A colonoscopy is a procedure used to screen for colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera is inserted into the rectum and colon. If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, your doctor will likely recommend that you follow a special diet in the days leading up to the procedure.
The goal of a colonoscopy prep diet is to clean out the contents of your colon so that the doctor can get a clear view during the procedure. To do this, you’ll need to consume only clear liquids and low-fiber foods for a few days before the procedure. You’ll also need to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Here are 10 colonoscopy diet tips to help you prep for a colonoscopy
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
You need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help move things along in your digestive system. Aim for 8-10 glasses of clear liquids per day, including water, chicken broth, and decaffeinated tea or coffee. Avoid alcohol and sugary sports drinks this will helps reduce the average risk of colon and rectal cancers.
How It Helps
Staying hydrated helps keep things moving in your colon, which is important for avoiding complications during a colonoscopy or colorectal cancer screening.
2. Eat High-Fiber Foods
Fiber helps with adding bulk to your stool and makes it easier to pass. Aim for 25–38 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of fiber include:
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale
- Fruits, such as apples, bananas, and oranges
- Whole grains, such as oats and whole-wheat bread
- Legumes, such as black beans, lentils, and peas
- Nuts and seeds
How It Helps
A high-fiber diet can help reduce colon cancer risk by keeping things moving through your digestive system and making it easier to pass stool.
3. Avoid Fatty Foods
Fatty foods can slow down the movement of food through your digestive system, which can increase your risk of complications during a colonoscopy. Avoid fried foods, greasy burgers, and other high-fat meals in the days leading up to your procedure.
How It Helps
A low-fat diet helps keep things moving smoothly through your digestive system, which reduces your risk of complications during a colonoscopy.
4. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain water, which helps keep you hydrated. Aim to drink half or 2 cups of fruit juice and vegetable puddings per day. Good choices include:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Kale
How It Helps
Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, which help keep things moving through your digestive system. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also reduce your risk of colon cancer.
5. Avoid Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can cause diarrhea in some people. If you’re sensitive to dairy, it’s best to avoid it in the days leading up to your colonoscopy.
How It Helps
Dairy products can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and an increased risk of complications during a colonoscopy.
6. Avoid Constipating Foods
Constipating foods can make it harder to pass stool and increase your risk of complications during a colonoscopy. Avoid these foods in the days leading up to your procedure:
- Processed grains, such as white bread and pasta
- Red meat
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Chips
- Cookies
- Ice cream
How It Helps
Constipating foods can make it more difficult to pass stool, which can lead to complications during a colonoscopy.
7. Avoid Gas-Producing Foods
Gas-producing foods can cause bloating and discomfort. They may also increase your risk of passing gas during the procedure, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Avoid these foods in the days leading up to your colonoscopy:
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carbonated beverages
- Cauliflower
- Chewing gum
- Eggs
- Fried foods
- Lentils
- Milk products
- Onions
- Peppers
- Radishes
- Seeds
- Wheat products
How It Helps
Gas-producing foods can cause bloating, discomfort, and embarrassment during a colonoscopy.
8. Follow a Liquid Diet the Day Before Your Procedure
You’ll need to follow a liquid diet the day before your colonoscopy to help clear out your digestive system. Avoid solid foods, and stick to clear liquids, such as water, broth, decaffeinated coffee or tea, and juices. You can also have Jell-O or popsicles.
How It Helps
A liquid diet helps clear out your digestive system so that the doctor can get a better view of your colon during the procedure.
9. Take Oral Laxatives as Directed
You’ll need to take soft toilet paper to help clear out your colon before the bowel prep procedure. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
How It Helps
Oral laxatives help clear out chronic constipation in your colon so that the doctor can get a better view during the procedure.
10. Follow Any Other Instructions from Your Doctor
Be sure to follow any other instructions from your doctor to help ensure a successful procedure. This may include avoiding alcohol, smoking, eating a low-fiber diet, and certain medications in the days leading up to your colonoscopy procedure.
How It Helps
Following your doctor’s instructions helps ensure a successful procedure with minimal complications during the actual colonoscopy.
Diets That Don’t Work
While there are many diets that can help you prepare for a colonoscopy, there are also many that don’t work. Some of the most popular diets that don’t work include:
1. The Cabbage Soup Diet
The cabbage soup diet is a popular diet that many people claim helps them lose weight quickly. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, the diet may actually be harmful to your health. The cabbage soup diet is a very low-calorie diet, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
2. The Master Cleanse Diet
The Master Cleanse diet is a popular detox diet that many people claim helps them lose weight, increase energy levels, and improve their overall health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, the diet may actually be harmful to your health. The Master Cleanse diet is a very low-calorie diet that can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
3. The Lemonade Diet
The lemonade diet is a popular detox diet that many people claim helps them lose weight, increase energy levels, and improve their overall health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, the diet may actually be harmful to your health. The lemonade diet is a very low-calorie diet that can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
4. The Maple Syrup Diet
The maple syrup diet is a popular detox diet that many people claim helps them lose weight, increase energy levels, and improve their overall health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, the diet may actually be harmful to your health. The maple syrup diet is a very low-calorie diet that can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
5. The Grapefruit Diet
The grapefruit diet is a popular weight loss diet that many people claim helps them lose weight quickly. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, the diet may actually be harmful to your health. The grapefruit diet is a very low-calorie diet that can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
Conclusion
When it comes to preparing for a colonoscopy, there are many diets that can help you. However, there are also many diets that don’t work. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which diet is right for you.
