A colonoscopy is a medical examination of the inside of your large intestine(colon and rectum). A gastroenterologist, a stomach specialist, or a digestive studies specialist usually practices this.
A colonoscopy(long and flexible tube with a camera on its tip) is inserted through the rectum across the length of the colon.
The main reasons for this examination(colonoscopy) include conditions like IBD, Colitis, Crohn’s disease, and screening for colorectal cancer.
Why are low fiber foods suggested for colonoscopy?
Low fiber foods play a vital role in preparations for colonoscopy. Low fiber foods are easily digestible leaving no residue in the digestive tract which is preferable for colonoscopists to see the intestinal lining during the test.
In the preparation of colposcopy, laxatives are introduced to the patient to ease bowel movement for colon cleansing. Low fiber foods help laxatives to work more effectively by minimizing the bulk and consistency of the stool.
Low-fiber foods also help in reducing the accumulation of indigestible material in the colon for its cleaning. Low-fiber foods are usually more palatable and easily tolerable for patients in the preparation phase.
Adequate fluid intake along with low fiber foods help prevent dehydration, which may interfere with the examination of the colon. Consuming high fiber foods leads to dehydration by excessive water loss through bowel movement.
Dietary recommendations and restrictions for colonoscopy
Diet plays a vital role in colonoscopy. One should know what to eat or not before the examination of the colon. The sole purpose is to cleanse the colon for a clear view during the colonoscopy. Start consuming the following low fiber foods three days before the colonoscopy.
| Food Types | Recommended | Restricted |
| Bread and grains | White rice, all grains made of white flour(pasta, white bread, muffins, bagels) | Brown rice, cereal with nuts and seeds, whole grain bread, pasta, rolls, granola, and oatmeal. |
| Meat and meat products | Chicken, eggs, fish, seafood, tofu, turkey, lamb | Tough meat or meat items with skin |
| Milk and dairy products | Milk, yogurt, sour cream, cheese, buttermilk, hot chocolate | Alcoholic drinks, milkshakes, and yogurt mixed with nuts and without peeled fruits. |
| Fruits | Canned fruit without seeds and skin, applesauce, peeled apricots and peaches, pulp-free fruit juice | Any fruit with skin or seeds(orange, pineapple, watermelon raisins) |
| Vegetables | Skinless cooked potatoes, cucumber without peel, canned vegetables without peel or seeds | Onions, green peas, corn, raw or partially cooked vegetables, tomatoes, seasonal squash, cucumber with peel or seeds |
| Oils and fats | Salad dressing prepared without seeds or nuts, butter, mayonnaise, margarine | Salad dressing prepared with seeds or nuts |
| Soups | Broth, clear soups, strained cream-based soups | Corn soup, lentil soup, unstrained soup, pea soup |
| Drinks | Coffee, tea with little or no milk, carbonated beverages and sodas, apple juice, sports drinks with electrolytes, water | Orange or pineapple juice, milkshakes, malt, alcoholic drinks, fruit and vegetable juice with pulp |
| Desserts | Sorbet, fruit ice, popsicles, hard candies, cookies prepared with white flour, gelatin, ice cream, custard | Cookies or other sweet bakery items prepared with whole wheat flour, coconut, bakery items with nuts and seeds |
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat protein before my colonoscopy?
Yes, you can eat lean protein like skinless poultry, eggs, fish, and low-fat dairy. Avoid fried and seasoned options.
What role does hydration play in the bowel prep phase?
Hydration is a very important factor in the bowel prep phase to prevent dehydration caused by the use of laxatives. Drink plenty of water, clear soups, and non-alcoholic options.
What should I do if I have certain dietary restrictions or allergies?
Always consult with your health care provider before colonoscopy for your customized meal according to your health and certain dietary recommendations and restrictions or allergies.
Ending note
Always prefer low fiber foods for colonoscopy for better vision inside your digestive tract for the analysis of exact health conditions like IBD, colitis, etc.
Never depend on only solids, start a clear liquid diet one day before your colonoscopy. The main purpose is to cleanse the colon by drinking recommended drinks.
Always consult with your colonoscopists for personalized dietary recommendations keeping in mind your health status, personal likes and dislikes, and specific food allergies.
