Food FAQ: Can I Eat Yogurt Before A Colonoscopy?

Can I eat yogurt before a colonoscopy? Yogurt for colonoscopy prep, yes or no? Unveil the truth about yogurt and its suitability for your colon cleanup.

A colonoscopy is a medical screening procedure used to examine the colon. It is routinely done for people over 45 or people with colorectal symptoms. A colonoscopy requires adequate preparation, particularly dietary regulations, to ensure accurate results. A commonly asked question regarding the pre-colonoscopy diet is: Can I eat yogurt before a colonoscopy? This article provides a comprehensive answer to that question.

Can I Eat Yogurt Before a Colonoscopy?

Whether you can eat yogurt before a colonoscopy depends on the type of yogurt in question and the phase of your prep diet. Understanding the properties of different types of yogurt helps to premise the discussion of when or what kind of yogurt you can eat before a colonoscopy.

Yogurt is derived from the fermentation of milk. It is refreshing, nutritious, and rich in probiotics. There are multiple types of yogurts, some of which are:

Dairy vs. Non-dairy Yogurt:

The main difference between dairy and non-dairy yogurt is the source. Dairy yogurt is derived from animal milk, while non-dairy is derived from plant-based milk. Non-dairy yogurts typically contain less sugar but more fiber than dairy-based yogurts.

Plain Yogurt vs. Fruity Yogurt:

Yogurt without additives is considered plain yogurt. Plain Greek Yogurt and regular plain yogurt fall in this bracket. Fruity yogurts contain fruit cuts, seeds, and added sugars, offering more calories and fiber.

Can I Eat Yogurt Before a Colonoscopy on a Low-Fiber Diet?

The low-fiber diet is the first diet you must follow when preparing for a colonoscopy. It requires eating foods with little to no fiber. This diet helps reduce the amount of undigested food and hinders stool formation in the colon.

Can you eat yogurt before a colonoscopy on a low-fiber diet? Yes, you can eat certain types of yogurt during the low-fiber diet phase. This is because yogurt is nutritious with little to no fiber. However, it does contain lactose which could sometimes leave residue in the colon. The lactose might also trigger symptoms of abdominal discomfort in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Therefore, your safest bet for yogurt on a low-fiber diet will be non-dairy yogurt which is both low in fiber and lactose. Plain Greek yogurt is also quite low in lactose content, so it is a suitable choice.

Avoid fruity yogurts and yogurts with mix-ins like granola, nuts, and seeds because of their fiber content.

Can I Eat Yogurt Before a Colonoscopy on a Clear Liquid Diet?

The clear liquid diet succeeds the low fiber diet and usually commences about 24 hours before your colonoscopy. It is typically required the day before your colonoscopy and involves consuming only transparent liquids and gelatin. This ensures that the colon is empty and contains no residues that could obstruct your examiner’s view during the procedure.

Can you eat yogurt before a colonoscopy on a clear liquid diet? No, you cannot eat yogurt during the clear liquid diet phase. Yogurt is not a clear liquid, so it does not meet the criteria for foods permissible on a clear liquid diet. Also, if it is not completely digested, the traces of milk in the yogurt can distort the appearance of the colon lining.

Alternative Snacks on a Colonoscopy Prep

Some alternatives to yogurt on a pre-colonoscopy diet include Sorbet, coconut water, Consommé, clear broths (beef, vegetable, or chicken), clear juices (apple, white grape), and plain gelatin.

Conclusion

While yogurt is not permissible during the clear liquid diet phase, plain Greek yogurt and non-dairy yogurt may be consumed on a low-fiber diet. As always, check with your healthcare provider before choosing foods to eat during your colonoscopy prep.