Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy? Prep Tips and Guidelines

Understanding Colonoscopy Preparation

A colonoscopy is a common screening procedure used to examine the large intestine for signs of cancer, polyps, inflammation, and other conditions. Proper preparation is vital for a successful colonoscopy.

The colon must be thoroughly cleaned out so the gastroenterologist can view the intestinal lining clearly. Follow all preparation instructions from your doctor to ensure the best results.

Typical Colonoscopy Prep Steps

Though specific instructions vary, standard colonoscopy prep involves:

• Following a low fiber diet for several days prior.
• Drinking only clear liquids leading up to the colonoscopy.
• Taking laxatives or "bowel prep" solutions to induce diarrhea and clear out the colon.
• Fasting after midnight the night before the procedure.

These necessary steps help remove any solid stool to provide the doctor a clear view. However, they can also be unpleasant. Fortunately, there are ways to get through prep more comfortably.

Why Colon Cleansing is Important

While limiting your diet and purging the bowels is certainly no fun, proper cleansing prior to a colonoscopy offers many benefits:

• Improves detection of polyps and other abnormalities
• Reduces the risk of a perforated colon during the procedure
• Minimizes discomfort and the need for repeat colonoscopy
• Allows the gastroenterologist to complete the exam faster

Adequate cleansing enhances the accuracy and safety of colon cancer screening. Do your best to fully complete all preparation steps as instructed.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Survive Prep

Colonoscopy prep impacts every aspect of your routine from what you eat and drink to how often you use the bathroom. These suggestions can help you tackle prep:

Stick to a Low Fiber Diet

Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding high fiber foods for 2-3 days before the procedure. This includes:

• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans and legumes

Follow a simple low fiber or low residue diet in the days leading up to the colonoscopy. This gives your bowel less material to expel during the cleansing process.

Focus on Hydration

Dehydration from liquid bowel prep solutions is common. Prevent this by drinking plenty of clear fluids:

• Water
• Clear broths
• Apple juice
• White grape juice
• Ginger ale
• Weak tea
• Sports drinks
• Popsicles
• Jello

Avoid red liquids, dairy products, or anything that could leave residue behind in the colon.

Reduce Physical Activity

Take it easy for 1-2 days before your colonoscopy. Avoid strenuous exercise and overexerting yourself. This will conserve energy and prevent dehydration.

Ask About Anti-Nausea Medication

Nausea is another common side effect from bowel cleansing. Request a prescription anti-nausea medication from your doctor if the prep solution makes you queasy.

Stay Near a Bathroom

Once the powerful laxatives kick in, you'll be making many trips to the toilet. Avoid going out and stay within steps of a bathroom during the strongest wave of diarrhea.

Consider Barrier Creams

Frequent, urgent diarrhea can lead to a sore bottom. Apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide creams after each bowel movement to protect the irritated skin around your anus.

Try Peppermint

The scent of peppermint oil can help mask unpleasant odors during prep. Add a few drops to a cloth or cotton ball and keep it nearby.

Stay Positive

Keep your eye on the prize - a successful colonoscopy. Remind yourself the discomfort is temporary and necessary to screen for cancer and other problems.

Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy?

During colonoscopy preparation, your diet must consist entirely of clear liquids to keep the bowels free of debris. But can you indulge your sweet tooth with gummy bears?

While they may seem harmless, most experts advise against gummy candy prior to a colonoscopy. Here’s why:

Gummy Bears May Leave Residue

Gummy bears contain gelatin, artificial colors, corn syrup, and other ingredients that could potentially leave behind residue in the colon. Even small amounts might obscure polyps or abnormalities.

Doctors typically recommend a low residue diet before colonoscopies. That means avoiding any foods that could leave pieces or cloudy fluid in the GI tract.

They Can Cause Gas and Bloating

The indigestible sugar alcohols found in some gummy candies like sorbitol and mannitol can lead to gas, bloating, and cramping. This adds to the discomfort of prep.

Plus, excess gas during the procedure can obstruct the camera view. The doctor may pause the exam to suction air out which lengthens the process.

