Due to colonoscopies being the most widely employed investigation for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, many people ask the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?” To have a smooth and successful procedure with accurate results, it is crucial to adequately prepare. One of the measures taken while preparing for colonoscopy is the Clear Liquid Diet.
A clear liquid diet is a temporary and highly restrictive diet typically commenced about a day before colonoscopy. When properly curated, it supplies fluids and energy from liquid and semi-solid foods that require very little digestion. A clear liquid diet is also routinely employed in preparation for some surgeries and other gastrointestinal procedures. Clear liquid foods decrease intestinal residue, alleviate thirst, and keep you hydrated. They also contain calories, vitamins, salts, and minerals that keep you nourished and healthy before your colonoscopy.
CRITERIA FOR APPROVED CLEAR LIQUIDS
A clear liquid diet is strict in that it only permits the consumption of foods that meet some specific criteria, which include:
· NO SOLID COMPONENT
This is perhaps the most obvious criterion for anyone asking the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?” Every meal that is consumed on this diet must be liquid. Solids – even soft solids – are not allowed. This is because solid foods can slow down or hinder the cleansing goal of the clear liquid diet.
· IT MUST BE TRANSPARENT
Not all liquids are allowed on a clear liquid diet. Approved liquids must be free of solid particles, fibers, or cloudiness. That is, it must be transparent (fulfilling the “clear” in a clear liquid diet). Transparency guarantees that the fluid foods leave the least amount of residue possible in the colon after digestion, enabling optimal visualization during the colonoscopy.
· NO ALCOHOL
Although alcohol is a transparent liquid, it is not approved for consumption on a clear liquid diet. This is because alcohol is a dehydrating liquid; meanwhile, one of the goals of a clear liquid diet is hydration. Additionally, alcohol has been found to hamper intestinal motility, causing food and feces to linger in the colon for longer.
· IT SHOULD BE NON-IRRITATING
When it comes to answering the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat,” it’s important to remember to avoid anything that can trigger your allergies. A well-prepared, clear, liquid meal should not cause gastrointestinal distress, discomfort, or bloating. Liquids that induce nausea and vomiting are also not encouraged. Fluids consumed on a clear liquid diet should be palatable, safe, nourishing, and enjoyable.
· IT SHOULD BE HYDRATING
Preparation of the bowel for colonoscopy will result in loss of body water via stool. Therefore, a lot of importance is placed on replacing lost body water and maintaining hydration. Lots of water and rehydrating liquids should be consumed when on a clear liquid diet.
· IT SHOULD CONTAIN MINIMAL FIBER
Before a colonoscopy, the crux of bowel preparation (and the clear liquid diet) is to cleanse the bowel and rid it of as much feces as possible. High-fiber foods leave a lot of residue in the colon after digestion. Contrastingly, low-fiber foods leave less residue in the colon. This makes low-fiber foods the preferred sources of fluid when on a clear liquid diet.
· IT SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE
A clear liquid diet is a highly restrictive diet. Last-minute food planning and decisions will be challenging to pull off and may pose a threat to adherence and successful completion of the diet. Hence, the choice of foods and drinks for this diet should be readily available.
EXAMPLES OF PERMISSIBLE FOODS ON A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
Before Colonoscopy What Can I Eat on a Clear Liquid Diet?
Suppose you are wondering what you can eat before a colonoscopy. In that case, some examples of foods that meet the criteria for approval and can be consumed on a clear liquid diet include:
· WATER
Water is essential to life (and every diet, regardless of the goal). Water aids digestion, stool formation, stool excretion, and gut cleansing. Hence, during a colonoscopy preparation, you are encouraged to add lots of water to your clear liquid diet.
· CHICKEN BROTH
Chicken broth is a clear soup that is made by stewing chicken. Depending on the recipe used to prepare a bowl, chicken broth can be quite nutritious. It can be a source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamins, particularly Vitamin B2, and calories.
· BONE BROTH
Bone broth, as the name implies, is made from bones. The bones and tissues of practically any animal, even fish, can create a bone broth. Vital nutrients, particularly minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, can be derived from a well-prepared bowl of bone broth. Other nutrients that can be obtained from bone broth include vitamins A and K and fatty acids. Adding other nutritious ingredients can further boost the nutritional value of your bone broth.
The transparent, nutritious, and easily digestible qualities of bone broth make it an acceptable food option for those who are seeking answers to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?”
Other broths, such as beef and vegetable, may also be enjoyed while on a clear liquid diet.
· CLEAR FRUIT JUICE
Fruit juices are readily accessible and refreshing sources of water and nutrients. However, you are not encouraged to drink all types of fruit juices when you are on a clear, liquid diet prior to a colonoscopy. Fruit juices that are transparent and without pulp, such as apple juice, strained lemonade, or white grape juice, are permissible.
· TRANSPARENT SOFT DRINKS
Clear-colored soft drinks such as Sprite, 7up, ginger ale, and so on are low in nutrients but high in simple sugar. This makes them useful in preventing hypoglycemia. Therefore, transparent soft drinks may be consumed in moderate amounts while on a clear fluid diet. However, diabetic patients must first discuss and get medical clearance from their endocrinologists before adding soft drinks to their diet.
Certain fluids, such as black coffee and tea without milk, may also be drunk while on a clear liquid diet.
· CLEAR GELATIN
Clear gelatin foods such as Jell-O are allowed on a clear liquid diet. Although they are semi-solids, plain gelatin desserts dissolve quickly and are easily digested in the gastrointestinal tract. Gelatin desserts of choice must be transparent and of low-residue. No fruit cuts or toppings should be added.
