IBD Colonoscopy Prep Foods: My 48 Hour Prep Survival Guide (2024)

The 48-hour head start

Here's something your average prep guide might not tell you, but I will: my success strategy begins two full days before the procedure. While everyone else is frantically starting the day before, I've learned to breeze through prep day thanks to these two game-changing moves.

1. Low-residue for a cleaner scope

The day before my prep (so that's two days before the scope), I kick off a low-residue diet. This means saying a temporary goodbye to high-fiber foods, seeds, nuts, and tough meats.

Through my own experience, starting low-residue early has several benefits:

• Gives my digestive system a head start on clearing out
• Makes my actual prep day much more comfortable (read: less cramping and difficult blow ups)
• Can lead to a cleaner colon, which means better visibility for my doctor and a potentially shorter procedure time

Staying well-hydrated before prep helps me to:

• prevent dehydration during the intense prep day
• make the prep solution easier to tolerate
• Keep electrolytes balanced, helping to feel less crappy during prep

The day before: clear liquid diet

Think "clear liquid diet" sounds about as appetizing as eating air? Let's flip that script. While my stomach might be doing its best whale song impression, I've actually tried a surprising variety of tasty options. Consider this a VIP menu for the day before – where "clear" doesn't have to mean "boring."

Savory saviors

• Bone broth: This is my secret weapon. It's packed with protein and minerals, and it actually tastes like food. I swear by chicken bone broth. Sugar only takes me so far, so the protein in bone broth helps my energy, too.
• Miso soup: If I'm craving something savory, this is it! Just make sure any solid bits are strained out.

Non-sugary drinks

• Coconut water: Nature's electrolyte drink. Just make sure it's the clear variety.
• Coffee or tea: Yes, I do have these! Just skip the cream and milk. Ginger tea can also help with nausea.
• Avoid the bubbles: It’s best to avoid carbonated drinks during prep since they can cause extra gas and bloating. However, if I'm really craving that zingy soda taste, here's a little hack: mix a small splash of flat ginger ale into lemon gelatin. It gives you that zippy finish without the uncomfortable bubbles.

Prep day pro tips

The day is finally here. You've already got the basics down – comfy clothes, bathroom nearby, and a clear schedule. Now let's level up your prep game with some genius hacks that I swear by.

1. Chilled prep solution: It's easier to drink when cold and a lot less gross.
2. Treat yoself: Here's a little trick. I drink clear liquids out of a fancy glass. I'm talking about that beautiful crystal you never use, or that quirky novelty glass you got as a gift. Sipping bone broth from a martini glass or electrolytes from a fancy champagne flute can inexplicably lift your spirits.
3. Margarita mix chaser: Some preps can taste a bit salty. I think of this as the salt and lime combo.
4. Skin protection: Apply diaper rash cream preventatively. Trust me on this one. Your bottom will write you a thank you note later.

Final thoughts

Look, I know colonoscopy prep isn't fun. But it's a small price to pay for keeping our guts healthy. And with these tips, you can make it through with your sanity (mostly) intact. Remember, a thorough prep means a more effective colonoscopy. You've got this!

Oh, and don’t forget to plan your post-scope reward meal!

What are your go-to colonoscopy prep foods? Share your tips in the comments below! Let's create a prep survival guide together!