How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

Preparing for a colonoscopy might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a crucial step in maintaining your digestive health. This essential procedure is a critical tool for detecting issues like colorectal cancer and colon polyps early, potentially saving lives. So, how do you prepare for a colonoscopy?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prepare thoroughly for your procedure. We’ll detail the essential steps of colonoscopy prep and also discuss reassuring alternative approaches if your results are less than ideal.

Understanding Colonoscopy Preparation

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows healthcare providers to inspect the inner lining of your large intestine (colon). This examination is crucial for identifying various gastrointestinal conditions, including benign formations like colon polyps, precancerous lesions, and early signs of colorectal cancer. In fact, studies show that colonoscopies have helped decrease 69% of colorectal cancer cases and 88% of death risks associated with it.

During the procedure, a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera (colonoscope) is gently inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. This camera transmits images to a monitor, giving the physician a detailed view of the entire colon and rectum.

By detecting abnormalities early, a colonoscopy serves as a diagnostic tool and a preventive measure, potentially catching and addressing issues before they develop into more serious conditions. Knowing when to get a colonoscopy and how to prepare for it is essential.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

Due to the nature of the colonoscopy procedure, having a clear colon is essential in colonoscopy. The presence of any residual waste or obstructions can obscure the view, potentially causing small but significant abnormalities to be missed.

This is why knowing what to do before colonoscopy, involving a thorough cleansing of the colon, is so critical. An effectively cleansed colon ensures that the images obtained are as clear as possible, allowing for the most accurate diagnosis and enabling effective treatment planning if any issues are discovered. Thorough prep helps to prevent the need for repeat procedures and ensures a safe and efficient examination, minimizing your discomfort and the procedure’s duration.

Dietary Guidelines Before Colonoscopy

Preparing your diet before a colonoscopy is critical for ensuring that your colon is clean and ready for the procedure. A clear and clean colon allows for the most effective and safest examination possible. Here’s a deeper look at what foods and drinks to avoid and how to plan your meals in the days leading up to your colonoscopy:

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Here’s what foods and drinks you need to avoid days before your colonoscopy:

• High fiber foods: Avoid nuts, seeds, whole grains, and raw vegetables as they can remain in the colon.
• Red meat and tough meats: These are difficult to digest and may obscure the colon’s lining.
• Dairy products: These can cause bloating and discomfort, complicating the procedure.
• Fatty foods and sweets: These can slow down digestion and should be avoided.

Recommended Diet Plan

Proper dietary preparation for colonoscopy involves reducing fiber intake and eventually transitioning to liquids to ensure the colon is as clear as possible.

• Five to two days before the procedure: Begin to reduce fiber intake. Choose low-fiber alternatives such as white bread instead of whole grain, and cooked vegetables instead of raw. Avoid fruits with skins and seeds, as they can linger in the colon.
• One day before the procedure: Switch to a clear liquid diet. This includes water, broth, and clear juices like apple or white grape (avoid red or purple). Tea or coffee is allowed but must be consumed without any milk or cream.
• Day of the procedure: Do not eat or drink anything at least two hours before your appointment. This includes refraining from candies and gum.

Medication and Hydration Instructions

Proper medication management and adequate hydration are crucial components of preparing for a colonoscopy. Here’s a more detailed exploration of what you need to consider.

Medications

Understanding the prep for colonoscopy includes knowing what medications you can and cannot take before your procedure. Different medications can impact the process in various ways, so it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider well in advance to determine if adjustments are necessary.

Prescription medications

If you are taking any prescription medications, make sure to ask your doctor if they can be taken before your colonoscopy. Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped, especially:

• Blood thinners: Medications like warfarin, aspirin, and others that prevent blood clotting can increase the risk of bleeding during a colonoscopy. Your doctor might instruct you to stop taking these a few days before the procedure.
• Iron supplements: These can darken the stool, which might make it harder for the doctor to view the inside of the colon clearly. You might be asked to stop taking iron supplements up to a week before your colonoscopy.
• Diabetes medications: If you are diabetic, adjustments might be needed for your diabetes medication since your eating patterns will change during the prep.

