List of Things You Can Have Prior to a Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the United States, according to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. However, proper precautions can prevent it. No symptoms of this disease exist, but early detection increases a person's chances of living and fighting the cancer. A colonoscopy procedure allows a camera into the large intestine (or large bowel) to check for cancerous polyps. Doctors recommend the procedure for anyone aged 50 or older.

Light Meals

• Begin preparing the body for a colonoscopy three to four days before the procedure. Cancer Information Center, LLC recommends cutting down on solid and heavy foods during this time frame. Light meat such as skinless chicken makes a suitable meal, as does potatoes without skin. Other suggested items by the Cancer Information Center, LLC include cheese, eggs and steamed white fish. Soup works well as long as it is light and clear. Keep foods simple so the body can easily digest them before the colonoscopy.

Liquids

• The day before the colonoscopy, you can eat a normal light breakfast. However, after 12 noon, you should ingest only clear liquid fluids, according to the University of Michigan Health System. UMHS Medical Procedures Unit suggests liquids such as water, apple juice, white grape juice, black coffee and tea. Other suggested liquids include chicken or beef broth, and lemon or lime Kool-Aid. Some sodas are acceptable, such as 7-Up and Sprite. Do not drink red, orange or purple liquids, as these colors may affect the colonoscopy results. UMHS Medical Procedures Unit also recommends one to two quarts of fluid at midday before the exam. You can take another one to two quarts of fluid in the evening and one hour before bed.

Medication

• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center provides some guidelines on taking medication before a colonoscopy procedure. Diabetics on insulin should consult their doctor about increasing dosage to compensate for lack of food before the colonoscopy procedure. Patients taking Plavix, Ticlid, Integrilin, Reopro or Aggrastat regularly should also contact their doctor about stopping the dosage up to seven days before the procedure. Those with artificial heart valves should ask their doctor about possible antibiotics before the procedure. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center also suggests cutting any iron supplements or medication one week prior to the colonoscopy.