Foods You Can and Cannot
Eat Before a Colonoscopy

In the week leading up to the procedure, shift towards a low-fibre diet. This helps ease the digestive process and facilitates effective bowel cleansing. It is advisable to begin reducing your intake of fried and fatty foods, as well as tough or processed meats. These items are generally harder to digest and can linger in the digestive tract.

Similarly, high-fibre foods, while beneficial for overall health, should be avoided. These include whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and the skins of fruits and vegetables. These foods, due to their slower digestion rate, can impede the colon cleansing process.

Although your diet will be modified, you do not need to reduce your usual meal portions during this time.

Two days before your scheduled colonoscopy, the focus shifts to a stricter low-residue diet, designed to minimise stool bulk further and ensure optimal colon cleansing. This dietary approach helps to create a "clean slate" within your digestive system.

Drinking plenty of fluids during this phase is essential. Aim for a daily intake of at least two litres (approximately 8 to 10 glasses) of clear liquids. This not only aids in the cleansing process but also helps prevent dehydration, which can be a side effect of bowel preparation.

Along with increased fluid intake, it is beneficial to consume smaller, more frequent meals. This measure assists with keeping your digestive tract moving.

Here are some foods you can eat:

• White rice
• Plain chicken or fish
• White bread or toast
• Eggs, especially boiled or poached
• Soya or tofu
• Potatoes, without skin
• Butter, margarine, or cheese

The day before your colonoscopy marks the final stage of dietary preparation, transitioning to a clear liquid diet.

Refrain from consuming any solid foods until after your colonoscopy. Your fluid intake for the day should consist solely of clear liquids. Avoid liquids containing red, purple, or blue dyes or food colouring, as these can stain the colon and interfere with the examination. You are also not allowed to consume dairy products, including milk, smoothies, and shakes.

Examples of suitable clear liquids include:

• Water
• Diluted squash or cordials
• Clear, strained soups or broths (fat-free)
• Clear stock
• Clear apple juice or white grape juice
• Plain tea or coffee
• Sports drinks or electrolyte solutions

It is also crucial to stay hydrated and aim to consume at least two litres (approximately 8 to 10 glasses) of these clear liquids throughout the day, in addition to the bowel preparation solution provided by your doctor.

On the day of your colonoscopy, continue your clear liquid diet, but stop drinking fluids as instructed by your doctor, usually a few hours before. For your safety, do not consume alcohol the day before your colonoscopy, as it can increase the risk of dehydration during bowel preparation and may interfere with the safety and effectiveness of IV sedation.

In addition to dietary restrictions, do not take laxatives, iron, loperamide, or codeine unless specifically directed. You may continue your regularly prescribed medications has cleared them for use prior to the procedure.

You must stop all fluid intake, including water, a couple of hours before your appointment. Your stool should be clear or yellow liquid, indicating your readiness for the procedure.

For effective dietary planning ahead of your colonoscopy, please review this list of approved and restricted foods.

During the initial 24 hours, it is crucial to avoid foods that are difficult to digest, high in fibre, or known to irritate the bowels. This includes spicy, greasy, fried, and heavily seasoned foods, as well as raw vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

To facilitate a smooth recovery after a colonoscopy, begin by prioritising rehydration and a gentle return to solid foods. For the first few hours, stick to a clear liquid diet, including water, electrolyte beverages, and broth-based soups, to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

If tolerated, gradually transition to a soft, low-residue diet to minimise digestive strain. Ideal meals include mashed potatoes with skinless chicken or white rice with white fish, as these foods are easily digestible, low in fibre and dairy, and help regulate gastrointestinal activity.

Most individuals can resume their normal diet after 24 hours. However, if you still experience some discomfort, continue the soft, low-residue diet for up to three days. If digestive discomfort persists beyond this timeframe, consult your doctor. Patients who have undergone a polypectomy should also follow any specific dietary instructions provided by their doctor.

Black coffee or tea, consumed without milk, cream, or powdered creamer, is acceptable as part of your clear liquid diet.

If you unintentionally ate restricted foods but maintained a clear liquid diet the day before and completed the bowel prep, your colonoscopy may still be performed. However, for your safety, eating during the fasting period will require us to reschedule your procedure. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Plan to consume ample calories from the unrestricted clear liquid options available to help manage hunger during the preparation period. These include water, broths, black coffee or tea, clear juices, and pulp-free lemonade. You may also consume popsicles, jellies, and sports drinks, but remember to avoid red, purple, and blue colours.