Foods to avoid: Raw fruit (bananas are OK) Canned pineapple, oranges, grapefruit sections, mixed fruit. Dried fruit. All berries, melons.
However, in general, in the days leading up to your colonoscopy you are allowed to eat: Eggs. Fruit with the skin and seeds removed. Lean meat, chicken and/or fish.
Fruits: All raw fruits (barring peeled apple, ripe banana, and melon); raisins; prunes; dried fruits; canned berries. Grains: Wild rice; brown rice; whole-grain cereals; whole wheat breads, rolls, crackers; whole wheat pasta.
In order to have a successful colonoscopy, it is recommended to avoid smoothies for three days before your colonoscopy. You also should avoid fruits and vegetables with seeds or indigestible fiber since they are difficult to digest and may interfere with your doctor's ability to examine your colon.
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to detect abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). One day before the procedure, it is advised not to eat any solid or semi-solid food, such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, oatmeal, etc. A clear liquid diet must be taken 24 to 72 hours before the procedure.
The biggest culprits that will show up in a colonoscopy and obscure our view are foods like nuts, seeds and high-fiber cereals. You also want to avoid granola, coconut, dried fruit and fresh fruit with the skin on, like apples and pears, or fruit with seeds, like strawberries and raspberries.
Low residue breakfast foods include eggs, white bread, cottage cheese, yogurt, grits, coffee, and tea. You may have clear liquids.
Low Residue Diet prior to Colonoscopy
Tender lean meat-not stringy Beef, Lamb, Lean Pork, Fillet Of Chicken, Fillet of Fish, Shellfish-Oysters, Calamari Scallops, Crab. Canned fish in brine, not oil.
During this time, you are allowed to eat: Dairy: Including milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and sour cream. Low-fiber, non-whole grains: Breads made with white flour, white rice, saltines, and corn flakes.
Foods to avoid:
All raw vegetables, such as lettuce, onion, celery, cucumber, mushrooms, scallions, etc. Vegetables with seeds. Beets.
Follow these general guidelines for five days before your colonoscopy: Avoid nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dried beans and peas. Avoid whole grains and cereals. Choose cooked or canned fruits and vegetables over fresh ones.
Foods that you may eat include:
Bananas, soft cantaloupe, honeydew, avocado. Chicken, fish, beef, pork, tofu, eggs. Margarine, butters/oils, smooth sauces and dressings.
1 Day Before Your Colonoscopy (Prep Day)
Examples of a light breakfast are: eggs, soup or broth with noodles (no meat or vegetables), white crackers, white rice, white potatoes, white bread, Boost® or Ensure®. At 10:00 am, begin a clear liquid diet. Do not eat anything solid.
You will need to start cleansing your bowel three to four days prior to your procedure. During this time, you will need to be on a low-fiber diet, which means you can't eat raw fruits or vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.
Foods like yogurt, ice cream, and cereal may have added fiber that you don't expect which can make them harder to purge. Unfortunately, when foods aren't properly digested, they can get in the way of the camera during your colonoscopy. This could cause inaccuracies in the test.
Three days before your colonoscopy, eat only low-fiber foods. Also, stop taking any fiber supplements or anti-diarrheal medication. Two days before, continue eating only low-fiber foods. One day before, go on a clear-liquid diet.
Studies have indicated that colonoscopies done during the morning hours have actually contributed to more accurate findings due to a number of varying factors. Although it might not be a thrill to wake up earlier than usual, it could just help your overall health.
A few days before the colonoscopy procedure you should start eating a low-fibre (low residue) diet: no wholegrains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or raw fruits or vegetables. Fruit juices, white bread, refined breakfast cereals, meat and dairy foods are allowed.
Three days prior to your procedure, please eat low fiber foods: Do not eat any nuts or seeds (including those in pickles, tomatoes, fruit, etc.). Do not eat high-grain/ high-fiber bread, rolls, pasta, crackers or cereal with nuts or seeds. This includes granola, raisin bran and oatmeal.
You can still have smooth soups with no bits (e.g. tomato, vegetable Bouillon), jelly, ice cream, Ambrosia custard, Complan drinks, Bovril and Oxo drinks, and water, clear juices, fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.
Eat a Low-Fiber Diet
“You need to start a low-fiber diet at least five to seven days beforehand,” she says. “That means avoiding any poorly digested foods, such as corn, nuts and raw stringy vegetables.”