Many different types of candy can be consumed before a colonoscopy, which leaves countless individuals asking, “Can you eat gummy bears before colonoscopy?”
Undergoing a colonoscopy is an experience many individuals may find to be somewhat nerve-wracking. A particularly confusing aspect for many people is navigating what to eat and what not to eat when preparing for a colonoscopy. The diet may indeed be tricky at first, and it does get stricter as the colonoscopy appointment draws nearer. However, once the fundamental rules of the colonoscopy preparatory diet are well understood, it becomes easier to determine what to eat and what to avoid. Among the myriad of questions surrounding what to eat, particularly on a clear liquid diet, one common question is, “can you eat gummy bears before colonoscopy?” Let us delve into this topic to unravel the answer to this question.
Colonoscopy Preparatory Diet
When preparing for a colonoscopy, one must embark first on a low-fiber diet a few days before the procedure and then switch to a clear liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy. The low-fiber diet aims to reduce the amount of residue in the colon as much as possible. The clear liquid diet restricts you to transparent fluid foods only to hydrate your body and empty your colon. For a more comprehensive guide on navigating the low-fiber and clear liquid diets, you can check out other articles on our website.
Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before Colonoscopy on a Clear Liquid Diet?
Although a clear liquid diet involves consuming only transparent liquids such as water, broth, tea, clear juices (such as apple or white grape), and sports drinks, some treats are permissible due to their transparency and easy absorption during digestion. These treats include hard candy such as lemon drops, ice pops or popsicles (without fruit cuts, seeds, milk or nuts), and jello.
It is also okay to have gummy bears for colonoscopy prep under certain conditions. Gummy bears contain gelatin and sugar and dissolve into clear liquids at higher temperatures. These properties make them suitable for consumption on a clear liquid diet. Hence, the answer to “Can you eat gummy bears before colonoscopy?” is yes. However, there are some conditions to note.
Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before Colonoscopy: Additional Considerations
Red, blue, and purple gummy bears are unsuitable for consumption as they may stain the colon’s lining, giving the false appearance of a lesion or pathology.
Gummy bears contain much sugar and should only be eaten in moderation. Also, gummy bears must be stopped on the day of your colonoscopy; eating them so close to your test may not leave enough time for complete digestion. If you choose to make yours at home rather than buy from the store, you should avoid artificial colors and flavoring.
Conclusion
If you are worried about the appropriateness of gummy bears for colonoscopy prep, your takeaway from this article should be this: gummy bears are safe choices, provided you skip red, blue, and purple colors and avoid them altogether on the day of your procedure. Using this as a rule of thumb should ensure your colonoscopy goes smoothly. As always, we advise consultation with your care team to ensure all bases are covered.
