Can I Have Miso Soup Before My Colonoscopy? Diet Guidelines

Preparing for a Colonoscopy Procedure

Getting ready for a colonoscopy exam can be challenging but following preparation guidelines helps make the process go more smoothly. One common question is whether you can have miso soup before a colonoscopy.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a routine yet invasive preventative screening procedure that allows doctors to examine the entire length of the colon and rectum. A tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube is inserted to check for any abnormalities or signs of colorectal cancer.

Why Follow Pre-Procedure Diet Instructions?

Following a clear liquid diet and colon cleansing protocol before a colonoscopy is extremely important. Your doctor must be able to see the colon lining clearly during the procedure, which cannot happen if stools are still present.

Is Miso Soup Okay to Have?

The day before a colonoscopy you must stick to only clear liquids. Clear liquids are those you can see through, like apple juice, water, clear broth, popsicles, and black coffee or tea. Cream, milk, pulp, or solid foods are not allowed.

Since miso soup contains solid ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and mushrooms it is generally not part of the accepted clear liquid diet. Broth would be permissible but miso itself has too much solid matter.

Allowed and Non-Allowed Clear Liquids

Learning exactly which clear liquids you can and cannot consume before your colonoscopy is key to adequately preparing.

Allowed Clear Liquids

Here are examples of acceptable clear liquids to have the day before your colonoscopy procedure:

• Water
• Black coffee or tea (no cream or milk)
• Clear fruit juices without pulp like apple, white grape, lemonade
• Strained lemon/limeade or fruit punch
• Clear broth including chicken, vegetable, or beef broth
• Gelatin like Jello without added fruit
• Popsicles without milk, fruit, seeds, or pulp
• Gatorade, Powerade, or similar sports drink
• Clear carbonated beverages like lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
• Honey, sugar, salt, and pepper are permitted for broth

Non-Allowed Liquids and Foods

Items you'll want to avoid consuming before your procedure include:

• Solid foods of any kind
• Juices with pulp like orange, grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, and V8 juice
• Milk, cream, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk
• Smoothies or shakes with fruit, veggies, milk, seeds, etc.
• Alcohol
• Soups like chicken noodle soup or vegetable soup containing veggies, noodles, meat
• Any liquid you cannot see through

Why You Cannot Have Miso Soup

While clear broths are allowed before a colonoscopy, miso soup is generally considered off-limits. Here's why:

Contains Solid Pieces

There are enough solid chunks of ingredients present in miso soup that it cannot be considered a clear liquid. Typical components like diced tofu, seaweed pieces, sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and mushrooms mean miso soup is more like a thin porridge.

Could Leave Residue Behind

Doctors need to visualize the entire lining of your colon clearly during your scope procedure. Even small bits of residue from solids in miso clinging to the colon walls can obstruct visibility. This could lead to polyps or other abnormalities being missed.

Interfere With Colon Cleansing

You will likely need to take very strong laxatives the evening before your colonoscopy to fully cleanse your bowels. Consuming thicker liquids like miso soup could interfere with the full effects of the bowel prep solution.

Sample Colonoscopy Prep Diets

What might a typical clear liquid diet look like the day before a colonoscopy? Here are two examples:

Breakfast

• Black coffee or tea with no milk or cream
• Strained fruit juice like apple or white grape juice
• Water
• Gelatin like lemon or lime Jello

Lunch

• Chicken or vegetable broth
• More strained fruit juice
• Flavored gelatin like orange gelatin cups
• Popsicles without fruit or seeds
• Clear soda like Sprite or ginger ale

Dinner

• Beef or vegetable broth
• Clear fruit juice or Gatorade
• Jello without added fruit
• Water and clear sodas
• Continue drinking extra fluids before midnight

The Day Of Your Colonoscopy

Adhering closely to the preparation guidelines provided by your doctor ensures an effective colon cleansing for your procedure. While miso soup is generally not allowed, you'll get back to eating all your favorite foods once your colonoscopy is complete.

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.