Leena Watts
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves more than just the procedure itself; what you eat and how you prepare your gut are essential to the success of the test. A few days before the procedure, it is recommended to start eating a low-fibre diet, which includes well-cooked lean meats, white bread and rice, and cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. The day before the colonoscopy, you should switch to a clear liquid diet, such as clear broth, tea, or juice, and avoid solid foods. This helps to ensure that your bowel is as clean as possible, providing a clear view for your doctor during the colonoscopy.
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What You'll Learn
Eat low-fibre foods, like white bread, rice, and pasta
It is recommended that you eat low-fibre foods such as white bread, rice, and pasta for a few days before your colonoscopy. This is because a low-fibre diet helps to clear your colon, providing a better view during the procedure. Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains, and it remains undigested as it passes through the digestive system, providing bulk to stools.
White bread, white rice, and white pasta are refined grains that have been milled and processed to remove their bran and germ, which contain fibre, as well as some nutrients. This results in a finer texture and an extended shelf life, but it also means that these foods are not a source of fibre.
When preparing for a colonoscopy, it is important to avoid fibre as it can interfere with the procedure. Fibre adds bulk to the stool, which can make it difficult for the doctor to see the colon walls clearly. By eating low-fibre foods, the colon can be cleared of waste, providing a clearer view for the colonoscopy.
In addition to white bread, white rice, and white pasta, there are other low-fibre foods that can be included in your diet before a colonoscopy. These include well-cooked, lean meats such as beef, lamb, ham, veal, or pork; fish; shellfish; poultry; eggs; potatoes without skins; and dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese. It is also important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
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Avoid fibre-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains
It is important to have a clean bowel before a colonoscopy to get the most out of the procedure. Fibre is the part of food that is not digested and can mask areas in your bowel that the doctor needs to see. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid fibre-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, before a colonoscopy.
Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains. To be more specific, avoid whole grains and cereals, such as wholemeal bread, bran, and muesli. Instead, opt for white bread, white rice, and products made with refined flour.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, choose well-cooked or canned options over raw or fresh ones. Avoid nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dried beans and peas. Drink fruit juices without pulp.
In addition to avoiding fibre-rich foods, it is also important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, aiming for at least 2 litres or about 8 to 10 glasses per day. This will help with the bowel preparation and ensure your body is well-hydrated for the procedure.
Remember, these dietary changes are temporary and specific to preparing for a colonoscopy. It is always best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietician for personalised advice and guidance, especially if you have any specific dietary restrictions or health concerns.
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Drink clear liquids, such as broth, tea, or juice
It is recommended that you only consume clear liquids one day before and on the day of your colonoscopy. Clear liquids that are safe to consume during this time include broth, tea, and juice. Clear sports drinks are also acceptable, but red or purple varieties should be avoided. Clear broth is a good option, as it is easy to digest and can help replace lost electrolytes. It is important to avoid solid foods during this time, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the procedure.
It is crucial to stay hydrated before a colonoscopy, so drinking enough clear liquids is essential. Aim for around 2 litres (about 8 to 10 glasses) of clear liquids per day. This will help ensure your body is adequately prepared for the procedure. It is also advisable to start having smaller meals in the days leading up to the colonoscopy, as this can aid in the effectiveness of the bowel preparation solution.
Tea and coffee are acceptable clear liquids to consume, but they should be taken without milk or non-dairy creamers. Herbal tea, black tea, and coffee are all suitable options. However, it is important to avoid creamers or milk as they are not clear liquids and can leave residue in your colon, which may affect the accuracy of the colonoscopy.
In addition to broth, tea, and juice, there are other clear liquids that you can include in your diet before the procedure. Clear juices, such as apple and white grape juice, are acceptable, but avoid pulpy juices like orange juice. Lemon or lime juice can also be added to water as a flavour enhancer. Clear sports drinks are also permitted, but it is best to avoid red or purple varieties, as they may be confused with blood during the colonoscopy.
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Take laxatives and increase fluid intake
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleansing your bowels with a laxative formula. This is essential to the success of the procedure. If your bowels are not clear, your doctor won't be able to see properly inside your colon, and the procedure may need to be rescheduled.
There are several different types of laxative bowel prep kits available, and your healthcare provider can help you identify the right preparation for you. Osmotic laxatives with extra fluids and
Saline-based laxatives, such as sodium phosphate, are easy to swallow and are equally effective when taken as directed. However, they may irritate the intestinal mucosa if you have an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. They are also not recommended for those at risk of complications from fluid-electrolyte shifts, such as those with certain pre-existing conditions or taking certain medications.
Polymer-based laxatives, known as polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG), are typically in powder form and are mixed with large volumes of water (up to 4 litres). While PEG formulas are considered safe, the volume and taste can make it challenging for some people to complete the prep. To address this, variations with flavour options have been developed, and some bowel preps combine a smaller dose of PEG with another laxative, bisacodyl.
It is important to follow the schedule in your bowel preparation packet carefully. This usually involves drinking half of the laxative the night before your procedure and the other half on the morning of your procedure. You may need to wake up in the middle of the night to finish the laxative, and it should be completed at least four hours before your scheduled arrival time.
In addition to taking laxatives, it is crucial to increase your fluid intake before a colonoscopy. Aim to drink plenty of fluids, ideally 2 litres (about 8 to 10 glasses) per day. You can also have a small amount of clear liquids up until 2 hours before your procedure.
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Return to a fibre-rich diet after the procedure
After your colonoscopy, it is important to gradually return to a fibre-rich diet. Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, and it is an essential part of a healthy diet. Fibre-rich foods include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens
- Legumes (beans, peas, and lentils)
- Whole grains (quinoa, oats, whole wheat, and brown rice)
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit
These foods are part of a Mediterranean-style diet, which is also rich in lean proteins (such as poultry and fish), olive oil, and dairy foods (such as milk). This type of diet can help promote a healthy gut by feeding the beneficial microbes that live there.
When returning to a fibre-rich diet, it is important to start slowly and listen to your body. Begin with small meals and gradually increase the amount and variety of fibre-rich foods you eat. Well-cooked, lean meats, fish, shellfish, poultry, and eggs are also good sources of protein that are easy to digest.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and tea.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to eat a low-fiber diet for a few days before a colonoscopy. This includes foods such as lean meats, white bread, white rice, eggs, dairy, and cooked or canned fruits and vegetables.
You should avoid high-fiber foods, including legumes (beans, lentils, peas), whole grains (whole-wheat crackers, cereals, breads, popcorn, granola), nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and raw fruits or vegetables. It is also important to avoid foods or drinks that are red, blue, or purple, as they can stain the lining of your colon.
The day before a colonoscopy, you should only consume clear liquids. This includes clear broth, black coffee, plain tea, clear juice, clear soft drinks, sports drinks, Jell-O, and popsicles. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and take laxatives to clean out your colon.
