Many people who are preparing for a colonoscopy, ask the question, “What is clear broth colonoscopy soup?” When preparing for your upcoming procedure, making sure you get adequate nutrition by consuming foods that will not adversely affect the results is critical.

The importance of dietary workup when preparing for a colonoscopy cannot be overstated. When preparing for a colonoscopy, what you feed on matters, as there is an “ideal” state the colon must be in for a colonoscopy to be successful. Therefore, proper preparation for colonoscopy typically involves adhering to specific dietary guidelines. One such guideline is the strict consumption of only low-fiber foods followed by a clear liquid diet in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.

A significant component of this dietary regimen is a clear broth. A clear broth is a nutrient-rich liquid that provides essential hydration and nourishment, while minimizing the amount of fiber consumed. In this article, we will discuss what clear broth is, its significance in colonoscopy preparation, types of clear broth, recommended ingredients, and permissible homemade recipes. 

WHAT IS CLEAR BROTH COLONOSCOPY SOUP?

As the name suggests, clear soups are soups that appear transparent. However, the importance of clear soups on a low-fiber diet or a clear liquid diet does not lie in the transparency of the soup itself but in what the transparency denotes. To fully understand this, we first need to briefly talk about the significance of low-fiber foods and a clear liquid diet in preparation for a colonoscopy.

When preparing for a colonoscopy, it is essential to prepare your bowel for the procedure adequately. This preparation includes using medications such as laxatives and mechanical measures such as an enema to empty the colon significantly, as well as the strict consumption of low-fiber foods to reduce the accumulation of residue in the colon. For a more detailed explanation of what you can eat when preparing for a colonoscopy, you can check out our article, Before Colonoscopy: What Can I Eat on a Clear Liquid Diet?

Clear soups are a suitable choice of food when on a low-fiber diet or a clear liquid diet because they have little to no fiber content, hence the transparent consistency.

WHAT IS CLEAR BROTH COLONOSCOPY SOUP MADE FROM?

Clear broth is a strained liquid prepared by simmering meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables in water with added seasonings. The resulting liquid is then strained to remove solid particles, producing a clear and tasty broth. While clear broth lacks solid pieces of food, it still retains valuable nutrients, electrolytes, and hydration, making it an excellent choice of food, especially during the clear liquid diet phase of colonoscopy preparation.

IMPORTANCE OF CLEAR BROTH IN COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION

The days leading up to the procedure are crucial during a colonoscopy preparation. You will have to follow a strict diet regimen, and only a few foods qualify to be consumed on the recommended diets (even fewer foods on a clear liquid diet than on a low-fiber diet). So, what is clear broth colonoscopy?

• Clear broths contain little to no fiber. After cooking, straining the liquid helps eliminate fiber alongside other solid particles from the soup. The absence of fiber in broth makes it permissible for consumption when preparing for a colonoscopy.
• They are hydrating. Clear broths are made mostly of water, which counterbalances the dehydrating effects of drug-induced diarrhea and enemas. The high water content also helps to maintain homeostasis – that is, the normal internal environment of the body.
• They are nutritious. Depending on how you cook yours or the ingredients used to make a pre-packed bowl, a serving of clear broth can be quite nutritious. For example, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, a 100g serving of chicken broth provides essential minerals such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Phosphorus, which will serve you well during your colonoscopy preparation.

Some examples of clear broths include:

Bone Broth

High-quality meaty bones are used to make the perfect base for a bone broth. Most of the nutrients of a bone broth come from the gradual conversion of collagen into gelatin after being simmered for several hours (about 12 hours on average). Bone broth is a good protein, collagen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin A source.

Healthy recipes that can be employed for a tantalizing bowl of bone broth on a pre-colonoscopy diet include our Chicken bone broth and Beef bone broth recipes.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a classic choice of clear soup when preparing for a colonoscopy. It is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and low in fat and fiber. A pot of chicken broth is made by boiling chicken and vegetables and seasoning in water for an extended period. This extended period of boiling extracts the flavors and nutrients from the ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful liquid that can be enjoyed on a colonoscopy preparatory diet. Be sure to sieve out all solid particles from the broth before consuming it.

Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is prepared by simmering various vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and herbs in water. It offers a light, refreshing option for those seeking a plant-based alternative. You should try our vegetable broth recipe for a delicious experience.

Can you eat ramen broth before a colonoscopy?

Ramen Noodle Broth is an example of a broth that should be avoided on a clear liquid diet. Although a popular and enjoyable broth, Ramen noodle broth is discouraged when preparing for a colonoscopy because of its high sodium content, which can predispose to dehydration. Some store-bought ramen noodle broths also contain excess monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can hurt the stomach.

WHAT IS CLEAR BROTH COLONOSCOPY SOUP: PERMISSIBLE OPTIONS

According to the Princeton Gastroenterology Associates, some other examples of clear soups that can be eaten on a pre-colonoscopy diet are Consommés. Some examples include:

• Duck consommé
• Chicken consommé
• Beef consommé
• Seafood consommé
• Vegetable consommé

If you would rather buy from a store rather than make yours at home, here are a few store-bought options you can consider:

• Good & Gather Organic No Salt Added Chicken Bone Broth provides a flavorful and robust roasted chicken flavor.
• Pacific Foods Organic Bone Broth Chicken Unsalted provides a light chicken flavor with dashes of vegetables and spices.
• Imagine Organic Free Range Chicken Broth Low Sodium is also a popular choice.

WHAT IS CLEAR BROTH COLONOSCOPY SOUP: THINGS TO AVOID 

Whether you choose to make your clear soup or buy from a store, avoiding certain ingredients is important.

• Excess Sodium

Sodium is the predominant component of salt. So, when making your clear soup at home, avoid using too much salt, as this may lead to dehydration. When choosing store-bought soup, it is advisable to choose low-sodium products.

• Potatoes

Potatoes (and many other starchy foods) can leave behind some fiber in your broth, clouding its consistency and making it less suitable for consumption, particularly on a clear liquid diet.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in fiber and should be avoided when making or buying a clear broth.

While clear broth and clear liquid soups can provide nourishment and hydration during colonoscopy preparation, it is essential to adhere to the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional.  

Consult with your doctor or registered dietitian to ensure you are correctly following the diet adapted to your health needs. Adhering to these instructions will help optimize the effectiveness of the colonoscopy and provide the best possible outcome.

CONCLUSION

Clear soups (particularly clear broths) are crucial in colonoscopy preparation. They provide hydration, essential nutrients, and taste during the low-fiber and clear liquid diet phase. Understanding the significance of clear broth and exploring various clear liquid soup options can help you easily navigate the pre-colonoscopy diet. Remember to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions for optimal results.