Step by step
The colonoscopy diet is a essential part of the preparation. A correct intestinal cleanse allows the test to be performed more accurately and avoids having to repeat it.
Following the appropriate instructions in the days prior helps to achieve a complete visualisation of the colon and improve diagnostic quality.
- An inadequate preparation It can make it difficult to visualise the colon and may even necessitate repeating the test.
- The aim of the diet is to reduce the residue in the intestine to facilitate a complete cleansing and allow the specialist to correctly assess the mucosa.
2-3 days beforehand: low-residue diet
In the preceding days, it is important to reduce consumption of foods that create waste in the gut.
Recommended foods
- White rice, pasta and boiled potato.
- Lean meat (chicken, turkey) and white fish.
- Boiled eggs (in Spanish omelette).
- White bread, non-wholemeal rusks.Â
- Maria biscuits.
- Low-fat dairy: natural yoghurt, cottage cheese.
- Filtered broth (no vegetables or bits).
- Fruit without skin or seeds (apple, pear) preferably cooked, baked or as a compote.
Foods to avoid:
- Raw fruits and vegetables.
- Pulses.
- Nuts.
- Wholefoods.
- Seeds or foods with skin.
1 day before: clear liquid diet
On the day before the colonoscopy, a purely liquid diet should be followed to facilitate bowel cleansing.
Allowed
- Water.
- Filtered broth (no solids).
- Herbal teas.
- Isotonic drinks.
- Strained juices without pulp.
- Gelatine without colours.
- Ice lollies or clear drinks.
Not allowed
- Dairy.
- Drinks with pulp.
- Sparkling drinks.
- Alcohol.
- Fatty broths or those with food remnants.
Colonoscopy Day
- You must follow the directions of Fasting and taking laxatives indicated by the specialist.
- You can continue drinking clear fluids. up to 2 hours before the procedure (water, mild infusions, strained broths or pulp-free juices).
- Do not ingest solid food.
Frequent errors in preparation
- Not following the diet correctly
- Eat fibre-rich foods in the preceding days
- Do not complete preparation with laxatives
- To not observe the fast
What is normal during preparation
- Increased bowel movements
- Feeling of bloating
- Slight tiredness
Sample menu for colonoscopy
Breakfast
- Skimmed milk with coffee or tea.
- Two slices of white bread served with fresh cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Mid-morning
- Natural skimmed yogurt or a wholemeal rus k with cottage cheese.
Food
- Boiled white rice or white pasta, dressed with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Chicken or rabbit, grilled or roasted, or a French omelette.
- Dessert: apple compote or baked apple.
Afternoon snack
- Herbal infusion, skimmed latte, or filtered apple juice (no pulp) with two Maria biscuits.
Dinner
- Baked white fish fillet (e.g. hake), or noodle soup with shredded chicken and a hard-boiled egg.
- Side dish: boiled potato or mashed potato.
- Dessert: fat-free natural yogurt.
Preguntas frecuentes
Generally, it is recommended to start a low-residue diet 2 or 3 days before the test, although the exact guideline may vary for each patient.
It can make it difficult to visualise the colon and, in some cases, make it necessary to repeat the colonoscopy.
It depends on the prescribed diet. In general, black coffee without milk may be allowed during the clear liquids phase, but it’s best to follow the specialist's instructions.
In many cases, yes, but some treatments like anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or diabetes medication may require adjustments.
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