Wondering “Can I eat cheese before a colonoscopy?” Learn what types of cheese, if any, are allowed to ensure a successful preparation.
If you have complaints such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, chronic abdominal pain, or unexplained rectal bleeding, your doctor might order a colonoscopy to get a view of your colon for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sometimes, a colonoscopy is ordered as a routine screening test.
Regardless of why your doctor recommends this test, preparing for a colonoscopy demands you make adjustments to your diet so your colon is free of obstructions. If you are a lover of dairy products, a question on your mind might be, “Can I eat cheese before a colonoscopy?”
This article will provide answers on the status of cheese as a colonoscopy-safe option.
This article is part of our Complete Guide to Colonoscopy Preparation, which includes a full prep timeline, diet guidelines, and practical tips.
When Can I Eat Cheese Before a Colonoscopy?
The answer to this question is not quite straightforward. The suitability of cheese as a pre-colonoscopy meal is dependent on multiple factors.
Firstly, let us consider the phases of dietary preparations: the low-fiber diet and clear liquid diet.
Can you eat cheese before a colonoscopy during the clear liquid diet?
While on a clear liquid diet a day before your colonoscopy, cheese is absolutely contraindicated for the obvious reason that it is a solid.
Can I eat cheese 2 days before a colonoscopy?
Your next question is probably, “Can I eat cheese 2 days before a colonoscopy?” Cheese seems to meet the requirements for a low-fiber diet, and is common in many potentially low-fiber foods such as pizza and sandwiches. Most forms of plain cheese – that is, cheese without added ingredients like nuts or seeds – are really low in fiber. Therefore, they will not add bulk to your stool and disrupt the process of emptying the colon ahead of your procedure. So, does this mean you can have cheese on a low-fiber diet? Well, there are other factors to consider.
Other factors when asking yourself “can I eat cheese before a colonoscopy?”
Lactose intolerance
Cheese, just like milk, is a dairy product, which means it is high in lactose. Therefore, consuming cheese can cause major abdominal discomfort for lactose-intolerant people and must be completely avoided.
Digestive issues
Additionally, even if you are not lactose-intolerant, cheese could still cause bloating and abdominal cramps while on a low-fiber diet. This is because the stomach and digestive system are slightly more sensitive to nutrients like lactose while on this diet. So, you would really have to watch how much cheese you eat.
Types of cheese and their suitability
Because there are so many types of cheese available today, let us simplify your decision-making with this guide.
Potentially Allowed (during the low-fiber phase):
- Cream cheese: If plain and smooth, without added ingredients.
- Cottage cheese: If plain, without fruit or fiber additives.
- Hard cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese are low in lactose in addition to their low-fiber content
Must be Avoided
- Cheese with added ingredients: Avoid cheeses mixed with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or whole grains, as these add fiber and are not suitable for a low-fiber diet
Conclusion: Can I Eat Cheese Before a Colonoscopy?
Can You Eat Cheese Before a Colonoscopy?
To summarize, cheese is not allowed on a clear liquid diet at all.
If you are on a low-fiber diet but lactose-intolerant, stay away from cheese. Even if you are not lactose-intolerant, only take cheese in small quantities and stop immediately if you feel any abdominal discomfort.
Cheese is a controversial choice for a pre-colonoscopy diet and is best avoided until after the procedure. If you are not lactose-intolerant, small quantities of plain cheese might be fine during the low-fiber diet phase. It is always best to discuss this topic with your healthcare provider and come to a mutual decision to ensure the best possible colonoscopy preparation.
