Soft, Bland Foods

Within the first 24 to 48 hours, the focus should be on soft, bland, and easily digestible foods that won't irritate your digestive lining. This is where white rice can be a valuable addition. Its low fiber content and soft texture make it gentle on the stomach. Here are some options for this phase:

White rice: Plain, cooked white rice is an excellent choice. It provides energy and is easy to digest.
Scrambled eggs: A soft, high-protein food that is gentle on the stomach.
Applesauce: A smooth, low-fiber fruit option.
Mashed potatoes: Without the skin, mashed potatoes are a comforting and easily digestible carbohydrate.
Yogurt or pudding: Soft, dairy-based foods that are simple to consume.
Clear broths and soups: Offer hydration and nutrients without taxing the digestive system.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice After an Endoscopy

When considering rice, the type you choose matters significantly during recovery. Here is a comparison to help you decide:


Feature	White Rice	Brown Rice
Processing	Milled to remove the bran and germ.	Retains the bran and germ.
Fiber Content	Low in fiber.	High in fiber.
Digestion	Very easy to digest.	Harder to digest due to high fiber.
Post-Endoscopy Suitability	Excellent for the initial recovery phase due to low fiber.	Should be avoided initially as it can irritate the sensitive digestive tract.
Energy Source	Quick energy source.	Slower, sustained energy release.

For the first couple of days after an endoscopy, it is best to stick to white rice. Its low fiber content prevents unnecessary strain on your healing gastrointestinal tract. You can gradually reintroduce brown rice and other higher-fiber foods as your symptoms improve and you return to your normal diet, typically after 24 to 48 hours.

Foods to Avoid During Recovery

Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid to prevent irritation and discomfort. For at least 24 hours, and often longer, you should avoid foods and drinks that can inflame or aggravate the digestive system.

Spicy foods: Can irritate the stomach lining and trigger discomfort.
Fatty and fried foods: Take longer to digest and can lead to bloating and pain.
High-fiber and raw foods: Difficult for a sensitive stomach to process initially. This includes brown rice, raw vegetables, and nuts.
Alcohol: Irritates the digestive tract and can interact with lingering sedation.
Caffeine: A stimulant that can increase gastrointestinal irritation.
Acidic foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and juices can worsen throat soreness and digestive upset.

A Gradual Return to Your Normal Diet

As you begin to feel better after the initial 24-48 hour period, you can start to expand your food choices. The key is to listen to your body. If a food causes discomfort, scale back and reintroduce it later. A full return to your regular diet is generally safe once you feel completely recovered. In some cases, your doctor may give specific instructions, especially if biopsies were performed. Follow their personalized guidance to ensure optimal healing.

Conclusion

Yes, you can have white rice after an endoscopy, and it is often a recommended part of the soft, bland diet for initial recovery due to its low fiber content and digestibility. Brown rice should be avoided until your digestive system has had a chance to rest. By starting with clear liquids and gradually introducing soft, bland foods, while avoiding irritants like spicy, fatty, and high-fiber items, you can ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery. Always follow your doctor's instructions and listen to your body's signals throughout the process.

For more information on digestive health procedures and recovery, consult a reliable medical resource like the Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can typically start eating solid food, like plain white rice, once your throat feels comfortable and you have successfully tolerated clear liquids for a few hours after the procedure.

No, it is best to avoid brown rice immediately after an endoscopy. Its high fiber content is harder to digest and can irritate a sensitive stomach. Stick to low-fiber white rice during the initial recovery phase.

If you experience stomach pain after eating rice, it's best to stop and revert to simpler, more easily digestible foods like broth or applesauce. Consult your doctor if the pain persists.

For recovery, prepare plain white rice without any added spices, oils, or heavy sauces. Ensure it is well-cooked to a soft consistency, making it as gentle as possible on your digestive system.

You should wait until your digestive system feels completely normal before eating sushi. Start with soft, plain choices and avoid spicy or fried sushi, which could cause irritation.

Most people can gradually return to their normal diet within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Some may need more time, especially if biopsies were taken.

Other recommended foods include scrambled eggs, applesauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, pudding, and clear broths. These options are soft and easy on the stomach.