20 Colonoscopy Prep Hacks That Make It Easier

These colonoscopy prep hacks will help make the experience suck a little less. Colonoscopies aren’t fun, but they’re necessary and can save your life, something I’m grateful for every day as an oral cancer survivor. In this post, I’m sharing tips to make colonoscopy prep a little easier.

Why get a colonoscopy? You can’t fix a problem you don’t know is there, and early detection saves lives. Colonoscopies can find colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps early. We’ll discuss common questions and concerns, such as whether a colonoscopy is painful, what to eat before a colonoscopy, how to relieve nausea, and how to recover after a colonoscopy, among others.

I’ve had several colonoscopies, so I’ve learned a few things to make the process a little easier. The prep isn’t as bad as you’ve heard, and these colonoscopy prep hacks will help. In fact, my husband just had his first colonoscopy and said it wasn’t as bad as he thought, and he’s a big baby, so that’s a lot, lol.

I survived tonsil cancer in 2023, and catching it early not only helped save my life but also impacted my treatment. Had my cancer gotten any worse, I could have possibly needed surgery they described as morbid. Catching it early is what prevented that from happening. I cannot emphasize the importance of early detection enough. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just diet and exercise. Yearly checkups and preventive tests are crucial to survival if something is found.

I get it. A colonoscopy is no one’s idea of fun, but most people avoid it because of the prep. I promise it’s not as bad as you think. I’ve shared this exact list of colonoscopy prep hacks with friends and family, and they have all reported it wasn’t as bad as they thought. You can do it!

Who Needs A Colonoscopy?

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Colon cancer rates are on the rise in younger people. In my opinion, everyone should start getting colonoscopies in their 30s. You can’t see inside a colon, and imaging does not always catch small polyps and lesions. Whether you have a history of cancer or not, it is crucial to start getting those colonoscopies. The good news is that, unlike mammograms, you don’t need them as often. If your colonoscopy is clear, you typically only need it every five years.

Colonoscopy Anxiety

• Whether you’re worried about the prep, the procedure itself, or waiting for the results, feeling anxious is normal. Typically, your doctor will speak with you or your companion right after the procedure. If they find or remove anything, you will know that before you leave. It’s also normal to have polyps removed. It doesn’t mean that they were cancerous. It’s precautionary. I had two precancerous polyps removed during my last procedure. Had I delayed my colonoscopy and waited five years, they could’ve turned into cancer. 

Colonoscopy Prep Hacks

• Your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions for the night of your prep and the days leading up to the procedure. Every doctor who has performed a colonoscopy on me has given me a different set of instructions. You should definitely follow their instructions, but they often don’t include enough of n my opinion, tips and tricks to make it a little easier. I’ll focus on the 24 hours before your procedure, since that is likely the most challenging part. 

Best Colonoscopy Prep?

• Most doctors will prescribe something called GoLYTELY, which is a chalky substance you have to drink throughout the night. It. Is. Terrible. I did it once and swore I’d never do it again. Ask your doctor to prescribe SUTAB. These are tablets you take throughout the night, with a specified amount of liquid. Unless you have a problem taking pills, these are so much easier. Insurance may not cover them, and I don’t care. My cost was $79 out of pocket, and that’s $79 well spent if it means I don’t have to drink the GoLYTELY.

What To Eat Before A Colonoscopy

• Every doctor is different. Some doctors require you to go on a liquid diet 48 hours before your procedure, while others only need 24 hours, which has been my experience. If you eat heavy, greasy, bulky food in the days leading up to your prep, your prep will be harder. Instead, focus on a low-residue diet, smaller meals, and easy-to-digest foods. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and leave minimal waste in the colon, making your prep night (or nights) easier. Below is a brief list of the foods I start eating about 5 days before my procedure.

