1 Week Colonoscopy Prep Diet - Low Fiber Foods Before Colonoscopy

Understanding the Colonoscopy Procedure

A colonoscopy is a common preventative or diagnostic medical procedure used to examine the interior of the large intestine (colon). During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist inserts a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum. The colonoscope has a tiny video camera that allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon on a monitor.

Colonoscopies are typically recommended once every 10 years beginning at age 50 for colon cancer screening. They may also be performed to evaluate symptoms like unexplained bowel changes, rectal bleeding or intestinal pain. The procedure aims to detect and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous as well as to check for other colon abnormalities.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Proper preparation is crucial for an effective colonoscopy. The colon must be thoroughly emptied and cleaned prior to the procedure. This requires following a restricted diet for up to a week before the colonoscopy. It also involves taking laxatives which induce diarrhea to remove all waste material from the colon.

The typical colonoscopy prep timeline is as follows:

1 Week Before

Your doctor will recommend avoiding high-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. These fibrous foods take longer to digest and leave residue in the colon. You may need to begin a low fiber, low residue diet at this point.

3 Days Before

Begin eliminating dairy products, processed foods, red meat and alcohol from your diet. Continue avoiding high fiber items. Foods like eggs, chicken, fish, white bread, pasta and rice are acceptable.

1 Day Before

Follow a strict clear liquid diet only. Approved liquids include water, broth, tea, black coffee, gelatin and popsicles. Do not consume any solid foods or milk products. Make sure to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Night Before

Take your prescribed laxative or enema prep. This will cause significant diarrhea to clear your colon. Stay near a restroom and continue drinking plenty of liquids.

Day of Colonoscopy

Do not eat or drink anything at all before your colonoscopy. Arrive on schedule for the procedure with your colon emptied through the laxative prep.

Sample 7-Day Low Fiber Diet for Colonoscopy Prep

Here is an example of a 7-day low fiber diet that can be followed to prepare for a colonoscopy:

7 Days Before

Avoid all high fiber foods. Limit fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Begin eliminating dairy products if you have digestion issues.

Suggested Foods:

• White bread, pasta, rice, crackers
• Eggs
• Chicken, fish
• Canned fruits without skins, seeds or membranes
• Well-cooked, peeled vegetables like carrots or green beans
• Beef, pork, ham
• Butter, margarine
• Herbs and spices
• Vegetable oil, olive oil
• Plain cakes and cookies
• Nuts and peanut butter in moderation

6 Days Before

Continue avoiding high fiber foods, whole grains, raw produce, seeds and nuts. Limit dairy products.

Suggested Foods:

• White bread, bagels, muffins, crackers
• Pancakes or waffles with white syrup
• Chicken, fish, eggs
• Canned fruit cocktail, applesauce
• Well-cooked carrots, zucchini, spinach
• Tomato sauce, vegetable juice
• Plain yogurt, cheese
• Cakes, cookies
• Olive oil, vegetable oil
• Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks

5 Days Before

Avoid all fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, seeds, nuts, whole grains. No more dairy products.

Suggested Foods:

• White bread, crackers, pasta, rice
• Plain oatmeal or cream of wheat
• Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish
• Canned peaches, pears, fruit cocktail
• Tender, well-cooked fresh or frozen green beans, carrots
• Beef, pork
• Plain cakes, cookies
• Olive oil, vegetable oil
• Coffee, tea, soda
• Jello, popsicles

4 Days Before

No fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beans or dairy. Begin eliminating processed foods.

Suggested Foods:

• Eggs
• Chicken, fish, lean beef, pork
• White rice, plain pasta
• Plain crackers, toast, muffins
• Broth or strained cream soups
• Tea, coffee, carbonated beverages
• Gelatin, popsicles
• Olive oil, vegetable oil
• Clear fruit juices without pulp
• Sugar, honey, syrups
• Hard candies

3 Days Before

No fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beans or processed foods. Limit red meat.

