Diet before colonoscopy Bowel preparation usually begins three to four days before the colonoscopy procedure. The doctors would want you to take this very seriously. Doctors can sometimes send “unprepared” patients home after starting the procedure if the patient did not follow all instructions. Because your gastroenterologist needs a clean, empty colon to get a clear picture. Otherwise, you may have to come back for another visit.

First, stop taking iron tablets, multivitamins with iron, and herbal supplements four days before the procedure, as they can stain the intestines and interfere with the procedure. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist about ALL medicines you are taking.

Three to four days before the colonoscopy:

• Stop eating fiber and stop taking fiber supplements and bulky intestinal cleansing agents.
• Limit coffee consumption, alcohol consumption and chocolate consumption.
• Avoid eating rice, vegetables, nuts, seeds, red meat, red drinks, red wine, artificially colored drinks, fruits, milk, and milk products. A common mistake is when patients drink too much Gatorade or other sports drinks because they were told to stay hydrated, but most sports drinks have artificial colors and flavors. I have seen patients drink gallons of red Gatorade with no doubt in their mind. And they had to repeat the procedure.
• It’s okay to eat clear broth, chicken broth, steamed chicken, grilled fish, soft-boiled eggs, mashed potatoes, cheese, mostly they should be white or light-colored foods.

One day before the colonoscopy:

• One day before the procedure, most doctors will recommend that you have a light breakfastfor example 2 minutes of boiled egg with a little white tea.
• it is ok to drink white tea, water, regular tea and some doctors are even ok with coffee. I can’t agree there, but you can choose to listen to your doctor. Coffee is a wonderful drink, but it can cause problems for people with gastrointestinal disorders. It can cause stomach upset, gastritis, and even reflux. Drinking coffee once in a while is great, but chronic dependence on anything is not good. Please remember not to add anything to your tea or coffee before the procedure.
• It’s okay to drink apple juice, white grape juice, clear fat-free broth, strained fruit juices (not red or purple).
• to drink at least every hour to avoid dehydration. If you are choosing a sports drink, please get clear or lemon or ginger flavored types.

The day of the colonoscopy:

• The last step in following the diet before colonoscopy is bowel preparation on the day of the colonoscopy and can drink up to three to four hours before The procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you need to take certain medicines.

Get a safe colonoscopy!