Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy? Diet Tips

Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It involves using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope to view the intestinal lining for any abnormalities or sources of bleeding. Colonoscopies are often recommended for colorectal cancer screening in adults over 45 years old.

In order for the doctor to clearly view the colon, it must be completely clean and empty of any stool. This requires following a strict diet and cleansing regimen in the days leading up to the colonoscopy. Since gummy bears are not part of the recommended clear liquid diet, you typically cannot eat gummy bears before a colonoscopy.

Why Gummy Bears Are Restricted

There are a few key reasons why gummy bears and other gelatin-based gummies are restricted before a colonoscopy:

• They can leave residue - Gummies are not fully digested and can leave gelatin debris behind.
• They contain coloring - Artificial dyes can stain the lining of the colon.
• They may cause constipation - The gelatin can harden stool making it difficult to clear.

Doctors recommend only consuming clear liquids without pulp up to 2-3 hours before the colonoscopy. This allows the intestines to be more easily cleaned out. Gummy bears do not meet these guidelines.

What You Can Eat Before a Colonoscopy

Here are some examples of foods and liquids that are usually permitted in the 24-48 hours prior to a colonoscopy:

• Water
• Clear fruit juices without pulp - apple, white grape, lemonade
• Clear sodas - ginger ale, sprite, seltzer water
• Plain gelatin - no added fruit or toppings
• Clear broths - chicken, beef, vegetable broth
• Plain black coffee or tea
• Flavored clear nutritional drinks - Ensure Clear
• Popsicles - only yellow or green colored
• Honey
• Hard candies - mints, lifesavers

Avoid any liquids that are red, blue, or purple in color which can be mistaken for blood during the procedure. Also steer clear of milk, cream, pulp, seeds, meats, whole grains and fibrous vegetables.

Cleansing Process Before Colonoscopy

To fully cleanse and empty the colon before a colonoscopy, doctors recommend:

• Following a low fiber diet for several days prior.
• Taking a laxative solution the evening before to flush everything out.
• Drinking only approved clear liquids up until 2-3 hours before.
• Fasting after midnight the night before the procedure.

This cleansing prep is necessary for the doctor to properly perform the colonoscopy. Make sure to follow all directions provided for eating, drinking and laxative regimen. Going on a clear liquid diet and avoiding gummy bears allows the colon to be emptied and prepped.

Diet Recommendations After a Colonoscopy

Once your colonoscopy procedure is complete, your doctor will provide instructions on gradually transitioning back to normal eating. Here are some general diet guidelines to follow post-colonoscopy:

Immediately After

After waking up from sedation, you may feel groggy and weak. Start by sipping small amounts of water and clear juices or broths until the sedative medication wears off. Avoid heavy or greasy foods immediately after the procedure.

The First Day

On the first day after the colonoscopy, go slow with adding foods back and look out for abdominal bloating or discomfort. Stick to bland, low-fiber foods at first. Examples include:

• Saltine crackers
• White bread
• Boiled potatoes
• Soup
• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Cooked cereals like cream of wheat or rice porridge

Stay hydrated by drinking water, diluted juices, or herbal tea. Avoid fibrous vegetables, whole grains, spicy foods or carbonated beverages until your colon recovers.

Over the Next Few Days

As your system gets back to normal, gradually reintroduce higher fiber foods like:

• Oatmeal
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain breads and pasta
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts and seeds

If you feel any bloating or discomfort after eating high fiber foods, reduce the amounts and build up slowly. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.

Avoid Constipation

To avoid becoming constipated and straining after the colonoscopy, be sure to:

• Drink lots of water and liquids
• Choose high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Ask your doctor about over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives if needed
• Exercise regularly

Your doctor can provide individualized instructions on managing diet and bowel movements after the colonoscopy based on your results. Follow up on any dietary recommendations.

Are There Alternatives to Gummy Bears for Colonoscopy Prep?

While you can't eat traditional gummy bears before the colonoscopy, there are some alternatives that can help make the preparation more tolerable while keeping your colon empty.

Sugar-Free Gummies

Some doctors may allow sugar-free gummy bears in the days leading up to the colonoscopy. The sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect. Just check with your provider first.

Clear Fruit Flavored Drinks

Opt for clear fruit juices like apple, lemon, or white grape to get some sweetness. Dilute with water if the sugars cause discomfort.

Flavored Gelatin

Make your own gelatin snack with generic, fruit-free gelatin powder mixed with water and allowed to set. Goes down easy and provides protein.

Frozen Fruit Bars

Look for yellow or green colored frozen fruit bars made with allowed clear liquids. The chilling effect makes them more soothing.

Hard Fruit Candies

Lemon drops, butterscotch discs, and certain hard fruit candies are usually permitted. Avoid any with chocolate, filling, cream or coconut.

Discuss options with your doctor and read prep instructions carefully. Simple modifications can make getting through the liquid diet easier while keeping your colon ready for the procedure.

Should You Inform Your Doctor If You Accidentally Eat Gummy Bears?

If you accidentally eat some gummy bears leading up to your colonoscopy, in most cases it's not necessary to inform your doctor. Here's what to consider:

How Long Before the Procedure

If you ate them more than 24 hours prior, they should pass through your system in time. Closer to the colonoscopy, the residue may still be present.

How Many You Ate

A few gummies here and there may not impact cleansing. But if you ate a whole package, the gelatin bulk could affect visualization.

Any Abdominal Symptoms

Check if you feel abdominal pain, distension, nausea or constipation after eating them, which could impede the prep.

Color of Gummy Bears

Red, blue or purple gummy bears are more concerning than yellow or

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.