Can You Eat Bacon Before a Colonoscopy? Here’s What You Need To Know

A colonoscopy is a common screening procedure used to examine the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is typically recommended once you turn 50 to check for polyps cancers ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum.

A few days before your colonoscopy, you will need to stick to a limited diet as part of getting ready for it. This helps empty your colon so that your doctor can see you better during the procedure.

One common question people have is – can you eat bacon before a colonoscopy? The answer is not straight forward. There are some caveats to keep in mind regarding what type of bacon you can have and when you can have it leading up to the procedure

This article will tell you everything you need to know about eating bacon before a colonoscopy. We will cover:

• Why diet is important before a colonoscopy
• What the pre-colonoscopy diet typically involves
• Can you eat bacon?
• Tips for preparing bacon properly
• Sample low-fiber and clear liquid diet meal plans
• Other foods to avoid before colonoscopy
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s get right into it!

Why Diet is Important Before Colonoscopy

The preparation for a colonoscopy involves both medication and dietary changes. About 1-2 days before the colonoscopy, you will be asked to take a strong laxative solution that helps clean out your bowels.

However, making dietary modifications in the days leading up to the procedure is equally important. The goal is to remove as much solid matter and residue from your colon as possible so that your doctor can visualize the colon walls clearly.

Your doctor will likely recommend:

• Eating a low-fiber diet 3 days before the procedure
• Having only clear liquids 1-2 days before the procedure

This helps remove fiber, bulk and residue from your colon that could otherwise obstruct visibility for your doctor during the colonoscopy.

So in short – yes, your diet matters! Now let’s see if bacon is allowed on a colonoscopy prep diet.

What Does the Pre-Colonoscopy Diet Involve?

The typical pre-colonoscopy diet involves two phases:

Phase 1: Low Fiber Diet

3 days before your colonoscopy, you will need to shift to a low fiber diet. This means avoiding:

• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats
• Whole grain breads and baked goods
• Beans, legumes
• Fruits and vegetables with skin, seeds or membranes
• Dried fruits
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn, chips

You can have foods like:

• White bread, pasta, rice, crackers
• Canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without skin/seeds
• Chicken, fish, eggs
• Dairy products
• Oils, butter

Phase 2: Clear Liquid Diet

1-2 days before your procedure, you will progress to a clear liquid diet. On this diet, you can only have liquids you can see through, such as:

• Water, tea, black coffee
• Clear broth
• Clear fruit juices without pulp
• Soft drinks
• Plain gelatin
• Popsicles

No solid foods are allowed on this diet. Stay hydrated by sipping these clear liquids throughout the day.

Now that we’ve covered the typical diet progression, let’s answer the key question – does this diet allow you to have bacon before the colonoscopy?

Can You Eat Bacon Before Colonoscopy?

The answer is yes, you can have bacon in the lead up to your colonoscopy, but only during the low fiber diet phase. Once you progress to the clear liquid diet, no solid foods like bacon are allowed.

Here are some pointers on eating bacon before colonoscopy:

• Choose lean bacon and cook it thoroughly until crispy. Avoid fatty, greasy bacon.
• Limit portions to 2-3 slices per day as part of your low fiber diet in the days before the colonoscopy prep.
• Avoid bacon with added flavors, sugars or marinades which may have ingredients that can irritate your colon. Go for plain, natural bacon.
• Stop eating bacon once you start the clear liquid diet 1-2 days before your procedure.

Bacon can be a good protein source to include in your low fiber diet phase. Just be mindful of how it is prepared and limit portions. Avoid it altogether once you get closer to the procedure.

How to Prepare Bacon Properly for the Pre-Colonoscopy Diet

If you do plan to incorporate bacon in your low fiber diet phase, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose high-quality bacon without a lot of fat. Look for center cut bacon or Canadian style bacon which has less fat content.

• Cook the bacon until it is crispy. Undercooked fatty bacon is difficult to digest.

• Bake it in the oven on a slotted baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This allows the grease to drain off.

• Microwave in between paper towels to absorb excess grease.

• Fry in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain on paper towels after cooking.

• Limit to 2-3 slices per day and avoid daily consumption in the week before the colonoscopy prep.

• Avoid bacon cooked in batter or with sugar-based glazes, which are harder to digest.

Sample Low Fiber Diet Meal Plan

To give you an idea of what kinds of recipes and meals you can have on the low fiber diet, here is a sample meal plan:

Breakfast

• Omelet made with eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, ham
• Peach cups
• White toast with butter and jam
• Tea or coffee without milk

Lunch

• Tuna salad sandwich on white bread with mayo
• Tomato soup
• Plain greek yogurt
• Water

Snacks

• Rice cakes with peanut butter
• Cheddar cheese cubes
• Fruit-flavored gelatin
• Tea

Dinner

• Baked chicken breast
• White rice
• Cooked carrots
• Dinner roll
• Water

Dessert

• Vanilla pudding
• Sugar cookies

Sample Clear Liquid Diet for Day Before Colonoscopy

Once you are 1-2 days away from the colonoscopy, you will progress to the clear liquid diet. Here is a sample menu:

Breakfast

• Apple juice
• Black coffee
• Jello

Lunch

• Chicken broth
• White grape juice
• Lime popsicle

Snacks

• Gelatin
• Tea

Dinner

• Beef broth
• Vanilla pudding
• White grape juice

Dessert

• Lime popsicle
• Peppermint tea

Stay hydrated by drinking a variety of clear liquids throughout the day. Avoid solid foods, even soft foods, at this stage.

Foods to Avoid Before Colonoscopy

To recap, here are some foods you should strictly avoid in the week before your colonoscopy:

• Red meat that is tough, fatty or gristly
• Sausage, pepperoni, deli meats
• Whole grains like oatmeal, bran cereal, granola
• Brown or wild rice
• Dried fruits and veggies
• Raw veggies with skin and seeds like tomatoes, cucumbers
• Pomegranate, blueberries, blackberries
• Nuts and seeds
• Chips, buttery popcorn, crackers
• Pizza, tacos, burgers

Stick to easy to digest foods to allow thorough cleansing of your colon.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I eat eggs before a colonoscopy?
  Yes, eggs are a good protein source allowed on the low fiber diet. Avoid fried eggs and stick to boiled, poached or scrambled.

• What kind of bacon is best – turkey or pork?
  Turkey bacon is leaner than pork bacon, so it may be a healthier choice. But small portions of regular pork bacon are also fine in moderation.

• When should I stop eating bacon before my colonoscopy?
  You can have small portions of bacon as part of your low fiber diet about 3-4 days before the procedure. Completely avoid it 1-2 days before when you progress to clear liquids.

• What if I accidentally eat popcorn 3 days before my colonoscopy?
  An accidental slip up here and there won’t sabotage your prep. Just get back on track with the low fiber diet as soon as possible. Avoid trigger foods for the remaining days.

• Can I have a fried egg sandwich on white bread?
  Yes, fried eggs on white bread or toast are acceptable during the low fiber diet phase. Just avoid eating this 1-2 days pre-colonoscopy.

The Bottom Line

Bacon can be incorporated into your diet in moderation when you are on the low fiber phase of your colonoscopy prep. Stick to 2-3 slices per day, avoid fatty bacon, and cook it thoroughly until crispy. Completely avoid bacon once you progress to clear liquids.

Be diligent about following the pre-colonoscopy diet to ensure your procedure goes smoothly. Clear communication with your doctor is key to understanding the right dietary precautions for your situation.

With some mindful meal planning and preparation, you can get through the colonoscopy prep without too much deprivation. The payoff will be peace of mind knowing you took this preventive step for your health.