A colonoscopy is performed to look inside the colon for growths, like polyps, inflammation or signs of colorectal cancer. A physician inserts a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a video camera tip, into the rectum and advances it along the intestine. The video camera tip allows the physician to see inside the colon and take tissue samples if needed. Your physician will instruct you on how to prepare for a colonoscopy to ensure your colon is prepared for the test, which may include a special precolonoscopy diet.
Food Dyes
Red, orange or purple dyes used to color food products may be mistaken for blood inside your colon during a colonoscopy. Avoid foods containing red, purple or orange dye, like gelatin, liquids containing dyes like drink mixes, juice or tea and any medication that contains these dyes. MayoClinic.com recommends a dye-free diet 24 hours prior to your colonoscopy.
Roughage
Some foods may leave a film or residue inside the colon. This may interfere with the colonoscopy. Roughage foods like vegetables, fruits with skins or seeds, nuts, popcorn and corn, and whole-grain products may leave deposits inside the colon that interfere with how well a physician can view inside. The University of Virginia Health System recommends consuming a diet low in roughage foods for three to four days prior to your colonoscopy. Choose low-residue foods like skinless fish or poultry, or cooked mashed potatoes. Choose refined white bread, rolls, pasta or other items made with white flour versus bread products made with whole grains.
Solid Foods
Your physician may recommend a liquid diet 24 hours prior to your colonoscopy. Your colon must be free of all solid waste before the test can be performed. A liquid diet helps aid bowel movements and prevents additional solids from forming in the colon. Mayo Clinic recommends clear broth, coffee without cream, plain tea and water as part of a liquid diet. Avoid dairy products and carbonated beverages. Follow specific instructions provided by your health-care provider for a liquid diet. If you have diabetes, ask your physician about how to manage a liquid diet and insulin, if appropriate.
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