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Allergen-free diet plan for colonoscopy prep

Prepping for a colonoscopy can become pretty unbearable if you don't know what to eat. The allergen-free diet plan keeps you strictly on your pre-procedure needs, and no introduction of any allergens takes place that might inflame the digestive tract.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • White rice
  • Skinless chicken breast
  • Turkey breast
  • Tilapia
  • Cod
  • Zucchini
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Potatoes
  • Cucumber

  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Rice cakes
  • Rice noodles
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Salt

  • Pepper
  • Chicken broth
  • Bone broth
  • Apple juice
  • White grape juice
  • Honey
  • Gelatin
  • Clear hard candy
  • Popsicles
  • Lettuce
  • Cauliflower
  • Bell peppers
  • Pumpkin

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on May 22, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

In this regard, a special diet is required in preparing for colonoscopy because the colon needs to be clean and clear for examination; therefore, an allergen-free diet plan is specifically for colonoscopy prep. This involves a transient change over to clear liquids, avoiding high-fiber foods that may interfere with the procedure. All potential allergens are removed to avoid digestive upset during this crucial period of preparation.

This diet is easy to follow and very specific on what can be consumed up until the day before the procedure. It will help set up the patient for their colonoscopy, reduce potential complications, and maximize accuracy for the test being conducted.

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Foods to eat

  • Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broths that are low in fiber and easy to digest.
  • Tea and Coffee: Without milk or cream, these can help maintain fluid intake.
  • Jell-O: Plain flavors without red or purple dye; provides some energy without solid food.
  • Apple Juice: Clear and without pulp, helps maintain energy levels while fasting.
  • Popsicles: As long as they do not contain pieces of fruit or are colored red or purple.
quote icon

Fruits and vegetables are the one point of consensus—an oasis—in arguments about what to eat. Everyone agrees that eating more of them is a good idea.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Nuts and Seeds: Should be avoided as they are high in fiber and can interfere with colonoscopy prep.
  • Whole Grains: High in fiber and should be avoided a few days before the procedure.
  • Dairy Products: Can cause bloating and discomfort; best avoided during prep.
  • Red Meat: Difficult to digest and should be avoided in the days leading up to a colonoscopy.
  • Fibrous Vegetables: Such as broccoli, peas, and beans, should be avoided due to their high fiber content.

Main benefits

The Allergen-free diet plan for colonoscopy prep is a diet that is preparatory to the procedure and involves shying away from certain food groups that may blur the examination for smooth processing. Such a diet includes low-fiber foods, which are easy to digest and leave minimal residue in the gut to reduce complications during the colonoscopy. Furthermore, this diet will help in hydration with the inclusion of allergen-free clear liquids. It also minimizes any inflammatory responses of the body to a minimum, which is very necessary before any such medical procedures.

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📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

In the days before your procedure, start to increase your intake of low-fiber foods like eggs and white rice. They're low-cost and easy to digest. Make your own broths so that they are allergen-free and more cost-effective. The diet is now full of very simple, easily digested foods.

They not only make less work for your gut but also are less expensive. Drink lots of plain water or homemade lemonade and avoid pricey flavored or specialty waters. Plan in advance and prepare your meals accordingly, avoiding the last-minute rush that is a bit more expensive.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Allergen-Free Diet Plan for Colonoscopy Prep

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Rice cakes with honey, apple juice
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, steamed zucchini, apple slices
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia, boiled potatoes, steamed carrots
  • Snack: Blueberries

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Banana, white grape juice
  • Lunch: Turkey breast, cucumber slices, pear
  • Dinner: Cod fillet, steamed green beans, mashed pumpkin
  • Snack: Gelatin

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Rice noodles with a drizzle of olive oil and salt, apple juice
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, lettuce salad with olive oil, blueberries
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia, roasted bell peppers, steamed cauliflower
  • Snack: Raspberries

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Rice cakes with honey, white grape juice
  • Lunch: Turkey breast, steamed carrots, apple slices
  • Dinner: Cod fillet, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans
  • Snack: Clear hard candy

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Banana, apple juice
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, cucumber slices, pear
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia, roasted bell peppers, steamed zucchini
  • Snack: Gelatin

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Rice noodles with a drizzle of coconut oil and salt, white grape juice
  • Lunch: Turkey breast, lettuce salad with olive oil, blueberries
  • Dinner: Cod fillet, boiled potatoes, steamed carrots
  • Snack: Popsicles

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Rice cakes with honey, apple juice
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, cucumber slices, apple slices
  • Dinner: Baked tilapia, mashed pumpkin, steamed green beans
  • Snack: Raspberries

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.