Preparing for a colonoscopy involves changing your diet in the days leading up to the procedure. This is done to help clear out your colon so the doctor can get a thorough look during the exam. One question that often comes up is whether you can eat shrimp before a colonoscopy. Here is a comprehensive guide on dietary changes before a colonoscopy, including whether shrimp is allowed.
Understanding Colonoscopy Prep
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope to examine the full length of your colon and rectum It is an effective screening test for colorectal cancer
In order for the doctor to have a clear view of the colon lining, the colon must be completely empty of stool. This is achieved through diet changes and taking strong laxatives or colon prep solution the day before the colonoscopy.
Low-Fiber Diet
About 5 days before the colonoscopy you’ll need to transition to a low-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to stool and can take longer to digest. A low fiber diet helps clear the colon more quickly.
Foods to avoid:
- Whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal
- Nuts, seeds and legumes
- Raw fruits and vegetables with skin
- Dried fruits and prunes
- Popcorn
Instead, choose low-fiber foods:
- White bread, white rice, white pasta
- Canned or cooked fruits/veggies without skin or seeds
- Chicken, fish, eggs
- Dairy products
- White potatoes without skin
- Well-cooked tender meats
Clear Liquid Diet
2-3 days before your colonoscopy, you’ll move to a clear liquid diet. This includes:
- Water, tea, black coffee
- Clear juices – apple, white grape, lemonade
- Fat free broths and bouillon
- Gatorade, other sports drinks
- Jello and popsicles (not red, purple or blue colored)
- Clear hard candies
Avoid milk, cream, pulp juices, smoothies, ice cream, noodles, meat, grains and any solid foods.
You’ll also take a laxative or colonoscopy prep solution which will cause diarrhea to clean you out. Follow all instructions from your doctor.
Can You Eat Shrimp Before a Colonoscopy?
Shrimp and other shellfish are typically not allowed on the clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy. Solids foods, even lean proteins like shrimp, can leave residue in the colon that could interfere with the procedure.
Some other protein foods to avoid in the last 2-3 days include:
- Chicken, beef, pork
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs, tofu
- Milk, cheese, yogurt
- Beans, lentils, legumes
If you absolutely want to try eating shrimp before the clear liquid diet starts, talk to your doctor first. Keep portions very small and peel/devein thoroughly to reduce residue. But again, no solids at all are recommended the day before.
Tips for Colonoscopy Prep
Here are some additional tips to help prep go smoothly:
- Stick to only clear liquids once the prep starts – no cheating!
- Drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks like Gatorade to stay hydrated.
- Get medications/supplements approved by your doctor. Some may need to be stopped.
- Stay near a toilet once the laxatives start working! It can cause urgent diarrhea.
- Use moist wipes and ointments to reduce irritation from frequent stools.
- Chill prep solutions and drink through a straw to improve taste.
- Suck on lemon drops or hard candies to remove aftertaste.
Why Get a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies screen for colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers. They can also diagnose:
- Colon polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulosis
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding
The prep is unpleasant, but a clean colon is vital for detection of any abnormalities so the doctor can perform biopsies or remove polyps.
The Bottom Line
Before a colonoscopy, you’ll need to follow a strict low fiber diet followed by a clear liquid diet. Shrimp, along with other solid foods, are typically not allowed the day before the procedure. Stick to clear liquids like water, tea, broth and clear juices to clean out the colon. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about the colonoscopy prep diet. Proper cleansing will ensure the best results from this potentially life-saving procedure.
Colonoscopy diet advice and bowel preparation
It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Try to drink 2 litres (about 8 to 10 glasses) in a day.
You need to start having smaller meals. The things that you can eat or drink are listed below. This helps the bowel preparation solution to work properly.
Do not eat foods containing fibre. This is found in fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains, such as wholemeal bread and cereals.
You can eat or drink
- Beef, lamb, ham, veal, or pork that is well cooked and lean (low fat)
- Fish, shellfish or poultry
- White rice, noodles or white pasta
- Cereal including cornflakes and crisped rice cereal, but not bran
- White bread or toast
- Rich tea or other plain biscuits
- Eggs, especially boiled or poached
- Butter, margarine or cheese
- Milk, cream or cottage cheese
- Potatoes without the skins (boiled, creamed, mashed or baked)
- Soya or tofu
- A gravy made from stock cubes. To make it thicker, you can add plain flour or cornflour.
- Sugar or sweetener
- Clear jelly
- Water, cordial, fizzy drinks, clear strained soup or clear stock
What can I eat or drink before colonoscopy?
What can you eat before a colonoscopy?
Instead, people can opt for white foods, such as white bread, pasta, and rice. People can also eat fruit without skin and canned or well-cooked vegetables without their skin. The day before a colonoscopy, people will need to stop eating solid foods and only consume clear liquids to clear the digestive tract.
Can one drink coffee with sugar the day before a colonoscopy?
No, it’s better to avoid coffee with sugar before a colonoscopy. Stick to clear liquids like water, clear juices, and broth for a successful and clear examination of your colon.
Can I eat a liquid diet during a colonoscopy?
While you are on a liquid diet you can add your prep to any of these treats. Remember to avoid any liquids with red, orange, and purple dyes as these may look like traces of blood during the colonoscopy and can interfere with getting accurate results.
Can you eat popcorn before a colonoscopy?
This can be mistaken for blood, which will prompt your doctor to take tissue samples. Avoid any foods or drinks that contain red or purple dye for 48 hours before your colonoscopy. Stop eating popcorn, seeds, and nuts at least a week before your colonoscopy. The hull (outer part) of popcorn, nuts, or seeds can stay in your colon for several days.