To perform colonoscopy, preparation should begin 3 days early, starting with a semi-liquid diet that gradually progresses to a liquid diet. This change in diet reduces the amount of fiber ingested, resulting in a decrease in stool volume.
The purpose of this diet is to cleanse the intestine, avoiding the accumulation of faeces and food debris, allowing, during the examination, to be able to correctly observe the walls of the intestine and identify possible changes.
- Laxatives recommended by the doctor or laboratory where the test will be performed should also be used during the preparation of the exam.
- As they will speed up the bowel cleansing process.
- Learn more about colonoscopy and how it’s done.
The colonoscopy regimen should be started 3 days before the test and should be divided into 2 phases:
The semi-liquid diet should begin 3 days before colonoscopy and should be easy to digest. Therefore, it should include unshelled, boneless and cooked vegetables and fruits, or in the form of apples, pears, pumpkins or carrots, for example.
You can also eat boiled or mashed potatoes, white bread, white rice, Maria cookie, coffee and jelly (as long as it’s not red or purple.
In addition, lean meats such as chicken, turkey or skinless fish can be eaten and all visible fat should be removed. Ideally, meat should be chopped or shredded to aid digestion.
The day before colonoscopy, a liquid diet should be initiated, including fat-free soups or broths and diluted juices in water, to reduce the amount of fiber present.
You can also drink water, liquid gelatin (which is neither red nor purple) and chamomile tea or melisa.
Here is a list of foods to avoid in the 3 days before colonoscopy
In addition to this list, it is also recommended to avoid eating papaya, passion fruit, orange, mandarin or melon, as they are very rich in fiber, which favors the formation of faeces and waste in the intestine.
The following menu is an example of a 3-day residue-free diet for proper test preparation.
It is important to seek written advice on the care that should be taken before the colonoscopy at the clinic where you will perform the exam, so that you do not have to repeat the procedure because the cleaning was not performed correctly.
Other important precautions before the test include avoiding eating within 4 hours before starting to use the laxative and using only clear liquids, such as filtered water, teas or coconut water, to dilute the laxative.
After the test, it takes 3 to 5 days for the intestine to return to function.
After the test, the intestine takes 3 to 5 days to recover and it is common to experience abdominal discomfort and stomach swelling. To improve these symptoms, avoid foods that form gases within 24 hours of the test, such as beans, lentils, peas, cabbage, broccoli, cabbage, eggs, sweets, soft drinks, and shellfish. See the full list of gas-causing foods.