Reader Question: Can I eat tuna fish before a colonoscopy?

“I’m prepping for a colonoscopy in a few days—does anyone know if plain canned tuna is okay to eat beforehand?”

Answer:

Yes, plain canned tuna is usually allowed in the days leading up to your colonoscopy. To be more specific, canned tuna is fine during the low-fiber diet phase. For obvious reasons, it has to be stopped when switching to clear liquids the day before the procedure.

Here’s why:

Tuna is a lean protein with no skin, seeds, or tough fiber, so that it won’t leave residue in the colon. It’s easy to digest and provides good energy and protein while you’re cutting back on high fiber foods.

However, there are some things to consider when eating tuna before your colonoscopy. Here are helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Stick to plain, canned tuna in water or brine, not oil, sauces, or spicy mixes, which can add extra fat, slow digestion, and increase colon residue.
• Avoid mixing it with raw vegetables, whole-grain bread, or high-fiber add-ins. If you want to make it a meal, combine it with plain white bread and white rice, which are low in fiber.
• The day before your procedure, you’ll need to switch to a clear liquid diet only (broth, tea, apple juice, sports drinks, gelatin, etc.). No tuna is permitted at this point.

In conclusion, canned tuna is a safe, low-fiber protein source in the low-fiber diet stage before colonoscopy prep, but not once you’ve started the clear-liquid phase.

Source:

• Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-canned-tuna-healthy