Food FAQ: Can You Eat Chocolate Before A Colonoscopy?

The colonoscopy prep diets – the low-fiber diet and clear liquid diet – give rise to several questions, and understandably so. The diets require strict adherence to certain guidelines, and to encourage compliance, it is crucial to answer commonly asked questions. One such question is “can you eat chocolate before a colonoscopy“?

Depending on the phase of colonoscopy preparation you are in, chocolate may or may not be permissible. Read on to learn more.

Can You Eat Chocolate Before A Colonoscopy On A Low-Fiber Diet?

The low-fiber diet is a diet that restricts fiber intake in order to reduce the amount of residue that ends up in the colon after digestion. On this diet, foods rich in fiber are not permissible. Therefore, chocolates that contain nuts or other fiber-rich complements are to be avoided.

Chocolate – dark chocolate, to be precise – is an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals, and energy. So, chocolate bars are a great snack choice on a low-fiber diet (as long as it does not contain fibrous complements).

Can You Eat Chocolate Before A Colonoscopy On A Clear Liquid Diet?

The clear liquid diet is very precise and strict about what is permissible and what is not. Only clear liquids and gelatinous foods are to be consumed on a clear liquid diet. Chocolate, even in its delicious molten form, is not a clear liquid. Thus, chocolate is not permissible on a clear liquid diet.

Why Chocolate May Not Be Recommended Before a Colonoscopy

It has a high sugar content. Although it is important to choose energy-rich foods before a colonoscopy, the high amount of sugar in chocolate can make it impermissible, especially if you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or obese.

It can cause migraines. According to the American Migraine Foundation, chocolate is a common migraine trigger. If you suffer from migraines, it may be best that you avoid chocolates on your low-fiber diet.

It may cause allergies. If you are allergic to cocoa beans, which are the main ingredient in chocolate, chocolate is not the snack for you before a colonoscopy.

Conclusion

If you have ever asked the question, “Can I eat chocolate before a colonoscopy?” We hope this article has provided a comprehensive and helpful answer. To summarise, whether or not you can eat chocolate before a colonoscopy depends on factors like what phase of the colonoscopy prep you are in and your pre-existing medical condition.

Most importantly, seek your doctor’s and dietician’s advice before deciding whether or not to eat chocolate before a colonoscopy.