· POPSICLES
Plain popsicles without fruit chunks or fruit bars are an excellent option for those who are asking, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?”
· CLEAR SPORT DRINKS
Clear sports drinks, particularly electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks, may be allowed on a clear liquid diet as they supply water, electrolytes, energy, and low residue.
· CLEAR HARD CANDIES
Clear hard candies like lemon drops are also allowed in moderation on a clear liquid diet.
· HONEY
If you are wondering whether honey is allowed for those seeking an answer to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat,” you are in luck. Because thick, transparent, natural honey can be enjoyed alone or used to complement other clear fluids, for example, tea, while on a clear fluid diet.
BEFORE COLONOSCOPY WHAT CAN I EAT: FOODS TO AVOID
Foods to avoid while on a clear liquid diet include:
· SOLID FOODS
The foundation of a transparent liquid diet is to consume only low-residue, liquid foods as you prepare for your colonoscopy. Needless to say, solid foods are prohibited on a clear liquid diet.
· FRUIT JUICE WITH PULP
Certain fruit juices, such as orange juice, contain pulp, which is a form of fiber. Therefore, fruits like this – and their juices – are not recommended on a clear liquid diet. However, fruits like lemon, if properly strained, may be permitted.
Pineapple juice is also discouraged because it contains lots of fiber and pulp.
· MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
Because milk is primarily composed of water, lipids, proteins, and minerals, it is naturally opaque regardless of whether it is skimmed or whole. The primary criterion for a clear liquid meal is transparency, and milk is not transparent. Milk’s cloudiness may make it difficult to accurately evaluate the colon. Tea and Coffee should be taken without milk or cream. When it comes to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat,” its critical to avoid milk and other opaque liquids.
Milk is even more discouraged among lactose intolerant patients as they may experience varying degrees of gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, increased flatulence, etc.
· ALCOHOL
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages are to be avoided when on a clear liquid diet. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to lose fluid excessively in the form of urine. Drinking alcohol while on a clear liquid diet can cause dehydration, which is detrimental to the diet’s principal objective of keeping electrolyte balance and hydration levels stable.
Alcohol irritates the gastrointestinal tract. As such, it can cause discomfort, inflammation, and disruptions in digestion. Clear liquid diets are recommended in order to get the digestive tract ready for a colonoscopy, which requires a quiet and clear gastrointestinal lining. Drinking alcohol can make the procedure tedious, increase the risk of complications, and aggravate gastrointestinal irritation.
· LIQUIDS WITH RED, BLUE, OR PURPLE COLORING
A school of thought has proposed that foods with red, blue, or purple dye are unfavorable for consumption on a clear liquid diet. The dye can stain your colon and paint a false picture of its health. This false picture can lead to inaccurate results, wrong diagnosis, and, ultimately, a wrong line of action.
After exploring the kind of foods you can eat on a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy, it is crucial to evaluate the importance of adhering to the above guidelines which provides an answer to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?”.
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADHERE TO A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
· IT INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF A SUCCESSFUL COLONOSCOPY
A clear view of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to the success of colonoscopy. Excess feces in the digestive tract can obstruct the view and make diagnosis or treatment less accurate. Following a clear liquid diet works to ensure that the digestive tract is thoroughly cleansed, which enables your medical examiner to clearly visualize the mucosal lining, identify anomalies, and precisely administer appropriate therapies.
· IT MAINTAINS HOMEOSTATIC BALANCE
In the preparation for colonoscopy, laxatives and enemas may be employed to clear out the colon. These measures inevitably cause water to be lost as a side effect. A clear liquid diet includes fluids that contribute to rehydration and electrolyte balance in the body. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining physiological functions, supporting cellular activities, and promoting overall well-being. Adhering to a clear liquid diet helps prevent dehydration, ensuring that you remain hydrated while preparing for endoscopy.
· IT REDUCES THE RISK OF INFECTION
By reducing the fecal load in the colon, a clear liquid diet also reduces bacterial load in the gut. Hence, the risk of infection while performing an invasive procedure like colonoscopy is diminished by adhering to a clear liquid diet.
BEFORE COLONOSCOPY WHAT CAN I EAT: PRACTICAL TIPS
· PLAN AHEAD
A clear liquid diet is a highly restrictive diet, but is a common option for those seeking answers to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat?”. There are so many things you cannot eat when on this diet, so much so that it can be extremely different from your regular day-to-day diet. Hence, proper planning should be put in place before starting the diet.
· MAKE IT FUN
Sticking to a clear, liquid diet can be difficult and overwhelming. That is why it is vital to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible.
· SCHEDULE INTAKE
Plan to consume a serving of gelatin, a cup of vegetable broth, or a glass of clear juice every 1-2 hours. Doing this will help you manage the hunger by creating a feeling of fullness. Hence, it will be easier to manage the temptations to break protocol and eat something solid.
· STOCK UP ON VARIETIES
Having a variety of approved liquid foods at hand helps to avoid – or reduce – the feeling of monotony on this diet.
· COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR DOCTORS
Proper discussions with your medical examiner and dietitian can arm you with knowledge and information to help you stay on track on this dietary journey.
CONCLUSION
A clear liquid diet is a restrictive diet that helps prime the gastrointestinal tract – particularly the large intestine – for the process of colonoscopy. Knowing the answers to the question, “Before colonoscopy what can I eat,” is critical to understanding the importance of adhering to the diet can go a long way in guaranteeing a successful colonoscopy.
