Many people who have had a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer will say that the time leading up to the procedure was worse. But there are ways to make it more tolerable. Here’s how.
If you have a colonoscopy coming up, a test in which a colonoscope with a light and a digital camera is threaded through the rectum and the length of the colon so that your doctor can look for signs of precancerous growths, you may be dreading it.
Most people are put to sleep with light sedation for the test itself, but the notorious lead-up is what you may be most afraid of. The day before the test, you have to drink a bowel preparation meant to clean out your colon and eat nothing but clear liquids.
Even though most people have never thought of getting ready for a colonoscopy as fun, there are things you can do before you even start taking the prep that will make it easier and help the screening test go better.
Christine Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says that many doctors will only recommend a clear liquid diet for one full day before your prep. However, many others say you should start making changes a few days before that to avoid the stress of a less-than-ideal prep and get the best colon clean-out possible.
Some foods, like red meat, are just heavy and take longer to get out of the colon. Other foods, like corn, have heavy skins that are hard to digest and stick around. Finally, nuts can clog the scope.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating and Drinking Before a Colonoscopy
Getting ready for a colonoscopy involves following a strict diet in the days leading up to the procedure. Many people wonder – can you have beef broth the day before a colonoscopy? The answer is yes, clear beef broth is generally allowed. But there are many other foods and liquids that must be avoided to ensure a successful colonoscopy prep.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about what you can and cannot eat and drink in the week before a colonoscopy Proper preparation is key to allowing your doctor to see your colon clearly and get accurate test results
Why Colonoscopy Prep Diet is Important
A colonoscopy can only be done when the colon, or large intestine, is empty and clean. Any leftover waste or stool can make it hard for the doctor to see the lining of the intestines. For a full colonoscopy clean-out, the laxative solution and diet plan that you are given work together.
Following prep diet rules avoids foods that can leave behind undigested residues Skipping fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other sources prevents formation of bulky stool that is harder to eliminate. Sticking to a clear liquid diet the day before avoids any solid food that could clog up the colon.
The clearer your colon, the easier it will be for your doctor to spot potential problems like polyps or cancer during the colonoscopy. Careful attention to the pre-colonoscopy diet ensures a thorough and successful procedure.
Colonoscopy Prep Timeline – What You Can Eat and Drink
Prepping your body for a colonoscopy takes several days. Here is a timeline of the dietary changes needed in the week before the test:
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1 week before: Continue normal diet but avoid seeds, nuts, popcorn, raw fruits and vegetables.
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5 days before: Continue avoiding the foods above plus raw vegetables, whole grains, tough meats.
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2 days before: Begin clear liquid diet – broths, juice without pulp, soda, coffee/tea without cream, sports drinks.
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1 day before: Only clear liquids permitted. Take laxative prep as instructed.
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Procedure day: Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours before your colonoscopy time.
Now let’s look at the prep timeline in more detail.
1 Week Before Colonoscopy
In the week before your colonoscopy, you can still enjoy most of your normal diet. But certain high-fiber foods should be removed that can leave residue behind and make prep more difficult.
Avoid:
- Nuts and seeds
- Popcorn
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
You can continue eating tender cooked vegetables, canned or cooked fruit without skin or seeds, white bread, pasta, rice, lean meats and other low-residue foods. Keep hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of fluids per day.
5 Days Before Colonoscopy
Continue to avoid the foods mentioned above. Also steer clear of:
- Raw vegetables with skins like broccoli, cabbage, beans
- Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, shredded wheat
- Dried fruits
- Tough, fibrous meats
Stick with foods like white bread, white pasta or rice, eggs, tender meats, canned fruits and vegetables. Soft, well-cooked vegetables without skins are also OK. Stay well hydrated with water, juice, tea, or other non-alcoholic drinks.
2 Days Before Colonoscopy
Two days before your colonoscopy, it’s time to switch to a clear liquid diet. No solid foods at all should be eaten from this point onward. Hydration is especially important to avoid dehydration. Aim for at least 64 oz of clear fluids per day.
OK liquids include:
- Water
- Clear broths – chicken, beef or vegetable
- Juices without pulp – apple, white grape, lemonade
- Tea and coffee without cream
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Sodas – ginger ale, Sprite, cola
- Frozen popsicles without fruit or cream
- Jello
Do NOT drink:
- Red, blue or purple liquids which can be mistaken for blood during the colonoscopy
- Milk, creamed soups, smoothies or anything with dairy
- Alcohol
1 Day Before Colonoscopy
Today is when the heavy duty colon cleansing begins. You’ll need to follow instructions provided with your colonoscopy prep kit. This typically involves drinking only clear liquids all day and taking laxative medication that causes diarrhea to empty your colon.
It’s crucial to follow your prep directions carefully and finish all required dosing. You may need to drink one or two rounds of laxative solution spaced several hours apart and drink extra fluids in between. Stay near a bathroom, since you’ll be experiencing urgent, watery bowel movements.
Continue your clear liquid diet – stick with broths, juices without pulp, soda, popsicles and gelatin. Drink at least 8 ounces of clear fluid every hour you’re awake to maintain hydration. Avoid any red, purple or blue liquids on this day.
Prep Day – Colonoscopy Day
Today is procedure day. A few hours before your scheduled colonoscopy time (often 3 hours), you’ll need to stop everything by mouth – no eating, drinking, smoking, gum or candy. This ensures your stomach and bowels are completely empty.
You may take small sips of water with any morning medications, but be sure to stop drinking the required time beforehand. Your colon prep should have left you passing clear or yellow liquid stool, signaling your bowels are cleansed and ready for the test.