Over-the-counter laxatives

Most colonoscopy preparations require the use of a laxative solution, which is prescribed to ensure your bowel is completely clear. These are generally strong laxatives designed to induce diarrhea, which cleanses the colon. Following the prep instructions to the letter is essential for the success of the procedure.

This typically involves:

• Timing: Laxatives are usually taken the evening before and possibly the morning of the procedure.
• Dosage: Ensure you follow the exact dosage prescribed to avoid insufficient or excessive bowel cleansing.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is exceptionally important during the colonoscopy prep when solid foods are restricted and bowel movements are frequent due to laxatives.

• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water the day before your procedure to stay hydrated. It’s helpful to drink additional water even after taking the laxative solution, as long as it is within the allowed pre-procedure timeframe.
• Clear fruit juices: Juices like apples and white grapes are recommended because they are light in color and won’t be mistaken for blood during the colonoscopy. Avoid any juices that contain red or purple dye, as these can leave a residue that looks like blood.
• Electrolyte solutions: These solutions are vital for maintaining a balance of electrolytes in your body, which can be disrupted by the effects of laxatives and a restricted diet. Electrolyte drinks can help prevent dehydration and imbalance, which are crucial as your body prepares for the procedure.
• Broth and Teas: Clear broths (without any solid additives) and teas without milk or cream can also help with hydration and provide some relief from the monotony of drinking only water and clear juices.

It is also essential to know what to expect after a colonoscopy and get some recovery tips to make yourself more comfortable.

If Cancer is Detected: Considering Alternative Therapies

When a routine colonoscopy leads to the detection of potential cancer, it can be an overwhelming experience. However, understanding and considering alternative therapies like biomagnetic therapy can offer hope and additional treatment avenues.

Alternative therapies refer to medical treatments that are used instead of traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation. These approaches can vary widely but often include methods that support the body’s natural healing abilities and aim to treat illnesses holistically.

How We Support Cancer Treatment

At the Immunity Therapy Center, we take a front-line approach to serious conditions like colon cancer, lung cancer, and rectal cancer with innovative and personalized alternative therapies. Our treatments are designed not just as an adjunct but as a primary treatment strategy, integrating holistic care principles.

Here are some of the benefits you can get:

• Personalized Care: Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs, considering their medical history and treatment preferences.
• Holistic Approaches: We utilize therapies that complement the body’s natural healing processes, such as hyperthermia, ozone therapy, and immune-enhancing treatments.
• Innovative Techniques: We explore cutting-edge options that aim to offer better outcomes with fewer side effects than traditional methods.
• Supportive Therapies: Beyond direct cancer treatments, we provide supportive therapies such as nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and emotional support groups.
• Integrative Care: Our team safely and effectively uses both conventional and alternative therapies, based on the patient’s specific conditions and preferences.

If you want to know more about difference cancers, here’s an article that discusses the differences between rectal cancer vs. colon cancer.

Conclusion

While preparing for a colonoscopy might feel overwhelming, following these detailed steps can make the process manageable. Should you face challenges post-procedure, know that alternative therapeutic options are available that prioritize your health and comfort. Remember, preparation is key—not just for the procedure but for whatever comes after.

If you’re exploring alternative cancer treatments, the Immunity Therapy Center offers a compassionate and effective approach to help you fight back. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you receive the best possible care.

 

Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco

Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.

Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.

 

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine. Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31394083/
2. My Cleveland Clinic. Colonoscopy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4949-colonoscopy
3. Mayo Clinic. Optimizing Bowel Cleansing for Colonoscopy. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2815%2900102-0/fulltext
4. Medical News Today. What to eat before a colonoscopy. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-eat-to-prepare-for-a-colonoscopy
5. UCLA Health. Patient instructions: Bowel prep for colonoscopy, diet, medications and transportation. https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/gastro/colon-cancer-screening/preparing-colonoscopy/colon-prep-instructions

Dr. Carlos Bautista is a Board Certified Medical Doctor. He received his Medical Degree from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and has more than 20 years of experience working with Alternative Medicine to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. He opened Immunity Therapy Center in 2007 with the goal of providing the highest quality medical care for more than 5,000 patients.

At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.