Low Fiber Diet for Colonoscopy Prep
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist and project plan...
Key Takeaways
- Three days before a colonoscopy, you can prep by eating low-fiber foods such as eggs, poultry, fish, white bread, bananas and white rice.
- During that time, avoid high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, whole grains, legumes and many raw vegetables.
- Black coffee is generally considered a clear liquid and may be allowed the day before a colonoscopy, but you should avoid milk, cream and other additives.
- Many people can gradually return to their normal diet after a colonoscopy, but follow your primary care provider’s instructions.
Before a colonoscopy, you’ll typically need to eat low-fiber foods for several days and switch to clear liquids the day before the procedure.
While it may not be the most fun few days of eating you've ever had, foods like eggs, fish, poultry, white bread, white rice and certain cooked vegetables are considered easier to digest and can help prepare your colon for the procedure.
Here are some tips on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid before your colonoscopy, as well as how to reintroduce fiber to your diet after the procedure.
Low fiber foods to eat before your colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a screening to search for cancer or polyps in the colon that could become cancerous. These screenings typically start at age 45. The physician conducting the screening uses a thin, flexible tube in the rectum and colon. This requires preparation to ensure the colon is empty prior to the screening. Prior to your colonoscopy, your primary care provider (PCP) will provide instructions and prep medicines.
Three to five days out, you may want to eat low fiber foods, which will move through your gastrointestinal system more quickly than high fiber foods and make the preparation easier, according to Harvard Health.
Low fiber foods don’t have to mean unhealthy foods. Knowing what to eat and what to avoid before a colonoscopy can make preparation easier.
| Foods to eat before a colonoscopy: | Foods to avoid before a colonoscopy: |
| Eggs | Nuts |
| Fish and poultry | Popcorn |
| White bread | Whole grains |
| White rice | Legumes |
| Applesauce | Broccoli |
| Bananas | Brussels sprouts |
| Cooked carrots | Cauliflower |
| Cooked green beans | Avocado |
Here is a list of some foods to eat before your colonoscopy.
Protein:
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Fish
- Poultry
Cooked vegetables:
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Potatoes
- Zucchini
- Squash
Fruits:
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Peaches
- Pears
Grains:
- White bread
- Sourdough bread
- White rice
The day before the colonoscopy, stick to clear liquids such as:
- Water
- Black coffee
- Plain tea
- Broth or bullion
- Light juice such as apple or white grape
Don’t drink liquids that are blue, purple or red, which will interfere with the screening.
In the late afternoon, you will take laxative solutions or pills as prescribed by your doctor. Drink plenty of water and keep water or a clear electrolytes drink with you everywhere you go, according to the American Cancer Society.
High fiber foods to avoid before your colonoscopy
It’s important to know what foods to limit and avoid in the days prior to the procedure. Here are some common high fiber foods to avoid in the few days before your colonoscopy:
- Legumes
- Whole grains, including popcorn
- Nuts
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
Foods to eat after your colonoscopy
After your procedure, it can help to ease back into eating high-fiber foods. Some people may be fine, but others may want to gradually increase the amount of high fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains to reduce the chance of bloating, gas and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Start back with some of the low-fiber foods listed above, continue to drink plenty of water and gradually add high fiber foods back into your diet in the days following the colonoscopy. This could look like a serving of broccoli with dinner, a handful of nuts as a snack or a slice of avocado toast for breakfast. Talk to your doctor for more guidance on how and when to reintroduce fiber after your colonoscopy.
Low fiber diet for colonoscopy prep: Frequently Asked Questions
What foods can I eat three days before a colonoscopy?
Three days before a colonoscopy, you can typically eat low-fiber foods such as eggs, poultry, fish, white bread, white rice, bananas, applesauce and cooked vegetables.
What can I eat the day before a colonoscopy?
The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll typically switch to clear liquids, including water, broth, black coffee, plain tea and certain light-colored juices. Follow your PCP's instructions.
Can I eat eggs before a colonoscopy?
Yes, eggs are generally considered a low-fiber food and can typically be eaten during the days leading up to a colonoscopy. Follow your provider’s specific dietary instructions.
Can I drink coffee before a colonoscopy?
Black coffee is generally considered a clear liquid and may be allowed the day before a colonoscopy. Avoid milk, cream and other additives unless your provider says otherwise.
What foods should I avoid before a colonoscopy?
Avoid high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, whole grains, legumes and many raw vegetables. Your provider may give you additional foods to avoid.
When can I eat normally after a colonoscopy?
Many people can gradually return to their normal diet after a colonoscopy, but follow your provider’s instructions. Start with easily tolerated foods if you experience bloating or discomfort.
Photo: Getty Images
