Colonoscopy fasting is one of several important steps an individual must take in order to get ready for the colonoscopy procedure itself. Another is called bowel prep, or bowel preparation.

The goal of this article is to provide some basic information about both these important preparatory steps for your colon examination.

Colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep are important factors in making sure your colon is completely clean and your doctor can see the walls of your colon clearly.

Most colonoscopy procedures last less than an hour. Some are done in half that time or even less. But your doctor will want you to to start the colonoscopy preparation process a full day in advance.

Fasting is the first step, and it usually starts the morning of the day before your procedure. Your food choices are very limited once you begin. It’s also possible that your doctor will ask you to fast for longer than the normal 24 hour time frame.

Your doctor will permit you to eat gelatin or Popsicles? during your fasting period, as long as they’re not in flavors or colors of red or blue. These colors stain the walls of your colon, making diagnosis more difficult. The following are also permitted

* diet soda.

* fat-free bouillon or broth

* including Life Savers or lemon drops

* black coffee

* plain tea without sweeteners or milk

* strained fruit juice specifically apple, white grape, or cranberry

* plain water

There are some food and drinks you should definitely not consume. These include dairy products like ice cream, milk and any kind of creamy soup.

Generally, clear liquids are all right up to four hours before your procedure, but ask your doctor about this.

Besides fasting and restricting food and drink choices, colonoscopy preparation also involves another step known as “bowel prep.”

There are several types of strong laxatives your doctor will prescribe, and you’ll take these the evening before your colonoscopy. The following brand names are prescribed most often: Golytely?, Fleets Phospho-Soda? and Movi-Prep?.

Generally, you’ll take the laxative in a series of several doses starting in late afternoon or evening. Naturally, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions conscientiously. Also take care to follow any additional instructions from your physician.

Between doses, drink 3-6 glasses of clear liquid or water. Your doctor may suggest even more than that.

As the laxatives do their job, you’ll start spending a lot of time in the bathroom. You’ll feel as if you have bad diarrhea.

According to some people, the colonoscopy itself is easy because you’re sedated. But limiting your food intake, and dealing with the laxative the day before is the hardest part of it all.

The most obvious benefit for having a colonoscopy done lies in making sure there are no signs of cancer in your colon. But your doctor will also be able to look for symptoms of future problems, like diverticulosis or colon polyps (which can later become cancerous).

Advances in colonoscopy procedure technology, along with better public awareness through multiple media campaigns, are among the major reasons the number of colon cancer cases has been decreasing in the last few decades.

Click on preparing for a colonoscopy and detecting colon cancer to learn more about colon health information. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and television talk show host with a special interest in health and fitness topics.