List Of Low Fiber Foods For Colonoscopy Prep

List Of Low Fiber Foods For Colonoscopy Prep
Milk and milk productsVegetablesMeats and other protein foodsGrainsFruitsSnacks and sweetsBeveragesCondiments
ButtermilkWell cooked CarrotsEggsBread (white or refined flour)Fruit juice without pulp (except prune juice)Hard candyCoffeeKetchup
CustardLettuceSmooth nut butters (such as creamy peanut butter)Bagels (refined or white flour)Most canned, soft and pureed fruit without skin (except pineapple)Jell-OSports drinks (such as Gatorade)Margarine
Evaporated or powdered milkWell cooked asparagus tipsTofuRolls (refined or white flour)Peeled appleLow-fat ice creamWaterPlain gravies
Low-fat cheesesWell cooked green beansTender, well-cooked meat, poultry and fishCrackers (refined or white flour)Ripe banana or melonsPlain cake and plain cookiesTeaSoups made with allowed vegetables
Low-fat ice creamWell cooked pumpkinPasta (refined or white flour)Plain pudding and custardSugar
Skim or low-fat milkWell cooked spinachCereals (refined or white flour)PretzelsMustard
SherbetPotatoes without skinCooked cerealsSherbet, popsiclesButter
Smooth nonfat or low-fat yogurt without seeds, berries, rinds or nutsWell cooked lima beansWhite riceOils
Strained vegetable juiceMayonnaise
Sour cream
Salad dressing
Cooked herbs
Broth
Bouillon
Spices
Clear jelly
Honey
Syrup

A colonoscopy is an important medical procedure that helps detect and prevent colon cancer. To ensure a successful colonoscopy, it is crucial to follow a low fiber diet in the days leading up to the procedure. This article will provide you with a comprehensive list of low fiber foods that you can incorporate into your colonoscopy prep diet. By avoiding high fiber foods, you can help ensure that your bowel is clean and prepared for the colonoscopy.

What Are Low-Fiber Foods?

Low-fiber foods are an essential part of a low residue diet, particularly when preparing for a colonoscopy. These foods are easy to digest and leave minimal residue in the colon, ensuring effective bowel preparation for the procedure.

When undergoing colonoscopy bowel preparation, it is crucial to avoid high-fiber foods as they can interfere with the accuracy and thoroughness of the examination. By following a low-fiber diet, you can help facilitate a clear, unobstructed view of your colon during the procedure.

Some examples of low-fiber foods that are suitable for colonoscopy bowel preparation include:

  • Milk and dairy products: such as milk, cream, cheese, and yogurt
  • Bread and grains made with refined white flour: including white bread, pasta, and rice
  • Lean meats: such as chicken, turkey, and fish
  • Fruits without seeds or skin: like peeled apples and bananas
  • Vegetables without seeds or skin: including cooked carrots and peeled potatoes
  • Nuts and seeds: best to avoid during the preparation period
  • Fats and oils: use in moderation for cooking or seasoning
  • Soups: opt for clear broth-based soups
  • Desserts without nuts or seeds: such as gelatin or pudding
  • Certain beverages: clear liquids like water, tea, and coffee (without cream or milk)

By incorporating these low-fiber foods into your diet while temporarily avoiding high-residue options, you can ensure that your colon is adequately prepared for the colonoscopy procedure.

Low-Fiber FoodsBenefits
Milk and dairy productsGood source of protein and calcium
Bread and grains made with refined white flourEasy to digest and gentle on the stomach
Lean meatsProvide protein without excessive residue
Fruits without seeds or skinOffer vitamins and minerals without fiber
Vegetables without seeds or skinNutrient-rich without adding bulk to the digestive system
Nuts and seedsShould be avoided during the preparation period
Fats and oilsCan be used in moderation for flavor and cooking
SoupsHydrating and provide additional nutrients
Desserts without nuts or seedsSatisfy sweet cravings without adding fiber
Certain beveragesHydrate the body and help flush out the colon

Milk and Dairy

When following a low-fiber diet for colonoscopy prep, it is important to consume certain dairy products. Milk, cream, hot chocolate, buttermilk, cheese (including cottage cheese), yogurt, and sour cream are all allowed. However, it is important to avoid yogurt mixed with nuts, seeds, or granola, as well as fruits with skin or seeds when consuming yogurt.

These dairy products provide a good source of protein and can be easily included in a clear liquid diet for colonoscopy fasting. They are also easy to digest, making them suitable for individuals preparing for a colonoscopy.

By incorporating milk and dairy products into your low-fiber diet, you can maintain a balanced nutritional intake while following the necessary dietary restrictions before your colonoscopy.

Bread and Grains

When preparing for a colonoscopy, it is essential to follow a low residue diet, which includes consuming bread and grains made with refined white flour. These options are easier to digest and do not leave behind excessive residue in the colon.

Here are some bread and grain choices that are permitted on a low residue diet:

Permitted OptionsAvoid
RollsWhole grain bread or rolls
MuffinsWhole grain pasta or crackers
BagelsBrown or wild rice
PastaWhole grain or high-fiber cereal
White riceBread or cereal with nuts or seeds
Plain crackers (such as Saltines) 
Low-fiber cereal (such as puffed rice, cream of wheat, and corn flakes) 

By avoiding whole grains or high-fiber options and bread or cereal with nuts or seeds, you can ensure that your colon remains adequately prepared for the colonoscopy.

Meat

When following a low-fiber diet for colonoscopy preparation, there are several meat options that are allowed. Chicken, turkey, lamb, lean pork, veal, fish and seafood, eggs, and tofu are all permitted. However, it is important to avoid tough meats with gristle, as they can be difficult to digest and may leave residue in the colon.

Allowed MeatsAvoid
ChickenTough meats with gristle
Turkey 
Lamb 
Lean pork 
Veal 
Fish and seafood 
Eggs 
Tofu 

Fruits and Vegetables

When preparing for a colonoscopy, it is important to limit your intake of fruits and vegetables. While they are typically considered important parts of a healthy diet, certain fruits and vegetables can be problematic due to their high fiber content. However, there are still some options that you can safely consume.

For fruits, stick to fruit juices without pulp, applesauce, ripe cantaloupe, honeydew, and peeled apricots and peaches. You can also opt for canned or cooked fruit without seeds or skin. It is crucial to avoid raw fruits with seeds, skin, or membranes, as well as cooked or canned fruit with seeds or skin. Additionally, steer clear of raisins or other dried fruits.

When it comes to vegetables, your best options are canned or cooked vegetables without skin or peel, potatoes without skin, and cucumbers without seeds or peel. However, it’s important to avoid raw vegetables, as well as those with skin, seeds, or peel. This includes corn, tomatoes, cucumbers with seeds and peel, cooked cabbage or Brussels sprouts, and certain legumes.