You usually start diet before colonoscopy bowel preparation up to four days prior to the procedure. The doctor would want you to take this diet before colonoscopy bowel preparation very seriously. Because at some instances doctors were sending “unprepared” patients home after starting the procedure and suggested to return a week later but better prepared.

First, stop taking any iron tablets, multivitamins with iron and herbal supplements four days before the procedure since these can color the intestines and interfere with the procedure. Also, tell the doctor or pharmacist about ALL your medications. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any medications or even to plastic or latex because the procedure involves the above mentioned.

5 Things to know three to four days before colonoscopy:

1.  Stop taking every-day colon cleansing products since they may work as fiber, bulking agents.

2.  Limit your coffee drinking, alcohol consumption as well as chocolate consumption.

3.  Stop eating fiber and stop taking fiber supplements.

4.  Avoid eating rice, vegetables, nuts, seeds, red meat, fruits, dairy products. Avoid drinking red drinks, red wine, artificially colored drinks and milk.

5.  It is OK to eat clear broth, chicken broth, steamed chicken, broiled fish, soft-boiled eggs, mashed potatoes, cheese, it should mostly be white-colored foods three to four days before the procedure.

 Things to know one day before colonoscopy:

·         Most doctors will recommend you to have a light breakfast, for example 2 minute boiled egg with some white tea.

·         It’s ok to drink white tea, water, regular tea and some doctors are even OK with coffee. Please, remember that nothing should be added to your tea or coffee.

·         Drink at least every hour to prevent dehydration. If you are choosing sports drink, please get clear or lemon or ginger flavored types.

·         It’s OK to drink apple juice, fat-free clear broth, and strained fruit juices (not red or purple).

Finally, the day of the colonoscopy you can drink up to three to four hours before the procedure. No eating, please!

I hope you have a safe procedure and great results!  

 You can read more about diet before colonoscopy at http://www.journey-with-crohns-disease.com/diet-before-colonoscopy-bowel-preparation.html