Know What to Expect From Colonoscopy Prep - Digestive Health Center - Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Digestive Health Know What to Expect From Colonoscopy Prep Some people dread the colonoscopy prep as much as the colonoscopy procedure, but knowing what's involved can make it easier. By Chris Iliades, MDMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Reviewed: July 26, 2010 Medically Reviewed Just the word " The Colonoscopy Diet You will need to stop eating solid foods before your colonoscopy. Different doctors have different colonoscopy diets. Some may ask you to stop eating solid food for a few days before your procedure, so get your colonoscopy instructions early and don’t wait until the last minute to read them. Here are some common colonoscopy diet instructions:Solid foods will need to be replaced with clear liquids, usually for the day before colonoscopy. You may also be instructed to have nothing by mouth after midnight the night before the colonoscopy.A clear liquid colonoscopy diet can include water, broth, tea or coffee without cream, clear juices, sports drinks, or Jell-O. You will be told to avoid any fluids that contain red, blue, or purple food coloring.You may be instructed to avoid nuts, seeds, or other foods with heavy types of fiber before you start taking clear liquids. The Bowel Prep In most cases, the colonoscopy procedure takes less than an hour, and your doctor will keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible. On the other hand, a good bowel flush can take about 16 hours, and your doctor will not be there to help you. This is the part of the colonoscopy preparation that most people dread.Different doctors use different NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Digestive Health Gut Check: Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut? It’s not just the raw eggs that can make you sick.By Kaitlin SullivanOctober 4, 2022 Gut Healthy Foods Worth Trying — or Not Are you plagued with gut problems and looking for a solution? The answer might be in your diet. Read on for expert advice on which foods might be worth...By Jane OkojiAugust 23, 2022 Are Bidets Good for Your Bum—and the Planet? Here’s all you need to know about the clean tush movement.By Jordan M. DavidsonAugust 22, 2022 Gut Check: Is Coffee Good for Your Gut Microbiome? Drinking coffee comes with a number of health benefits, and now some studies suggest that may be because it supports a healthy gut.By Ashley WelchAugust 17, 2022 Mom, My Tummy Hurts: Common Digestive Issues in Kids Stomachaches in kids can come and go, but frequent tummy troubles may need medical attention.By Stacy KishJuly 22, 2022 The Consumer’s Guide to Biologics for Eosinophilic EsophagitisBy Maria MastersJuly 21, 2022 Can You Get Sick From a Swimming Pool or Lake? Find out about the germs that lurk beneath the surface at swimming holes — and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.By Sandra GordonJuly 19, 2022 What to Know About Elimination Diets for Eosinophilic Esophagitis An elimination diet can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. In the end, though, it may reveal exactly what’s triggering your symptoms.By Johanna NeesonJuly 18, 2022 Dealing With Dysphagia When You Have Eosinophilic Esophagitis Difficulty swallowing is a common symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis, but there are some simple ways to mitigate this side effect and ease discomfort...By Jennifer Kelly GeddesJuly 18, 2022 4 Natural Remedies for Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis When conventional medicine isn’t enough, the addition of a complementary treatment or two may be the key to relief from heartburn caused by EoE.By Jennifer Kelly GeddesJuly 18, 2022 MORE IN Yla Flores, Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor, on How Her Cancer Made Her an Activist Treatment for Hemorrhoids 11 Icky but Interesting Facts About Poop Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges