Can I eat fruit in the afternoon if I had a gastroscopy in the morning?

It is generally safe to eat fruit in the afternoon after having a gastroscopy in the morning, and this usually does not cause any other discomfort.

Gastroscopy is considered an invasive procedure in clinical practice. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through the patient's mouth and throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for examination. During the procedure, minor damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa is unavoidable. Therefore, eating should be avoided immediately afterward to prevent further irritation of the digestive tract lining, which could lead to abnormal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or nausea. Generally, patients can begin eating small amounts of food, including fruit, about two hours after the procedure. Having a gastroscopy in the morning and consuming fruit in the afternoon typically allows for a gap of more than two hours, making it acceptable to eat fruit. For example, choosing fruits rich in vitamin C may provide beneficial effects for gastrointestinal health.

Although eating fruit in the afternoon after a morning gastroscopy is permissible, it is advisable to avoid overly sweet or acidic fruits, as they may stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, exacerbate damage to the gastric mucosa, and trigger discomfort.