You should not eat vegetables before a colonoscopy. To prepare for a colonoscopy, you must empty your bowels, as residues from foods may obscure the doctor's view of your colon during the exam. Typically, your doctor will advise you not to eat anything on the day of your colonoscopy, and to limit your diet to clear liquids the day before the colonoscopy.
Foods to Eat Before a Colonoscopy
While you should not eat any food on the day of your colonoscopy, you may eat certain foods on the day before the exam. According to Colon Cancer Resource, you may eat a light breakfast, such as an egg on white toast, on the morning of the day before your colonoscopy, but after this meal you should not eat any solid foods until after the procedure. After breakfast on the day before a colonoscopy, most patients are advised to stick to a clear liquid diet limited to items such as juice, clear soup broth, light-colored carbonated beverages and gelatin.
Foods to Avoid Before a Colonoscopy
Vegetables are among the foods that are important to avoid on the day before a colonoscopy, as they are high in fiber, which takes a long time to move through your digestive tract. For this same reason, you should also avoid fruits, nuts and seeds for at least a day before your colonoscopy. Red and dark-colored liquids should be avoided as well, as these can be confused with blood during the exam. Other foods to avoid in the 24 to 36 hours before a colonoscopy include: red meat, rice, milk, whole grains and red-colored gelatin. Depending on the directions of your physician, you'll likely be advised to avoid all foods and liquids after midnight on the day of the colonoscopy.
Other Colonoscopy Preparations
Besides avoiding vegetables and many other foods, your doctor may advise you to take additional measures to prepare for a colonoscopy. These may include taking a laxative or enema kit the night before the exam and adjusting your medications prior to the exam. According to MayoClinic.com, it is necessary to inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you're taking before scheduling a colonoscopy, as you may need to adjust your dosages or stop taking certain medicines for up to a week leading up to the procedure. This is especially important if you take medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems -- or if you take blood thinners, aspirin or supplements containing iron.
Vegetables and Colon Health
While vegetables should be avoided for at least a day before a colonoscopy, a vegetable-rich diet is otherwise important for good colon health. Dietary fiber in vegetables promotes bowel health by normalizing bowel movements and, possibly, by helping prevent certain colon problems such as hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. Additionally, some research also indicates that dietary fiber may help prevent colorectal cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. A vegetable-rich diet may also help guard you against a host of other chronic diseases, including heart disease, notes Harvard School of Public Health. For colon health and overall health, get at least nine servings of vegetables and fruit daily.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Colonoscopy: How You Prepare; June 2009
- Colon Cancer Resource; Recommended Diet Before a Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation; Zola Ndimande; April 2009
- UC San Diego Health System: Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrointestinal Procedures
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; November 2009
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source -- Vegetables and Fruits
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