Master Cleanse Secrets
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Your Colonoscopy: Fasting And Colon Preparation Guidelines

Colonoscopy fasting is one of two related and important steps you must take the day before a colonoscopy procedure. The other is commonly known as bowel prep.

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

It’s important for your colon to be completely free of stool and other intestinal debris when your doctor does your colonoscopy procedure. By fasting and taking prescribed laxatives the day before, you’re making sure that your doctor will be able to get a clear view of the tissue inside your colon.

The colonoscopy procedure itself usually takes less than an 60 minutes (sometimes only 30 minutes or even less). But your doctor will want you to to start the colonoscopy preparation process a full day in advance.

Generally speaking, your food intake choices are extremely limited in the 24 prior to your procedure. Depending on your situation, your doctor may even ask you to fast for longer than that (this is rare, however).

Gelatin and Popsicles are among the more popular foods you’re allowed to eat during the colonoscopy fasting period. However, your flavor choices are restricted. You won’t be permitted to have red or blue because these can discolor the walls of your colon during the procedure. This of course, make it more difficult for your doctor to tell if there are any problems. Other food and drink that is permitted include

* fat-free bouillon or broth

* including Life Savers or lemon drops

* plain tea without sweeteners or milk

* strained fruit juice apple, cranberry and white grape are recommended

You should absolutely avoid dairy products like ice cream, milk and cream soups.

Many times, you’ll be permitted to drink clear liquids until about four hours before your colonoscopy. But be sure to ask your doctor if it’s okay.

The second major component you’ll need to complete as you get ready for your colonoscopy is known as bowel prep.

Your doctor will prescribe one of several types of strong laxative for you to take the evening before. Popular brands of colon prep include Golytely®, Fleets Phospho-Soda® and Movi-Prep®.

In most cases, you’ll take a series of doses starting in late afternoon or early evening. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, along with any recommendations given to you by your doctor.

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.

After having a colonoscopy, many people say the procedure itself was easier than they thought it would be. Since you’re sedated, you don’t really feel any pain or discomfort. The fasting (which takes some determination) and the bowel prep (which can definitely be unpleasant) – are frequently described as the hardest part of the process.

The most obvious benefit for having a colonoscopy done lies in making sure there are no signs of cancer in your colon. But there are other benefits too. During your examination, your doctor will also be able to spot other potential trouble-in-the-making, like diverticulosis or polyps that may develop into cancer later.

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 colonoscopy procedure preparation and screening for colon cancer to learn more about maintaining a healthy colon. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio reporter with a special interest in medical topics.

Your Colonoscopy: Fasting And Colon Preparation Guidelines

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