3-Day Colon Cleanse for Colonoscopy Prep
Preparing for a colonoscopy is key if you want your best results. Don’t cut corners! Prep is broken up in two parts generally: 48 hours prior – a change in your diet is recommended, and 12 hours prior – you are required to take oral laxatives in pill and liquid form.
48 hours prior
Start eating a low-fiber diet. NO whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, raw fruits, or vegetables.
12 – 24 hours prior
Don’t eat solid foods. Consume only clear liquids like clear broth or bouillon, black coffee or tea, water as instructed. Anything solid in this timeframe will hinder the results of your colonoscopy.
This video shows what you will experience.
What does a colonoscopy look for?
Most colonoscopies are done for the purpose of cancer screening. However, they are also used to look for and monitor diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease or diverticulitis.
Potential risks
In general, colonoscopies are safe. Rare complications can include:
- Bleeding: if a polyp or tissue was taken during the procedure, bleeding may occur and cauterization will be used to stop it.
- Perforation: a perforation of the intestinal wall may occur during a colonoscopy. Large ones may require hospitalization or surgery.
- Reaction to anesthesia: each individual reacts differently when it happens. If you have a history of reacting to anesthesia.
Colon cleansing before your colonoscopy
If you are considering using colon hydrotherapy to pre-cleanse your colon before your scheduled colonoscopy, we recommend starting 5 days before your scheduled appointment.
For the best outcome, count backwards from your colonoscopy appointment and schedule 2-3 colon cleanse treatments every other day. Your last colonic should be scheduled close to starting your colonoscopy prep. (For example: If your colonoscopy is scheduled for the 13th of the month, you should schedule your colonics for the 12th, 10th, and 8th of the month.
To make a bad-tasting liquid prep easier to swallow, try one or more of the following:
- add some ginger or lime;
- drink it chilled;
- drink it through a straw placed far back on your tongue;
- hold your nose and drink it as quickly as possible;
- suck on a lemon slice after you finish each glass;
- or simply hold a lemon or lime under your nose while you drink.
The day of the colonoscopy procedure
Clear liquids only. Don’t eat or drink anything 2-4 hours before the procedure.
Take something with you to your appointment like a banana or a protein shake that you can have afterwards. You may feel a little tired and likely a bit weak afterwards, so having a healthy snack once you recover is a good idea.
Post colonoscopy
Please ask for a copy of your results including the diagram of your colon and treatment notes from the Dr. performing the colonoscopy. This is your guideline and is extremely useful when planning any future colon care therapies.
Polyps?
If polyps were present and removed during your colonoscopy, it is important to ask or have the Dr. show you on a diagram, where they were and how many were removed. Polyps are an indication of toxification and blockages in the colon wall. Our treatments at Vitalife focus heavily on cleaning the soft tissue of the colon wall. This is where toxins get lodged and removing doesn’t happen overnight. Removing poop is just scratching the surface. Cleaning soft tissue takes time and a commitment from you.
Still have questions?
Speak to your Vitalife Therapist about your preparation. Prep solutions prescribed may include, Peglyte, GoLytely, Colyte and Klean-Prep. These kits usually consist of a container with a powdered mixture, to which you add four litres of water to form the solution. You then drink the concoction over a period of several hours on the day before your colonoscopy.
Also, remember to drink lots of liquid following your appointment, as some people do have issues with dehydration following this procedure. A follow up colonic can re-hydrate the colon or you can purchase one of many electrolyte formulas available at the drugstore or a nearby health food store.
Good luck, good prep and congrats on booking your colonoscopy! Early detection is key for living a long and healthy life.
