What is Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy?

Clear liquid diet suggestions for colonoscopies can help to cleanse the GI tract before tests or other medical procedures. The colon is where the waste products from the food we eat exit our body. When these waste products become too much of a problem, blockages may form in the small or large intestines. Not only does this waste matter become a health hazard, but it can also cause problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and colon cancer. Cleansing the colon is important because of all of these problems. The best way to do this is through what is called an "ulsive colonic detox".

This procedure is usually done in one to three days prior to the scheduled colonoscopy. In order for the procedure to be successful, there are some things you need to do and to prepare for. A hospital environment is usually required when having this procedure done. The reason you will likely need to have hospital attire is because you will be given a shot and then taken for a short stay before being released to home. You should ask about this prior to agreeing to go through with the procedure if you have any doubts.

Along with what is clear liquid diet for colonoscopy, this procedure also requires a complete and proper bowel preparation. If you have had poor bowel preparation before going through with your colonoscopy, then you may have an even greater difficulty after having the procedure. What is poor bowel preparation means essentially any residue from food that could get reabsorbed into your system. For example, if you eat a lot of junk food before going to the bathroom, then you might experience some leakage. Some people experience excessive diarrhea, but others do not.

This is why it's very important to drink anything else that isn't soda out of your system after the colonoscopy procedure. Also, it's important to make sure you don't eat or drink anything within eight hours prior to the procedure. This means that any coffee or tea as well as alcoholic beverages are off the table. Also, it's recommended that you avoid caffeinated soft drinks and iced teas at all costs, since they can have a negative impact on your colonoscopy procedure.

Basically, what is clear liquid diet for colonoscopy is simply a liquid solution comprised of eight hours prior to the procedure, you'll be required to drink anything that's not juice or pop, no caffeinated drinks, and anything other than fruit juices or natural spring water. This can include plain juices (aside from perhaps apple juice) and even certain types of herbal tea. Typically, you'll be asked to drink one of these liquids every single day, and if you notice any bowel problems or irregular movements, you may need to increase the number of liquids that you're consuming.

There's no clear indication at this time as to what will occur once you begin the diet, though there is some speculation that it may have an effect on your intestinal lining. If that's the case, however, it would be a very small effect. For most people, what is clear liquid diet for colonoscopy is simply following a schedule and drinking fruit juices on a regular basis. The effects of what is clear varies from individual to individual, so it's best to start off with what is normal for you, and then move on to what is more appropriate for you. Remember, what is normal for one person may not be appropriate for you, so it's important to try and find what is best for you.

After the surgery, you should begin a three-day cleansing flush to remove any of the toxins that could have been in your system after the surgery. Because some of the medications used for chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have a significant impact on your bowels, you'll want to stay away from any fruits or vegetables that are high in sugar. Some common fruits to avoid include those with a lot of sugar, such as cranberries, cranberry juice, and pineapple. You may also be advised to avoid caffeinated drinks and caffeinated tea, as well as chocolate. After the first day or two, you can slowly begin to increase the amount of fluids that you're consuming. In addition to what is a clear liquid diet for colonoscopy, you may also be told to drink a special herbal tea to help clear any impurities that may be in your digestive tract.

Because of the duration of the preoperative period and the potential for severe side effects, many people opt for what is a clear liquid diet for colonoscopy instead of undergoing a more extensive bowel preparation. In most cases, this type of treatment will only last up to six hours. This time period is generally enough for you to get familiarized with what is expected of you, as well as for your nurse or physician to make any adjustments that are necessary to your health after the procedure. If you choose to go beyond the six-hour mark, you may experience some disturbing side effects or develop complications that are worse than what you had at the start. Discuss any concerns that you may have with your doctor or nurse before going any further.