Colon Cleansing Drink for Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine inside the large intestines. The colon and rectum, the two main parts of the large intestine, are checked for signs of disease (colon cancer) and inflamed tissue or bleeding. They also are checked for ulcers and tumors. Someone may get a colonoscopy after having problems with inexplicable weight loss, change in bowel movement habits, bleeding from the anus and pain in the abdomen.

Preparing for Colonoscopy

When a doctor decides a colonoscopy is appropriate, he will ask you to prepare for the procedure. A colon-cleansing drink, or bowel prep, will be suggested to clear out the colon of solid waste. This will make it easier for the doctor to examine the inside of the large intestine during the colonoscopy. Usually, the doctor will put you on a clear liquid diet for up to three days before the colonoscopy. An enema or laxative solution may be prescribed for the night before the appointment to flush any remaining waste from the digestive system.

Colon-Cleansing Drink

Several beverages and liquid substances are acceptable before the colonoscopy, including water, plain coffee or tea, fat-free broth, pulp-free juice and sports drinks.

Make a colon-cleansing drink to help remove waste from your large intestine. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a cup and strain it to remove any pulp or seeds. Add water to the cup. Use juice from a quarter of a lemon per cup of water. Sprinkle in 1 tsp. of Epsom salts and stir. Lemon juice and water will help flush excess waste for the body while the Epsom salt acts as a mild laxative. Instead of lemon juice, try lime, orange, grapefruit or any other citrus fruit. Use cold or room-temperature water, but you may get better results with hot water. Hot water will help the Epsom salts dissolve more easily. It will also expand in your stomach from the heat and help you feel less hungry, because you won't be able to eat solid foods.

Your doctor will most likely prescribe a laxative or colon-cleansing drink. You may drink the lemon, water and Epsom salt colon-cleansing drink in addition to what the doctor prescibes. Discuss this colon-cleansing drink with your doctor because he may suggest it is not neccesary in addition to what is prescribed.