Why Can’t You Have Milk Before A Colonoscopy? Dairy & Plant-Based Milks

Why can’t you have milk before a colonoscopy? Discover why milk & other dairy (or plant-based) options might not be ideal for colonoscopy prep.

Milk is an important part of every person’s daily diet, which is why so many people want to know why can’t you have milk before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive gold-standard screening medical procedure that allows the examination of the colon and rectum. It involves passing a colonoscope (a long, flexible video camera small enough to enter the anus) through the anus and into the large intestine. The colonoscope is connected to a screen outside the body so that your examiner can inspect the appearance of your colon lining in real-time as the colonoscope travels through the colon.

In order for the colonoscope to move freely and capture an accurate, unobstructed view of the colon, the colon has to be empty. Therefore, adequate preparation must be done before a colonoscopy to achieve a feces-free colon for the colonoscopy. This adequate preparation primarily revolves around dietary regulations like the clear liquid diet.

The clear liquid diet is a highly restrictive diet typically begun about 24 hours before a colonoscopy. It involves the consumption of strictly transparent liquid and gelatinous foods and beverages. A common question about the clear liquid diet is whether milk is permissible. The simple answer is No, and this article explains why.

Why Can’t You Have Milk Before a Colonoscopy?

Milk and Dairy Products Are Not Recommended

Milk and other dairy products are not recommended on a clear liquid diet for a few reasons. First, milk contains water, minerals, vitamins, fat, and protein, which makes it opaque in appearance and unsuitable for consumption on a clear liquid diet. Furthermore, if not properly digested, the lactose in milk can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea, which can make a colonoscopy unbearable or necessitate rescheduling the procedure.

Times When Dairy May Be Allowed During Colonoscopy Prep

Before a colonoscopy – and clear liquid diet – is the low fiber diet. The low-fiber diet is a colonoscopy prep diet that precedes the clear liquid diet (usually about two to three days before the colonoscopy) and is more flexible as it allows solid and liquid foods as long as they contain minimal or no fiber. Because milk does not contain fiber, it is sometimes recommended on a low-fiber diet.
However, additional consideration of the lactose content of dairy milk must be made. Lactose can leave behind colon residue which may affect visibility during the colonoscopy. Lactose might also cause abdominal discomfort if you are lactose intolerant.
For these reasons, dairy milk is preferably avoided on a low-fiber diet. If it must be taken, do so in small quantities.

Why Can’t You Have Milk Before A Colonoscopy: Plant-Based Alternatives

Milk may be obtained from animals (e.g., cow milk) or plants. Plant-based milk is derived from plants. And include almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk. Although plant-based or non-dairy milk contains more fiber than the animal-based, dairy option, the fiber content is still low enough for consumption on a low-fiber diet. Plant-based milk is also free of lactose, which makes it a suitable choice.
Plant-based or non-dairy milk is not allowed on a clear liquid diet.

Milk Products to Avoid

On a clear liquid diet, some everyday dairy products you may be tempted to eat include whole milk, skim milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. These foods must all be avoided. On a low-fiber diet, milk containing high fiber, colorants (red, blue, and purple, in particular), fruits, and so on must be also avoided.

Popular Questions

Knowing Why Can’t You Have Milk Before A Colonoscopy and When To Stop Drinking It

The low-fiber diet always precedes the clear liquid diet, often lasting about three days. However, the exact duration differs from person to person based on their doctor’s instruction. Immediately after the low-fiber diet is the clear liquid diet, which usually lasts about 24 hours (a day to the colonoscopy) but may be longer or shorter. Therefore, the best time to stop drinking milk is just before the end of the low-fiber diet and the start of the clear liquid diet. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the exact timing.

Can I Have Almond Milk Before a Colonoscopy?

Almond milk is a plant-based milk. Almond milk is considered healthy, particularly types fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin E and contains a small amount of fiber. Lactose-intolerant people may find it more enjoyable than cow’s milk, so they may enjoy small quantities on a low-fiber diet. However, almond milk is not allowed on a clear liquid diet.

Is Milk Permissible on a Clear Liquid Diet?

Milk is not a clear liquid. The clear liquid diet requires transparent fluids that can be seen through, such as water, broth, and clear juices. Therefore, milk is not permissible on a clear liquid diet.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of why can’t you have milk before a colonoscopy, it’s important to remember that avoiding milk on a clear liquid diet is essential for adequate bowel preparation and accurate results. While plant-based alternatives may be permissible during the low-fiber diet, they ae also to be avoided when it is time to switch to the clear liquid diet. Most importantly, always follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure a successful colonoscopy procedure.