Food FAQ: Can I Eat Bananas Before A Colonoscopy?

People who are preparing to undergo a colonoscopy, are often looking for the perfect superfood, and often ask themselves the question, “can i eat bananas before a colonoscopy?”

In today’s world, colonoscopy is regarded as the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. The procedure offers both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Patients are guided through a preparatory phase called Bowel Preparation to optimize a colonoscopy procedure and results. The bowel preparation is mandatory for patients about to undergo a colonoscopy; however, it is often cited as the scariest part of the colonoscopy process. A likely reason why patients feel apprehensive about bowel preparation is that many people need clarification on what foods are permissible and what foods are not. This uncertainty can make meal selection and meal preparation very stressful and anxiety-inducing.

Unfortunately, bowel preparation is an unavoidable part of the colonoscopy process. It should be done appropriately, too, as this will positively impact the quality of the colonoscopy experience and the accuracy of results. Sadly, inadequate bowel preparations are said to occur in up to 10–25% of colonoscopies and result in increased procedural times, increased difficulty navigating the colon, and other difficulties.

Therefore, asking questions about what is permissible and what is not allowed when preparing for a colonoscopy is crucial. Providing medically accurate and satisfactory answers to these questions is equally important. One such important question is: “Can I eat bananas before a colonoscopy?”  In this article, we will answer this commonly asked question.

Can I eat bananas before a colonoscopy?

While on a colonoscopy preparatory diet, foods rich in fiber, such as bananas, should be avoided.   

Preparation for a colonoscopy typically starts about three days before the scheduled date. Bowel preparation kicks off with a diet known as the Low Fiber Diet, which requires abstinence from foods rich in fiber and consumption only of foods with low fiber content.

Bananas are a healthy food choice and can be consumed regularly in one’s diet. A banana is a fruit rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamins C and B. It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants. However, due to its high fiber content, patients who are going for a colonoscopy should avoid bananas for at least three days before their colonoscopy.

Conclusion

Colonoscopy is arguably the most common and reliable colorectal cancer screening method. Preparing for a colonoscopy requires going through a process known as Bowel Preparation (also sometimes referred to as colonoscopy preparation), which plays a vital role in its success. Asking the right questions and getting proper answers can make the bowel preparation journey less stressful.