The Diet and Preparation Before a Colonoscopy

In this article, we'll show you the diet and the measures you should take before you go in for your colonoscopy. We guarantee you a sure success!

Do you want to know more about the diet and preparation before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exploratory medical exam that you perform with the intention of diagnosing and treating different illnesses that can be present in your colon, more commonly known as the large intestine.

This process is done with a device called a colonoscope. It’s a flexible tube (approximately 150cm long) and 1cm in diameter with a tiny camera on it. This device is inserted in the anus and is carefully slid through the large intestine, allowing it to:

• See its inside, ruling out illnesses.
• Allows the development of a treatment.
• Carry out diagnostic tests.
• Remove intestinal polyps.
• Obtain biopsies
• Remove tumors.

However, to perform this process, your large intestine needs to be free of feces. Therefore, it’s necessary to start preparing your diet and laxatives at least 3 days before.

A Bland Diet and a Colonoscopy

A bland diet is a type of diet used to eliminate problems related to the digestive system and colon cancer, including:

• Diarrhea
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Dysphagia
• Surgery in your jaw, mouth, or digestive tract

Generally, when this type of diet is administered for before a colonoscopy, it’s an excellent method of preparation for it. It easily cleans your large intestine in a non-intrusive manner.

Tips for a Successful Preparation Before a Colonoscopy

When it’s time to follow a bland diet:

• Don’t consume lactose.
• Completely stop consuming cacao.
• Stay away from green vegetables and fruits with seeds.
• Avoid medications that contain iron.
• Avoid any kind of dark, carbonated, or colorful drinks.
• Don’t eat dark or wholegrain foods.
• Don’t eat tree nuts, berries or seeds.

3-Day Bland Diet Model for a Colonoscopy

First Day

In order to not affect your gastrointestinal system with a drastic dietary change, start with a bland diet of medium intensity:

• Breakfast. A mushroom egg white omelet, accompanied by mint tea with honey.
• Snack. Pear jelly.
• Lunch. Chicken soup; applesauce with pear and lemonade.
• Snack. Light-colored gelatin.
• Dinner. Double portion of light-colored gelatin.

Second Day

The second day will have foods that are more filling but help you release feces and clean out your body.

• Breakfast. Egg whites with 2 pieces of lean ham; white bread and a cup of lime blossom tea with honey.
• Snack. Lemonade or fruit juice.
• Lunch. Chicken breast soup with rice and salt.
• Snack. Tea or chamomile.
• Dinner. Baked cauliflower with palms.

Third Day

Finally, with the third day’s food, you will properly clean your body for your colonoscopy:

• Breakfast. Egg over hard with white bread and a cup of oatmeal without milk.
• Snack. Pear jelly.
• Lunch. Pasta with vegetables and lemonade.
• Snack. Orange juice without pulp.
• Dinner. Baked hake with asparagus and a slice of white bread.

The Day of Your Colonoscopy

Once the day comes to have your colonoscopy, it’s important that you keep in mind and follow the following instructions:

1. Don’t drink liquids between 3 and 4 hours before the colonoscopy. The only exception is in some moments where you’ll be required to drink water to take medicine prescribed by your doctor.
2. Keep your doctor informed about the evolution of your bland diet and whatever illness, allergy, or side effects that could happen from some medications.
3. Similarly, it’s important to let them know any operation that you have previously had, above all in the case of prosthesis or disease in your heart’s valves.
4. Read and sign the consent form stating that you understand that the procedure is an exploration of your large intestine through a colonoscope.
5. Go in accompanied by someone you trust that can be responsible for bringing you home after the test. Keep in mind that the affects from the pain killers and sedatives can last for hours.

After the Colonoscopy

Through a colonoscopy, your doctors will recommend that you continue a bland diet for at least 3 more days to help your body with the expulsion of gases and fecal matter in the following days. This way, your digestive system won’t be affected by the procedure.