From the Guidelines
When preparing for a colonoscopy the next day, you can consider a low-residue diet or full liquids until the evening on the day before the procedure. This is based on the recommendations from the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, which suggests that a split-dose bowel cleansing regimen can be used in conjunction with a low-residue or full liquid diet until the evening before the colonoscopy 1. Some examples of low-residue foods that can be consumed include:
- Plain crackers
- White bread
- Plain cookies
- Chicken or fish without skin or bones
- Eggs
- Low-fiber fruits like bananas or avocados
- Low-fiber vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers Full liquids that can be consumed include:
- Water
- Clear broths (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- Coffee or tea without milk or creamer
- Clear fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape, white cranberry)
- Clear sodas (ginger ale, Sprite)
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Popsicles without fruit pieces or cream
- Jell-O or other gelatin without fruit pieces
- Clear hard candies It's essential to avoid any solid foods, dairy products, juices with pulp, alcoholic beverages, or opaque liquids, as well as red, purple, or blue colored liquids that can interfere with the examination by staining the colon lining. Remember to follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding when to stop consuming even clear liquids before your procedure, which is typically midnight the night before or a few hours prior to the colonoscopy.
From the Research
Foods and Fluids Before Colonoscopy
The day before a colonoscopy, patients are often advised to consume a specific diet to ensure adequate bowel preparation. According to a study published in 2016 2, patients can consume either a clear liquid diet (CLD) or a low-residue diet (LRD) the day before colonoscopy.
- Clear liquid diet: includes clear broths, electrolyte-rich beverages, and plain water
- Low-residue diet: includes foods that are low in fiber, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
Comparison of Diets
The study found that patients who consumed an LRD had higher odds of tolerability and willingness to repeat preparation compared to those who consumed a CLD, with no differences in adequate bowel preparations or adverse effects 2.
Examples of Allowed Foods and Fluids
Examples of foods and fluids that can be consumed the day before a colonoscopy include:
- Clear liquids: water, clear broths, electrolyte-rich beverages
- Low-residue foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, cooked vegetables
- Other allowed foods: plain yogurt, plain ice cream, clear soups, gelatin
Note that the specific diet recommendations may vary depending on the individual's health status and the colonoscopy procedure. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider or gastroenterologist.