Suggested Foods:

• Eggs
• Skinless chicken, fish, shrimp
• White bread, plain crackers
• Broth and strained creamed soups
• Tea, coffee, soda
• Plain sherbet, popsicles
• Clear fruit juices without pulp
• Jello
• Butter, oil
• Sugar, honey
• Hard candies

2 Days Before

No fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beans, dairy or red meat. Avoid processed foods.

Suggested foods:

• Eggs
• Skinless chicken, fish, shrimp
• White rice, plain white pasta
• Clear broth soups and bouillon
• Tea, coffee, carbonated drinks
• Plain gelatin, popsicles
• Apple juice, cranberry juice without pulp
• Sugar, honey, syrup
• Hard candies
• Olive oil, vegetable oil
• Refined cooked cereals like cream of wheat

1 Day Before

Follow a clear liquid diet only. No solid foods at all.

Suggested foods:

• Water
• Clear broth, bouillon
• Apple juice, white cranberry juice
• White grape juice
• Plain gelatin
• Popsicles
• Tea, coffee without milk or cream
• Clear sodas like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
• Sugar, honey
• Hard candy

Plus prescribed laxative prep in the evening.

Tips for Sticking to the Colonoscopy Diet

Following a limited, low fiber diet for a week before your colonoscopy requires commitment. Here are some helpful tips:

• Remove high fiber items from your kitchen so you aren't tempted.
• Drink plenty of liquids like water, broth, diluted juice and tea to stay hydrated.
• Choose satisfying low fiber options like eggs, white rice, chicken, fish and broth soups.
• Read labels carefully and avoid products with whole grains, seeds, beans, dried fruits.
• Opt for low fiber desserts like Italian ices, gelatin or plain cookies.
• Season food with herbs, spices, oil and vinegar for flavor.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to control hunger.
• Aim for about 1,500 calories daily from the recommended foods.

Sticking closely to the prescribed diet helps ensure your colon will be adequately cleansed for your colonoscopy procedure. Though restrictive, this short term diet is doable with commitment and preparation.

Benefits of Following the Colonoscopy Prep Diet

While altering your normal diet for a colonoscopy prep may seem difficult, doing so has important benefits:

• Clears your colon of all solid matter for better visibility.
• Minimizes procedure time and discomfort.
• Reduces the risk of complications.
• Increases the effectiveness of prescribed laxatives.
• Decreases chances of needing to repeat colonoscopy due to inadequate prep.
• Allows physician to see entire colon lining for polyps or other abnormalities.
• Ensures you get the most out of this preventive screening.

Though following dietary limitations pre-colonoscopy can be inconvenient, it plays a vital role in getting optimal results from this critical screening test. Committing to the prep diet provides the best opportunity for detecting any colon cancer or polyps early.

Colonoscopy Preparation Tips

Preparing both mentally and logistically can help you adhere to the pre-colonoscopy diet with less stress:

• Clear your schedule the day before and day of your colonoscopy.
• Stock up on the recommended foods and laxative prep.
• Avoid high fiber foods you enjoy to remove temptation.
• Ask someone to drive you to your appointment.
• Stay near a bathroom once you start the laxative prep.
• Drink lots of clear liquids to avoid dehydration.
• Consider light activity like walking to ease bloating.
• Pack loose, comfortable clothes, slippers and entertainment for your time in the waiting room.
• Remind yourself the diet is temporary and colon health is worth it.

Planning ahead helps you stick to the necessary restricted diet before your colonoscopy. Being mindful of what you can eat and proactively preparing makes getting through this short term challenge smoother.

Ask Your Doctor if You Have Concerns

If you find you are unable to tolerate the pre-colonoscopy diet, have questions about what you can eat or are unable to manage the laxative prep, promptly consult your physician. Express any concerns you have about effectively cleansing your colon for the procedure.

Your doctor may be able to adjust the diet or offer alternatives if you have underlying conditions that make the standard menu challenging. Don't hesitate to speak up so your doctor can determine if modifications are needed.

With the right preparatory diet and laxative regimen, your colonoscopy is more likely to provide the critical information your doctor needs. Work with your physician to ensure you find an approach that enables the necessary cleansing before your procedure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.