Pasta And Colonoscopy: The Right Diet Before Your Procedure

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves a lot more than just cleaning out your bowels. In the days leading up to the procedure, it is important to make changes to your diet and consume foods that are low in fibre. This includes white bread, white pasta, and white rice. In addition, it is recommended to eat light foods that are easy to digest, such as mashed potatoes, cooked chicken, and soups. On the day before the colonoscopy, it is important to stick to a clear liquid diet and avoid solid foods and liquids with colour.

Colonoscopy Diet Characteristics

Colonoscopy prep diets should be started 2-3 days before the exam

Colonoscopy prep diets are an important part of the procedure, as they help the doctor see inside the colon clearly. The process can begin a few days before the exam, and it typically involves strong laxatives and dietary changes.

The colonoscopy prep diet should be started 2-3 days before the exam, and it is typically divided into two phases. In the first phase, which lasts for two days, it is recommended to eat a low-fibre diet. This includes white bread, white pasta, and white rice. Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains, so these foods should be avoided.

The second phase, which is typically the day before the exam, involves a clear liquid diet. This includes water, fat-free broth, tea, coffee, sports drinks, and clear apple juice. It is important to avoid liquids with red, purple, or blue dyes, as these can discolour the colon.

On the day of the exam, it is recommended to only drink water and light-coloured teas up to 4 hours before the procedure. Solid foods should be avoided, and it is also important to drink plenty of fluids.

Some other tips for preparing for a colonoscopy include scheduling time off work and arranging for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, as you may feel groggy or disoriented afterward. It is also normal to experience some abdominal discomfort and bloating for a few days after the exam.

Consume light, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest

Consuming light, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest is essential before a colonoscopy. This is known as a low-residue diet, which limits high-fibre foods and includes softer foods. Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, and cereals, and it passes through the digestive system mostly undigested. Therefore, it is important to avoid whole grains and cereals and opt for white bread, white rice, and products made with refined flour. This includes pasta, bread, bagels, rolls, and crackers made from white or refined flour.

Meats are also part of a low-residue diet, but they should be tender, well-cooked, and lean. Examples include beef, chicken, turkey, and seafood. It is best to avoid fatty meats and raw or dried fruits and vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables are a good alternative, but they should be peeled and without seeds. For example, carrots, asparagus tips, green beans, pumpkin, and spinach are suitable.

Drinks with no pulp, such as fruit juices, are also recommended. Dairy products like milk are okay in moderation. It is important to note that a low-fibre diet is not intended for weight loss and should only be followed for a short time under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is often recommended after a colonoscopy.

Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of how different foods make you feel. A low-residue diet may not provide all the necessary nutrients, so consulting a doctor or nutritionist is essential to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition and to determine if supplements are needed. This diet should be started three days before the procedure and continued for two days.

Avoid foods containing fibre, such as wholemeal bread and cereals

It is important to avoid foods that are high in fibre, such as wholemeal bread and cereals, in the days leading up to a colonoscopy. This is because fibre can interfere with the procedure by not allowing your colon to fully clear out during your prep. In addition, fibre takes longer to digest, so it can leave residue in your colon that can obscure the view of the colonoscopy camera.

Wholegrain or wholemeal bread is made from flour that still contains the bran and germ of the wheat grain. These parts of the grain are rich in nutrients and fibre, which give the bread its characteristic coarse texture and nutty flavour. However, the high fibre content can be problematic for colonoscopy preparation.

Similarly, whole grain cereals, such as oatmeal or bran flakes, are made from unrefined, whole grains that retain their fibre-rich outer layers. While these cereals offer numerous health benefits for digestion and nutrition, the high fibre content can hinder the goal of a clear colon during a colonoscopy.

To ensure the success of your colonoscopy, it is important to follow the recommended diet restrictions, which typically include avoiding fibre-rich foods like wholemeal bread and cereals. This will help to ensure that your colon is clear and ready for the procedure, allowing your doctor to get a clear view and perform an accurate examination.

On the day before the colonoscopy, switch to a clear liquid diet

It is important to follow a clear liquid diet on the day before your colonoscopy. This means you should only consume clear liquids such as water, fat-free broth, black tea and coffee, sports drinks, and clear apple juice. It is important to avoid liquids with red, purple, or blue dyes as they can discolor the colon and hinder the examination.

You should also avoid solid foods and red liquids. Clear liquid diets are recommended because they help clear out your bowels, allowing your doctor to see inside your colon during the procedure. In addition to the clear liquid diet, your doctor may recommend a laxative to help with this process.

On the day of the colonoscopy, continue to follow the clear liquid diet until a few hours before the procedure. You will receive instructions from your doctor on how long to refrain from drinking liquids before the colonoscopy. It is also important to note that you should avoid foods that cause gas within 24 hours of the exam, such as beans, lentils, peas, cabbage, broccoli, and eggs.

Leading up to the day before your colonoscopy, it is advisable to consume low-fiber foods. This includes white bread, white pasta, white rice, well-cooked lean meats, fish, and certain types of fruits and vegetables. These foods are easier to digest and help ensure that your bowel is cleared for the examination.

Remember, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor for your colonoscopy preparation. They will guide you on the appropriate diet and any necessary medications to ensure a safe and effective procedure.

After the exam, maintain a light diet and drink plenty of fluids

After your colonoscopy, it is important to maintain a light diet and drink plenty of fluids. The gut takes around 3 to 5 days to start working normally again, and you may experience abdominal discomfort and bloating in the meantime. To help alleviate these symptoms, you should avoid foods that cause gas within 24 hours of the exam, such as beans, lentils, peas, cabbage, broccoli, kale, eggs, sweets, soft drinks, and seafood. It is also common to see a bit of blood in your first bowel movement after the exam, but if you continue to see blood or have ongoing stomach pain or a fever, be sure to contact your doctor.

In the days leading up to your colonoscopy, you will have been advised to follow a low-fibre diet, which may have included white bread, white pasta, and white rice. After the procedure, it is a good idea to continue with light, easily digestible foods such as cooked chicken, mashed potatoes, and soups. You can also include peeled and cooked vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, as well as non-whole grains, like white rice.

It is also important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water. You can also include light-coloured teas, but avoid those with red, purple, or blue dyes as these can discolour the colon and make it harder to examine. If you are experiencing discomfort, warm drinks like tea may help soothe your stomach.

While it is important to stay hydrated, be mindful not to overdo it. In the lead-up to your colonoscopy, you would have been drinking large amounts of water and taking laxatives, which can cause an imbalance in your body's fluids and electrolytes. Therefore, it is crucial to rehydrate at a steady pace and not over-hydrate.

Frequently asked questions