If you have a colonoscopy coming up, you’re probably wondering what you can eat and when you need to start changing your diet. A 1 week colonoscopy diet sheet can help you prepare, avoid common mistakes, and make sure your doctor gets the clearest possible view during your procedure.
The foods you eat before your colonoscopy play an important role in how well your bowel prep works. Following your diet instructions and completing your bowel prep helps your doctor get the best possible view.
Here’s what to eat before your colonoscopy and how today’s prep options can make getting ready easier.
Your colon needs to be clean so your doctor can examine it carefully during your colonoscopy.
You may need a colonoscopy as part of routine colorectal cancer screening. Or your doctor may recommend one to find the cause of digestive symptoms. Following your prep instructions helps your doctor perform a thorough exam.
What you eat in the days before your procedure can affect how well your bowel prep works. High-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and raw vegetables can leave behind residue that’s harder to remove during your bowel prep.
Along with changing your diet, you’ll also take a bowel prep solution before your colonoscopy. This medicine empties your colon so your doctor can clearly see the lining of your colon during the procedure. Following both your diet instructions and your bowel prep helps your doctor get the best possible view.
Your doctor may adjust these recommendations based on your health and the type of bowel prep you’ll use. Always follow the instructions from your care team.
The first few days are usually a simple adjustment. Instead of high-fiber foods, choose foods that are easier to digest and leave less residue behind.
Foods you can eat:
Foods to avoid:
Continue your low-fiber diet while choosing foods that are even easier to digest.
Good choices include:
Keep drinking plenty of fluids. Water, broth, and sports drinks that aren’t red or purple help you stay hydrated and prepare for your bowel prep.
The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet.
Clear liquids include:
Avoid:
Your doctor will tell you exactly when to stop drinking liquids before your procedure. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully.
Skipping steps on your colonoscopy diet sheet can make it harder for your doctor to clearly see the lining of your colon. In some cases, polyps may be more difficult to find, or the procedure may need to be repeated after another round of preparation.
Following your diet and bowel prep instructions from the beginning is one of the easiest ways to help your procedure go smoothly.
Your doctor may ask you to avoid certain foods several days before your procedure. That’s because they can stay in your digestive tract longer or make your bowel prep less effective.
Foods to avoid include:
It’s also important to avoid red and purple foods and drinks, especially the day before your colonoscopy. These colors can stain the lining of your colon and make it harder for your doctor to interpret what they see.
Following your 1 week colonoscopy diet sheet is one of the best ways to prepare for a successful colonoscopy. Pairing the right diet with your prescribed bowel prep helps your doctor get a clear view of your colon. It also reduces the chance that you’ll need to repeat the procedure.
Ready to schedule a colonoscopy in San Antonio or the surrounding area? Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio offers easy-prep options to make the process go more smoothly. If you have questions about your 1 week colonoscopy diet sheet or you’re ready to schedule your screening, contact our team today.
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