How to Make Colonoscopy Prep Easy to Drink

Struggling with colonoscopy prep drink? Learn how to make colonoscopy prep easy to drink, with these tips to improve the taste and make the process smoother.

Let’s face it, no one thinks that preparing for a colonoscopy will be a fun activity. But, it is nevertheless an essential step in ensuring you maintain a healthy digestive system. The colonoscopy prep solution is specifically designed to help clear your digestive tract, but that doesn’t mean it has to taste good or have a pleasant texture. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The solution itself is a concoction that provides a severely unpleasant experience for just about anyone due to its taste, texture, and volume. When it comes to how to make a colonoscopy prep easy, there are several strategies that you can employ to tackle the task with far less discomfort.

Why Colonoscopy Prep Can Be Difficult to Drink

How Bad Is the Prep for a Colonoscopy?

For most, the prep process is the most challenging part of any colonoscopy. The solution itself has a notoriously bitter, salty, or even overly sweet taste that can trigger just about any gag reflex. It is a thick, syrupy substance similar to that of Ensure, only clear. But, it is the sheer volume that can quickly overwhelm you. After all, you are going to need to drink several liters of this prep solution within a very short period of time.

These characteristics can deter even the most determined individuals. But, understanding the importance and purpose of the solution can help make the task a little easier. The prep helps to ensure that your colon is completely clear, which allows doctors to spot any abnormalities in your digestive tract without having to deal with obstacles. And, you don’t want a cucumber seed from last night’s dinner being misdiagnosed as a polyp.

Tips on How to Make Colonoscopy Prep Easy to Drink

If you are like most, then you’re probably wondering how to make colonoscopy prep easy. Let’s take a look at several tips that can help make the process far more manageable.

Chill the Solution

Start by chilling the solution. The temperature of the prep solution can significantly influence the taste perception. You want to refrigerate the solution for several hours before you drink it. This will help to dull its overwhelming flavor and make it a bit more tolerable. Adding ice cubes to your glass can further enhance the chilling effect. You want to avoid letting the solution warm up between servings.

Use a Straw

You should also try using a straw. When you drink from the glass directly, the liquid will contact all of your taste buds. But, when you sip through a straw, you minimize contact with your taste buds and therefore reduce the intensity of the unpleasant flavor. When choosing a straw, select one with a wider opening to ensure that there is plenty of room for the thicker liquid.

Break It Down into Smaller Portions

You don’t have to drink the entire volume at the same time, you just need to consume it within a certain timeframe. Instead of drinking it all at once, split it up into smaller portions and set a timer to remind yourself to take a few gulps every 10 to 15 minutes or so. By reducing the amount that you have to consume at any given time, you can make the task less daunting.

Incorporate Approved Flavorings

There are also a wide array of flavorings that have been approved for your colonoscopy prep solution. These flavorings include lemon, lime, and ginger. They are really good at complementing the salty or bitter notes in the solution. However, make sure to confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any flavoring, and remember to avoid anything that is red, blue, or purple.

Chase It with a Clear Liquid

As you drink the colonoscopy prep solution, also drink some water. Your best option is to sip some of the solution, and quickly wash it down with water, clear apple juice, or even plain broth. Just make sure that whatever liquid you use, is approved by your doctor.

Distract Yourself

You can also try to distract yourself by focusing on something completely different. You could watch a television show, listen to your favorite music, or chat with a friend. This form of distraction can help you focus less on the taste and more on completing the task.

Experiment with Breathing Techniques

Another good option is to exhale through your nose while you are swallowing the solution. Taste and smell go hand-in-hand, and if you are able to either hold your breath or exhale through your nose, you limit the amount of contact the solution has with your senses. Try holding your nose take a deep breath in, then a large sip, followed by water before breathing again. Minimizing the solution’s contact with your tastebuds is how to make colonoscopy prep easy.

Stay Positive

And, always remember to stay positive. Yes, it is not a fun experience, but by maintaining a positive mindset, you can make a difference. Constantly remind yourself of the many health benefits that the procedure will provide you with, and pat yourself on the back with every portion you complete.

Common How to Make Colonoscopy Prep Easy Mistakes to Avoid

In order to ensure that the colonoscopy prep works effectively, here are some common pitfalls that you should avoid.

Adding Unapproved Ingredients

Yes, it is tempting to mask the pace with other creative additives. But, adding unapproved ingredients can compromise the effectiveness of the procedure. Although it may be tempting to add dairy products or colored sports drinks, these can adversely affect the results of the colonoscopy. Always stick to the guidelines that are provided by your healthcare provider.

Rushing the Process

At the same time, try to avoid rushing through the process. Some people just assume that if they drink the solution as quickly as possible, they can get it done and over with, with the least amount of headache. But, drinking the colonoscopy prep solution too quickly can lead to nausea, vomiting, and discomfort.

Ignoring the Timeline

The schedule is carefully designed to ensure that your colon is completely clear during the procedure. It is crucial that you comply with the prep timeline accordingly. Any deviation from the schedule can lead to an incomplete cleansing, which may require the rescheduling of your colonoscopy.

Skipping Doses

At the same time, you may think that skipping or drinking less of the prep solution will be okay. However, this will reduce its effectiveness, and may even leave residue in your colon. Not following the recommended dosage and time frames, can adversely affect the outcome of the procedure.

Conclusion

In the end, while the colonoscopy prep solution may not be the most pleasant experience, there are plenty of ways to answer the question of how to make colonoscopy prep easy. Remember to chill the solution, use a straw, incorporate distractions along the way, and stick to the guidelines to ensure a successful colonoscopy procedure. And, if you ever encounter any discomfort or find it completely impossible to complete the prep work, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.