A colonoscopy can help in the diagnosis and prevention of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions. See more: https://alpinesurgical.sg/procedure/colonoscopy-singapore/.
To ensure accurate results, it is ideal that you properly prepare for the procedure. Now, one of the key components of this preparation is adhering to a specific diet.
In this article, we’ll explain the reasons why a colonoscopy might be recommended. But not just that, we will also show you the best diet to follow when preparing for your colonoscopy, and how to tell if your colon is adequately cleansed for the procedure.
What Determines if You Need a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is often recommended when there are symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential issues with the colon or rectum. This procedure allows doctors to examine the inner lining of your large intestine for abnormalities like polyps, inflammation, or signs of colorectal cancer.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a colonoscopy may be used to diagnose or rule out serious conditions. Symptoms that could prompt a colonoscopy in Singapore include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, or persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t respond to standard treatments.
Changes in bowel habits like chronic diarrhea or unexplained constipation can also signal the need for further investigation. Sudden and unexplained weight loss is another symptom that warrants attention, as it may indicate an underlying health issue.
Risk factors also greatly influence the need for colonoscopy. For example, having a family history of colon cancer significantly increases your risk of having the disease.
This makes routine screenings vital even if no symptoms are present. Also, you may need frequent screenings if you have a personal history of colon polyps or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Certain genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), can also increase your risks of colorectal cancer at a younger age.
Routine screenings are generally recommended for persons over 45 years old at average risk for colorectal cancer. However, for those with significant risk factors or symptoms, colonoscopies may be necessary earlier or more frequently.
What is a Good Diet when preparing for a Colonoscopy?
Your diet before colonoscopy can greatly influence the success of the procedure. That said before your colonoscopy in Singapore, you will be advised to adjust your food intake in the days leading up to the procedure to help clear your digestive tract and most importantly, make it easier for doctors to examine your colon accurately.
Two days before your colonoscopy, you’ll need to focus on eating low-fiber foods. High-fiber foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, can leave residue in the colon which can interfere with the procedure.
Instead, you’ll want to consume easily digestible foods such as well-cooked lean proteins like chicken, fish, or beef. White rice, plain pasta, and white bread are ideal choices for carbohydrates, as they are low in fiber and gentle on the digestive system.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter are also permissible but in moderation. Staying hydrated is key at this stage.
So, aim to drink at least two liters of water or clear fluids such as broth or tea without milk. The day before your colonoscopy, your diet will be even more restrictive.
A light breakfast is typically allowed, such as a boiled egg with white toast. However, after this meal, you’ll need to transition to a clear-liquid diet.
This includes water, clear juices, tea or coffee with minimal milk, and clear soups. You must avoid red or purple-colored drinks as they can resemble blood in the colon.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited, as it can dehydrate you and hinder the cleansing process. On the day of the colonoscopy, solid foods are completely off-limits.
Continue consuming only clear liquids until a few hours before the procedure. Importantly, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions for drinking the bowel preparation solution, which is essential for clearing your colon. This step is key for ensuring that your colon remains entirely empty and ready for examination.
How Can I Tell if My Colon is Empty?
The success of a colonoscopy largely depends on how well your colon is prepared. And just following the recommended diet may not be enough proof that your colon is indeed empty.
After completing the bowel preparation process, you may also want to assess whether your colon is adequately emptied. The appearance of your stool is a reliable indicator.
If your colon is properly cleansed, your stool should be liquid and clear or light yellow in color. This consistency ensures that there is minimal residue in the colon so the doctor can see the intestinal lining clearly.
On the other hand, if your stool still contains solid particles or appears brown, it’s a sign that the preparation process may not be complete. In such cases, you might need to drink additional bowel-cleansing solution or consult your doctor for further guidance.
Following your doctor’s instructions before your colonoscopy in Singapore includes adhering to the recommended volume and timing of the preparation solution. Deviating from these instructions can lead to incomplete preparation, which may result in the need to reschedule the procedure.
It’s also important not to attempt to evaluate your colon’s readiness without medical guidance. While the appearance of your stool can provide some indication, only your doctor can tell for sure if your colon is adequately prepared for the procedure.
Again if you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your provider for clarification. A good colon doctor will be happy to address any concerns you might have about the procedure itself or the preparation process.
Wrapping Up
A colonoscopy is very effective for detecting and preventing colorectal issues. However, as you have seen, its success relies heavily on proper preparation. So, do the preparation exactly as advised by your colon doctor.
And if you’re preparing for the procedure but still unsure about anything, simply consult your colon doctor for personalized advice. If you can prepare for your colonoscopy in Singapore the right way, there is no reason why this routine procedure shouldn’t help in keeping your health in top shape. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified colon doctor for your colonoscopy in Singapore below;
Alpine Surgical Practice – Dr Aaron Poh | Colonoscopy | Gallstones Removal Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-06 Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
+65 6322 7323
