If you’ve had a colonoscopy then you may agree the worst thing about the ordeal is drinking the laxative prep drink prescribed to get things, uhh, flushed out. Since I’m familiar with the flavor nuances of foods and wines; I’ll tell you that each swallow of the prep “cocktail” was like a slightly thick and sickening mix of simple syrup and sea water flavored with just enough lemon-lime to put you off anything flavored with lemon-lime forever. But it gets the job done.
Tip: I found that if I chased each gulp with sparkling water the bubbles helped wash away the nauseating taste and I could continue this drinking game until the two liters required were eventually consumed.
Diet orders for the day before a colonoscopy include consuming only clear foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, apple juice, white grape juice, bouillon and non-red gelatin desserts.
Giving my digestive tract a short-term rest got me thinking about diet and digestive health including prevention of colon cancer. Just before the nurses turned on the sedative I asked Dr. Charles Preston Stewart of Digestive Healthcare of Georgia his opinion. “I prefer to keep diet advice simple because most people can be overwhelmed with too much information,” said Stewart. “Basically, avoid eating large quantities of processed and red meats, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and drink plenty of fluids. If needed, I’ll suggest a fiber supplement.”
What about “colon cleansing” detox treatments? Stewart replied, “There are trillions of good bacteria in your colon and you need them. You really don’t want to disrupt the flora of bacteria. Detox isn’t needed. It’s your colon’s job to remove waste from the body. It’s very efficient.”
Friendly foods and fluids
Fiber-rich foods help keep you regular so potentially toxic wastes has less contact time with intestinal cells.
Drinking fluids helps your body get rid of waste and prevents constipation.
Studies suggest vitamin D and calcium in foods not only strengthen bones, but may also fight colon cancer. Twenty minutes of sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D.
Good news
Screening is one of the most powerful moves you can make. Precancerous polyps can be removed and colorectal cancer can be detected early, when treatment works best.
After the 20-minute procedure, of which I remember absolutely nothing, Dr. Stewart informed me that my colon was healthy and said, “See you in 10 years.”
I hope there’s a better tasting prep drink by then.
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