What About Beef Broth Before a Colonoscopy?
Getting back to the original question – yes, you can and should drink clear beef broth as part of your colonoscopy prep diet. Broths are an important way to get in nutrition and hydration while avoiding solid food.
Plain beef broth, chicken broth and vegetable broth without any particles are excellent liquid choices leading up to your procedure. Broths provide protein, vitamins and minerals to give you energy during the restrictive prep days.
Be sure broths don’t have any vegetables, grains or noodles in them. Vegetable and beef consomme are also OK choices. Drink broths warmed up or chilled as a popsicle for variety. Sipping broth helps curb hunger and prevents dehydration during prep.
Other Clear Liquids Approved Before Colonoscopy
To recap, here are some other recommended clear liquids you can enjoy up until 3 hours before your colonoscopy:
- Water – plain or flavored
- Soft drinks – ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, cola, rootbeer
- Juices without pulp – apple, white grape, lemonade
- Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade
- Clear fruit smoothies without pulp
- Popsicles and ice chips
- Jello and gelatin
- Tea and coffee without creamer
- Clear hard candies
Be sure to avoid any colored red, blue or purple liquids. Also steer clear of dairy products like milk, smoothies, juice blends or creamers that can leave residue behind.
What to Avoid Eating and Drinking Before Colonoscopy
Now that we’ve covered what you can eat and drink to prep for your colonoscopy, it’s equally important to know what foods and beverages should be avoided.
Steer clear of the following in the week before your procedure:
- Red, purple or blue liquids
- Milk, cream, yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes
- Fresh fruits and vegetables with skins and seeds
- Dried fruits and prunes
- Nuts, popcorn and seeds
- Whole grains – whole wheat bread, brown rice, cereal, granola
- Raw vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, spinach, peppers
- Tough, fibrous meats with gristle
- Alcohol
Be diligent about checking labels and ingredients to look for hidden sources of fiber, seeds or pulp in prepared broths, juices and other drinks. If you can’t see clearly through a liquid, don’t drink it. Stay strict with your diet to ensure your colon is properly cleansed for your colonoscopy.
Bowel Prep Tips to Remember
Prepping for a colonoscopy is not the most pleasant experience. But taking a few simple steps can help make the process go more smoothly:
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Read all prep instructions ahead of time so you know what to expect.
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Stock up on clear liquids, broths, soda and popsicles so you have variety.
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Lemon, ginger and mint can help settle an upset stomach.
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Use petroleum jelly or diaper rash cream around the anus to prevent irritation.
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Stay near a bathroom once the diarrhea starts. Flushable wipes can help maintain skin comfort.
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Use a straw to drink prep solutions chilled through a straw to improve the taste.
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Set a timer to space out your doses and stay on schedule.
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Drink plenty of clear fluids during and after taking your laxative prep to stay hydrated.
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Have tender, grease-free foods ready for after the procedure when you can eat again.
Proper colonoscopy prep can certainly be challenging. But trying a clear liquid diet with broths, gelatin and juices can make it more bearable. Stick closely to the recommended foods and liquids and avoid anything that could leave residue behind.
With the right preparation, your colon will be ready for a complete inspection, allowing your doctor to check for any abnormalities. Taking these dietary steps ensures your colonoscopy goes as smoothly as possible, giving you peace of mind about your colon health.
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Prep for the Day Before — and Get Creative
The day before a colonoscopy, you should get rid of all the food and other things that are in your colon. This will help your doctor see inside and look for problems. In addition to drinking a prep to clean out the colon, they shouldn’t eat or drink anything else that needs to be cleared out, and they shouldn’t eat anything colored (like red) that could stain the colon and cause concern if seen during the screening. Going to the store with a colonoscopy-friendly list could mean the difference between being miserable and being able to handle things the day before.
As long as the juices don’t have pulp, Lee says clear drinks like apple juice, Gatorade, coconut water, ginger ale, Sprite, white grape juice, and 7-Up are great to drink all day. “Coffee and tea are also okay provided you don’t add milk or cream,” she says. “The last thing you want to do is mix lactose in there and experience crampy abdominal pain. ” One pro tip: Make ice cubes out of clear apple juice. She had her first colonoscopy when she was 45 years old. “Slowly melt the ice cube in your mouth,” says Cherry Dumaual, 69. “It really helps. ”.
Savory broth “This includes vegetable, chicken, or beef,” Lee says. “We especially suggest this for its protein content. ” For a flavorful broth, strain wonton soup and sip only the broth. “You can save the solids — the dumplings and veggies — for another day,” says Dumaual.
Clear candy This includes clear sucking candy such as Life Savers and even clear gummy bears, says Dr. Greenwald. “Again, avoid anything red or purple because it can look like blood in the colon,” he says.
Lee says that even though gelatin isn’t really a liquid, Jell-O is great for your mental health because it makes you feel like you’re chewing on something. “It also makes you feel a little full and stays in your gut longer,” she warns. “But stay away from red or purple Jell-O.”
Popsicles “Anything that melts will work,” Greenwald says. “So popsicles and lemon ices are great choices — again avoid any with artificial red or purple coloring. ”.
By most accounts, the least favorite part of prep is drinking the colon cleanse your doctor has prescribed. Some tips from the pros are to chill the drink, mix it with clear liquids that are okay, drink it through a straw, and take sips of the prep between sips of something more enjoyable. In other words, whatever works for you.
And that’s it. In an ideal world, you’ll wake up from your surgery knowing that not only did you remove all of the polyps in your colon, but you also did a great job of cleaning it out.
What can I eat or drink before colonoscopy?
FAQ
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