Can You Eat Green Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy? A Complete Guide

Can You Eat Green Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy?

Preparing for a colonoscopy exam involves following a restricted diet to cleanse the colon. This leads many patients to wonder - can you eat green gummy bears before a colonoscopy?

Green gummy bears contain coloring agents that could potentially stain the gastrointestinal tract. However, the specific prep diet instructions from your physician determine which foods are allowed.

This article covers whether green gummy bears are colonoscopy prep-friendly, ingredients to look for, prep diet guidelines, and tips for making your colonoscopy preparation as comfortable as possible.

Typical Colonoscopy Preparation Diets

The preparation or prep diet for a colonoscopy aims to completely cleanse the bowel prior to the procedure. This allows the doctor to view the intestinal walls clearly and check for any abnormalities.

Two days before the colonoscopy, you will likely be instructed to follow a low fiber diet. Then, the day before the procedure, you will progress to clear liquids only.

Clear liquid diet foods allowed before a colonoscopy generally include:

• Water and mineral water
• Clear broths - chicken, beef, vegetable
• Juices without pulp - apple, white grape, lemonade
• Plain gelatin - no added fruit or toppings
• Frozen popsicles - no fruit or cream added
• Tea or coffee without milk or creamer
• Clear, caffeine-free sodas - ginger ale, Sprite
• Sports drinks - Gatorade, Powerade
• Hard candy - lemon drops, orange slices

Are Gummy Bears Allowed Before a Colonoscopy?

Traditional gummy bears made from corn syrup, sugar, gelatin and artificial colors are generally not part of a clear liquid diet for colonoscopy prep.

The artificial dyes used to create bold gummy bear colors could potentially stain the gastrointestinal lining, interfering with the visualization needed for the procedure.

However, some patients may be instructed they can have yellow and orange gummy bears or gummies made with natural colors. The exact guidelines depend on your physicians recommendations.

Ingredients to Watch Out For in Gummy Bears

If your prep instructions do allow gummy bears or similar gummy candies, there are certain ingredients to watch out for:

• Artificial Dyes - Red 40, Blue 1, etc. Could stain intestines.
• Sugar Alcohols - Xylitol, sorbitol. May have laxative effect.
• Chocolate Flavors - Contain fat and residue.
• Fruit Purees - Contain fiber and pulp.

Ideally, choose gummy bears made with natural colors and flavors, without added chocolate or fruit. Clear gummies are safest.

Why You May Need to Avoid Green Gummy Bears

The green coloring is the main reason traditional gummy bears are restricted before a colonoscopy. Heres why green gummy bears are a no-go:

• Get their color from artificial dye Yellow 5 and Blue 1
• Artificial dyes may stain bowel wall and impede visibility
• Yellow 5 and Blue 1 could combine to form green poop
• Unsettling green color could cause confusion about bowel cleansing

Although alarming green stool is harmless in this case, it could be mistaken for inadequate cleansing. So it's best to avoid any colors that can potentially stain.

Clear Gummy Bears - A Colonoscopy-Friendly Alternative

Although traditional gummy bears are off the table, there are some colon-prep-friendly options to consider:

• Clear, uncolored gummy bears
• Light yellow or orange naturally-colored gummies
• DIY gummies made with 100% fruit juice
• Gummy vitamins with natural colors

Look for gummy brands clearly labeled as being colored with fruit and vegetable juices or extracts. Or stick to clear, colorless gummy candies to be safe.

Other Foods to Avoid Before Colonoscopy

In addition to colored gummy bears, here are some other foods to avoid on the day before your colonoscopy:

• Red, blue, or purple colored drinks
• Alcohol
• Dairy products
• Meat
• Whole grains
• Breads
• Cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans, lentils
• Strongly flavored cough drops or lozenges

Stick to all clear fluids like broth, juices without pulp, popsicles, gelatin, and clear sodas. Seasonings should be minimal.

Tips for Colonoscopy Prep Diets

Here are some tips to help get through the liquid diet preparation comfortably:

• Stay hydrated by sipping approved fluids throughout the day
• Consume chilled soups and broths for extra hydration
• Try popsicles, gelatin, and slushies for variety
• Season fluids with a small amount of salt, honey or lemon
• Chew sugar-free gum to ease hunger
• Rest as much as possible before the colonoscopy
• Use a straw for easier sipping of liquids
• Apply a warm washcloth to the forehead for nausea relief

Be sure to follow all prep diet instructions from your doctor. And dont hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Colonoscopy Preparation Using Purgative Laxatives

In addition to dietary restrictions, colonoscopy prep typically involves taking purgative laxatives to induce bowel movements and flush the system.

Common prescriptions for colon cleansing prior to the procedure include:

• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions - Miralax, GlycoLax
• Sodium phosphate - Fleet Phospho-Soda
• Magnesium citrate - Citroma, ClenPiq
• Sodium picosulfate - Prepopik

These are all osmotic laxatives that draw water into the colon to stimulate bowel movements. This clears out stool and allows for thorough examination of the intestinal lining.

When to Start Taking the Colonoscopy Prep

Laxatives for bowel cleansing will typically be taken in split doses, starting the evening before the scheduled colonoscopy.

A typical colonoscopy prep timeline may be:

• Two days before: Begin low fiber diet
• One day before: Begin clear liquid diet
• Evening before: Take first half of laxative solution
• Morning of procedure: Take second half of laxative solution
• Plan to stay near a restroom once laxatives are taken

Follow your physicians specific colonoscopy prep instructions. Be sure to hydrate well to avoid dehydration from the laxative effects.

What to Expect When Taking Colonoscopy Prep

Heres what to expect after beginning the purgative laxative solution for your colonoscopy prep:

• Frequent, loose bowel movements or diarrhea

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.