Pre-colonoscopy nutrition usually involves limiting certain foods for a few days and cleansing the bowels. This process aims to minimize fecal debris that can make visualization of the intestines difficult. At the same time, this preparation phase aims to reduce air and fluid in the intestines in order to increase the patient’s comfort before the procedure and to obtain clearer images during the procedure.
Pre-colonoscopy nutrition often includes a phase called a “liquid diet.” During this phase, patients usually consume clear liquids. Liquids such as water, unsweetened fruit juice, chicken or vegetable bouillons, tea or coffee (without sugar or milk) are recommended during this period. Drinks containing alcohol and colorings are generally limited.
In addition to a liquid diet, in some cases doctors may prescribe an enema or a special preparation solution to further cleanse the intestines. This aims to eliminate fecal debris and other potential obstructive elements in the intestines. Pre-colonoscopy nutrition involves an approach to making the procedure more effective and safe, as well as increasing patients’ comfort. However, every patient is different and therefore the preparation process can be individualized. In some cases, special dietary guidelines may apply, especially for those with certain health conditions.
How many days should you diet before colonoscopy?
The pre-colonoscopy diet usually lasts a few days, but this time may vary depending on the individual situation and the doctor’s recommendations. Usually, patients must follow a special nutritional plan determined by their doctor.
By standard, the start of a pre-colonoscopy diet usually falls 2-3 days before the procedure. During this time, patients are put on a special liquid diet to cleanse the intestines and get clearer images during the procedure. Foods and drinks that we can give as examples of what to eat 3 days before colonoscopy:
- This
- Sugar-free juice
- Chicken or vegetable bouillons
- Tea or coffee (without sugar or milk)
- Jelly or iced juice
This liquid diet aims to cleanse the intestines before the procedure. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, beverages containing high sugar content, beverages containing colorants, and foods containing yeast.
What should those who will have a colonoscopy not eat?
It is recommended to avoid certain foods in the pre-colonoscopy period in order to cleanse the intestines and obtain clearer images during the procedure. Here are the foods and drinks that should generally be avoided in the pre-colonoscopy period:
- High Fiber Foods
- Fruit Peels and Seeds
- Foods High in Sugar
- Alcohol
- Beverages Containing Caffeine
- High Fat Foods
- Milk and milk products
Soup recipes for colonoscopy diet
In the colonoscopy diet, the consumption of liquid foods is generally allowed. One of these foods is soup. Soup is an important nutritional source in the colonoscopy diet. It helps you stay full and meets your fluid needs. Some soup recipes you can consume on the colonoscopy diet are:
Tarhana soup
Tarhana is a food that facilitates digestion. Therefore, it is an ideal soup to consume in the colonoscopy diet.
Materials:
- 1 glass of tarhana
- 2 glasses of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Fabrication:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add tarhana to boiling water and mix.
- Cook the soup for 5 minutes.
- Add salt and remove from the stove.
Lentil soup
Lentils are a food rich in protein and fiber. Therefore, it is an ideal soup to consume in the colonoscopy diet.
Materials:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 glasses of water
- 1 onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Fabrication:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add lentils to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Add the onion and garlic to the lentils and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add salt and remove from the stove.
Vegetable soup
Vegetable soup is a fiber-rich food. Therefore, it is an ideal soup to consume in the colonoscopy diet.
Materials:
- 2 glasses of water
- 1 carrot
- 1 potato
- 1 zucchini
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Fabrication:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add carrots, potatoes and zucchini to boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add salt and remove from the stove.
You can consume these soup recipes for 2 days before starting the colonoscopy procedure. When preparing soups, be careful not to add oil and spices. It is also important to strain the soups and consume them.
Other soup recipes you can consume on the colonoscopy diet are:
- asparagus soup
- Broccoli soup
- spinach soup
- Cabbage soup
You can also consume these soups for 2 days before starting the colonoscopy procedure.
5 day colonoscopy diet
The pre-colonoscopy diet usually lasts 2-3 days, but sometimes longer-term diets may be required. An example of a 5-day pre-colonoscopy diet:
Day 1: Beginning of Liquid Diet
- Breakfast: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, apple juice
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, chicken broth (unsalted)
- Lunch: Apple juice, clear chicken broth (unsalted)
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted vegetable juice
- Evening: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, jelly without sugar or salt
Day 2: Liquid Diet Continued
- Breakfast: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted chicken broth
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, jelly without sugar or salt
- Lunch: Apple juice, clear chicken broth (unsalted)
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted vegetable juice
- Evening: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted broth (for example, beef)
Day 3: Liquid Diet and Supplements
- Breakfast: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted chicken broth
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsweetened fruit puree (for example, apple)
- Lunch: Apple juice, clear chicken broth (unsalted)
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted vegetable juice
- Evening: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted broth
Day 4: Continuation of Liquid Diet and Additional Liquids
- Breakfast: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted chicken broth
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsweetened fruit puree
- Lunch: Apple juice, clear chicken broth (unsalted)
- Snack: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted vegetable juice
- Evening: Herbal tea without sugar or caffeine, unsalted broth
Day 5: Colonoscopy Day
- Consume only recommended fluids according to pre-colonoscopy instructions and follow the hours specified by your doctor.