Red Gummy Bears Could Be Confusing

Although rare, some cancers and polyps can bleed during a colonoscopy. Red gummy bear residue could potentially resemble blood, making diagnosis more difficult.

Opt for transparent candies and juices to avoid any red, orange, or purple dyes that could mask bleeding.

Clear Liquids are Still Recommended

To minimize complications, most gastroenterologists suggest sticking to transparent liquids before a colonoscopy. These include:

• Water
• Apple juice
• White grape juice
• Plain gelatin
• Popsicles
• Clear broth

Check with your physician, but most advise against gummy bears or even gelatin snacks like Jello.

Better Alternatives for a Sweet Treat

Though gummy bears aren’t recommended, you still have options to satisfy your sweet tooth leading up to a colonoscopy. Here are some better clear liquid choices:

Plain Gelatin Desserts

Clear, colorless gelatin is perfectly acceptable. Enjoy modest amounts of:

• Jello
• Knox gelatin cups
• Gelatin popsicles

Avoid products with added fruit chunks or bright dyes. Stick to lemon, lime, or unflavored gelatin.

Fruit Juices

100% apple, white grape, cranberry, and other light juices provide sweetness without the drawbacks of gummy bears. Just skip orange, grapefruit, or other citrus juices.

Flavored Syrups

Add a tablespoon or two of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to beverages for a touch of sweetness. You can also enjoy plain sugar or simple syrup dissolved in water.

Hard Candy

Uncolored mint, lemon, or honey flavored hard candies can curb a sweet craving as well. Allow them to fully dissolve in the mouth instead of chewing them.

Sorbet or Italian Ice

Check with your doctor, but a small serving of lemon or lime sorbet or ice may be allowable. These melt into clear fluid.

Tea with Sugar

A cup of plain iced tea with a teaspoon or two of sugar subs in for soda. The caffeine gives you a lift as well.

Frozen Grapes

For a light, refreshing snack, simply freeze seedless white grapes. Rinse them first to avoid pesticide residue.

With these alternatives, you can still enjoy something sweet leading up to your colonoscopy without sabotaging prep.

Tips for Making Colonoscopy Prep More Tolerable

Preparing for a colonoscopy is demanding. Here are some additional suggestions to make the process a little easier:

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration from the bowel prep solutions can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Drink plenty of allowed clear liquids before and after taking them.

Use Wet Wipes

Gentle, alcohol-free wet wipes will keep you feeling fresher during frequent bathroom trips. You may also want barrier cream to prevent a sore bottom.

Consider Laxative Pills

Ask your doctor if you can take magnesium citrate pills instead of drinking gallons of liquid. Pills may be easier to swallow.

Mix Solution with Clear Liquid

For powder laxatives, try mixing each dose thoroughly with an allowed clear beverage like apple juice. This dilutes the often unpalatable taste.

Use a Straw

Sipping prep solutions through a straw directs the fluid towards the back of the mouth. This minimizes the taste without altering effectiveness.

Suck on Hard Candy

Allowed lemon drops or minty hard candy can mask unpleasant tastes between gulps of solution.

Chill Solution

Many people find prep drinks easier to tolerate when ice cold. Store in the refrigerator or add ice.

Set a Timer

Space out each dose of laxatives evenly based on the timeframe provided by your doctor. Timers help pace consumption.

Occupy Your Mind

Distract yourself during the prep process by watching shows, reading, chatting on the phone, listening to music, meditating, or taking a warm bath.

Take Comfort Measures

Abdominal discomfort is common during bowel cleansing. Apply a heating pad, lie down, sip clear broth, or take pain relievers as recommended by your physician.

Conclusion

Preparing properly for a colonoscopy requires following dietary restrictions, drinking laxatives, and fasting overnight. This clears the bowels fully so the doctor can detect any cancer, polyps or other abnormalities during the screening.

While gummy bears may seem tempting, most gastroenterologists discourage them prior to a colonoscopy since they could leave residue behind. Stick to recommended clear liquids like broth, juice, popsicles and gelatin.

Staying hydrated, using wet wipes, chilling prep solutions and taking comfort measures can also make the colon cleansing process more bearable.

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.