Food FAQ: Can I Eat Scrambled Eggs the Day Before a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is gradually becoming a popular routine medical procedure which is why more people are asking, “Can I eat scrambled eggs the day before a colonoscopy?”

Unfortunately, despite the significant increase in information about colonoscopy, many unanswered questions remain on how to prepare for a colonoscopy appropriately. The lack of easily accessible information regarding adequately preparing for a colonoscopy makes patients preparing for the procedure feel unsure and overwhelmed.

To reduce the burden of uncertainty with regard to meals you can eat the day before a colonoscopy, we have decided to answer commonly asked questions about colonoscopy preparatory diets. This article will answer the question: Can I eat scrambled eggs the day before a colonoscopy?

Can I Eat Scrambled Eggs the Day Before a Colonoscopy: Quick Answers

Can you eat eggs before a colonoscopy at all?

Yes, you can eat eggs on a Low Fiber Diet, but you cannot eat eggs the day before a colonoscopy during the Clear Liquid Diet.

Can I Eat Eggs 2 Days Before Colonoscopy? (Low Fiber Diet)

Yes, you can eat eggs 2 days before colonoscopy, during the low fiber diet phase.

Can I Eat Eggs 1 Day Before Colonoscopy? (Clear Liquid Diet)

No, you cannot eat eggs 1 day before colonoscopy, on a clear liquid diet.

Can I Eat Scrambled Eggs the Day Before a Colonoscopy?

No, you cannot eat scrambled eggs the day before a colonoscopy, on a clear liquid diet.

What Is A Colonoscopy Preparatory Diet?

In the days leading up to a colonoscopy, patients are placed on special diets to prepare the colon. The diets are the Low Fiber diet and the Clear Liquid diet. The basis for both diets is the same, and the diets usually commence in a succeeding order.

Low Fiber Diet

First, the Low Fiber diet is started about three days before a colonoscopy. This diet allows the consumption of solid and liquid foods as long as the fiber content in the meals is low or non-existent. Examples of foods that can be eaten on a Low Fiber diet include processed flour and its derivatives, e.g., white bread, white rice, fruits without their seeds and skins, and so on.

Clear Liquid Diet

About 24 hours before a colonoscopy, the Low Fiber diet ends, and the Clear Liquid diet is commenced.

The clear liquid diet is more restrictive than the Low Fiber diet and only permits the consumption of transparent liquids. By limiting permissible foods to just clear liquids, further limits the amount of fiber consumed to as minimal as possible and improves hydration.

Some examples of permissible foods on a clear liquid diet include broth, transparent fruit juice, Jell-o and other clear gelatinous treats, popsicles, and tea or coffee without milk. Our article on What is the Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation explains the clear liquid diet even further.

So, Can I Eat Scrambled Eggs the Day Before a Colonoscopy?

To answer the question, “Can I eat scrambled eggs the day before a colonoscopy?”, it is imperative first to highlight the nutritional properties of an egg.

An egg is made up of mostly water and is completely devoid of fiber. It also contains carbohydrates, fats, and protein. This nutritional composition makes an egg a good food choice on a low-fiber diet.

On a pre-colonoscopy diet, plain boiled or poached eggs are generally preferred to fried or scrambled eggs because fried or scrambled eggs are typically made with seasonings and condiments. These condiments and seasonings can add fiber to the eggs or slow down the rate of digestion. Hence, patients insistent on eating scrambled eggs are advised to add as few additives as possible.

In Conclusion

Because of the high water content and absence of fiber in eggs, they can be eaten on a low-fiber diet. Plain-boiled or poached eggs are preferable, but scrambled eggs can also be eaten. However, scrambled eggs are neither clear nor liquid, so they are best avoided on a clear liquid diet. Nevertheless, the guidance of your physician is crucial in deciding what foods you should eat or avoid on a pre-colonoscopy diet based on your medical history and disposition.