Madeleine Hull
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves several steps, including dietary changes. It is recommended to start eating smaller meals and avoiding foods containing fibre several days before the procedure. This includes fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains. Instead, opt for low-fibre foods such as white bread, pasta, rice, eggs, and well-cooked vegetables without skin. In the days leading up to the colonoscopy, it is crucial to stay hydrated and only consume clear liquids, such as sports drinks, clear juice, and broth. Additionally, laxatives are typically taken the night before to ensure the colon is empty for the procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days before the procedure | 1-5 days |
| Diet | Low-fibre foods, white bread, eggs, white rice, pasta, fruit without skin, well-cooked vegetables without skin |
| Drinks | Clear liquids, water, sports drinks, clear juice (apple and white grape), clear broth, tea and coffee without milk, gelatin, ice pops |
| Foods to avoid | Fibre, seeds, nuts, corn, popcorn, red, blue or purple dyes, alcohol, milk, orange juice |
| Medication | Laxatives, bowel prep medication |
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What You'll Learn
Low-fibre foods
It is recommended that you eat low-fibre foods for several days—specifically, three to five days—before your colonoscopy. Fibre is the part of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains that is not digested. If it remains in your bowel, it can obscure areas that the doctor needs to see.
Instead, opt for white foods, such as white bread, white rice, and products made with refined flour, like pasta. You can also eat eggs, fruit without skin, and canned or well-cooked vegetables without their skin. Drink juices without pulp, and choose tender, well-cooked meats.
For the last one to three days before your colonoscopy, you may only be consuming clear liquids and laxatives. On the day of the colonoscopy, continue to avoid all solid foods and stick to clear liquids until a few hours before the procedure.
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Clear liquids
On the day before your colonoscopy, you should not eat any solid food. You should continue to avoid solid foods on the day of the procedure, sticking to clear liquids until a few hours before. This is because, for a doctor to examine the colon properly, it must be clear of faeces. Clear liquids ensure the bowel is empty and ready for the colonoscope, a narrow, flexible tool with a light and camera that is inserted into the rectum.
It is important to note that some drinks are not considered clear liquids. For example, you should avoid milk and milk alternatives, as well as alcoholic drinks. Fruit and vegetable juices with pulp or added fibre are also not allowed, so opt for strained or pulp-free varieties. Clear liquids are an important part of colonoscopy preparation, but always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
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Laxatives
In the days leading up to a colonoscopy, it is important to follow a specific diet to ensure the procedure's effectiveness. This involves eating low-fibre foods and eventually moving to a clear liquid diet. In addition to dietary changes, laxatives are also commonly used to prepare for a colonoscopy.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for taking laxatives. For example, you may be instructed to take a specific number of laxative tablets, such as Dulcolax, with a large glass of water upon waking. You will also need to continue a clear liquid diet throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
In the evening, you will typically drink a solution containing a laxative agent, such as magnesium citrate. This helps to fully cleanse the bowels. The timing of consuming this solution depends on your procedure's schedule, as specified by your healthcare provider.
It is important to note that laxatives can cause frequent bowel movements, diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Therefore, it is recommended to stay near a toilet when taking laxatives and to follow the prescribed diet to ensure the procedure's success.
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Medication
7 Days Prior:
Discontinue medications for diarrhoea, such as Imodium or Kaopectate, and those containing iron. If you are unsure about the iron content, refer to the medication leaflet or consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, stop taking any codeine phosphate or loperamide-containing medications, which are commonly used to treat pain, cough, and diarrhoea.
4 Days Prior:
Continue taking all other medications as usual, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. This includes prescription and non-prescription medications, but always consult your doctor for specific instructions.
On the Day of the Procedure:
- Take your morning medicines, especially those for blood pressure, at least four hours before the procedure with a small amount of water.
- Ensure you have someone to accompany you home, even if you plan to take a taxi or public transportation.
- Take your blood pressure medicine with water at least two hours before the test.
- Do not consume any food or liquids, including water, four hours before the procedure.
During the Procedure:
You will likely be asleep or heavily sedated during the colonoscopy. If you opt for lighter sedation or none at all, you may experience discomfort or pain.
After the Procedure:
You may experience bloating or gas for a few hours. It is normal to see a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement post-procedure. Contact your doctor if you experience ongoing stomach pain, fever, or persistent bleeding. You can resume a normal diet unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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Hydration
On the day of the colonoscopy, it's important to continue this hydration routine until a few hours before the procedure. Clear liquids are permitted, but you should stop drinking any liquids entirely two to four hours before the colonoscopy. This includes water, clear juices, sports drinks, and broths.
It is important to avoid any liquids that are not clear, such as milk or orange juice, as these can discolour the colon and hinder the doctor's visibility during the procedure. Coffee, tea, and soda are allowed, but avoid adding milk or cream. Clear gelatin and ice pops are also permitted, but steer clear of red, blue, or purple dyes, as these can also interfere with the doctor's view.
In the days leading up to the colonoscopy, it is recommended to start transitioning to a low-fiber diet, which includes low-residue foods. This will help support colon cleansing, as low-fiber foods are easier to digest and will clear your system more quickly.
Remember, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions for preparing for a colonoscopy. They may provide specific guidance on hydration and other aspects of your prep routine.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start changing your diet around one week before the procedure. Three to five days before the procedure, eat a low-fibre diet and avoid seeds, nuts, corn, and popcorn. One day before, drink clear liquids and avoid solid food.
Doctors recommend low-fibre foods that are easy to digest and leave your system quickly. You can eat white foods, such as white bread, pasta, and rice. You can also eat fruit without skin and canned or well-cooked vegetables without their skin.
Avoid foods high in fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, and grains (e.g. wholemeal bread and cereals). Avoid drinks you can't see through, like milk or orange juice, and drinks that are red, blue, or purple.
Your bowels must be empty so your doctor can see the inside of your colon more clearly. A clear colon will also reduce the chances of your doctor missing abnormalities, which could result in the need to repeat the procedure.