Easy To Digest Foods

• Skinless chicken or turkey breast (baked or boiled)
• Whitefish (like cod, tilapia, or sole)
• Eggs (boiled, scrambled, or poached)
• Tofu (plain, soft or silken)
• White rice, white bread, white pasta, plain white bagels
• Plain, non-seeded crackers like saltines
• Potatoes without skin – limit butter
• Quality Greek yogurt & cottage cheese
• Hard cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• Cooked fruits and veggies without the skin (raw bananas are fine)
• Pancakes and waffles made with white refined flour (no fiber)
• Creamy nut butter – not chunky (NO nuts or seeds like flax or chia)

Foods To Avoid

• Nuts and seeds like flax and chia.
• Raw produce (cooking softens and breaks down the fiber)
• High fiber foods (create a lot of residue in the colon)
• Popcorn (hard to to break down)
• Fatty meat (digest slowly and can lead to a more difficult prep)
• Nothing with skin. (skin is hard to digest – peel produce before you cook it)

What To Drink Before A Colonoscopy

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No matter what prep you’re prescribed, you will be instructed to drink a lot. Most prep is an osmotic laxative, which pulls fluid into your colon. If you don’t drink enough fluid, your prep will not work as well. However, it is a lot to drink, and many people struggle with the sheer volume. Flavored drinks help prevent nausea. Limit sugary beverages that will spike your blood sugar and make you feel hungrier. 

• Bone broth. Of all the colonoscopy prep drinks I’ve tried over the years, bone broth is the ultimate game changer, hence the title of this post. My last colonoscopy was in June 2024, and it was the first time I was told I could have bone broth. Unlike regular broth and stock, bone broth is packed with protein, which helps keep you full. Not to mention, bone broth is incredibly nutritious, rich in collagen, vitamins, and minerals, and very healing for your entire digestive tract. There are dozens of brands to choose from. I suggest choosing a couple of different varieties to enjoy different flavors.
• Flavored electrolyte drinks. A variety of flavors helps if you feel queasy, and the added electrolytes help replenish what you are losing.
• Ginger ale. It hits the spot when you feel queasy. If you don’t like ginger ale, any low-sugar carbonated beverage is fine.
• Hot tea. Hot tea is fantastic because the flavor variations are literally endless. Some teas are dark in color, and you may be told to avoid those, but with literally hundreds of choices at the grocery store, you should be able to find an herbal tea that works for you. I LOVE this peach and ginger calm stomach tea!

Quick Hacks For A Successful Colonoscopy Prep

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• Sugary drinks on an empty stomach can make you feel nauseous. I would limit them.
• Ask for anti-nausea medicine before the procedure. Zofran is an actual miracle.
• Take Gas-X tablets after starting your clear liquid prep. It helps with the gas, which can be painful.
• You can eat gummy bears as long as they’re not red or purple. Be sure to get your doctor’s approval.
• Clear popsicles can feel like a treat. Avoid any colors provided in your colonoscopy prep instructions.
• If you can’t get SUTAB and have to use GoLYTELY, chase each dose with something that tastes good!
• Straws can help you drink liquids, especially when you’re feeling nauseous.
• Soft toilet paper is a must and can help prevent irritation from frequent bathroom trips.
• Baby wipes are designed for sensitive skin and can help reduce irritation. 
• You’ll be up all night, so wear something comfortable and easy to get on and off.
• A heating pad can help with stomach cramping. It also just feels good!
• A thick, padded mat is helpful if you have to stay near the toilet.
• Read whatever you like to pass the time in between bathroom trips and drinking more liquids.
• Walk around the house for five minutes every time you drink another dose of prep. Slow and gentle exercise can stimulate the bowels, leading to a more successful preparation. It can also help reduce nausea. I got on my treadmill several times throughout the night.

Have The Right Mindset

• When you’re exhausted and feeling like you’ve had enough, remind yourself why you’re doing it. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t the worst thing you’ll ever go through. You are taking steps to protect your health. Mindset is everything, and it really does help you get through your prep!

Expect To Not Sleep

• Between having to drink every 30 minutes to an hour and constantly using the bathroom, you aren’t going to get much sleep. Don’t fight it, or it will only frustrate you more. Instead, find things to do that pass the time. For some people, that’s reading, and for others, it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media. Give yourself permission to do that all night long if it helps you get through it quickly. When I scroll through TikTok, hours pass without me even realizing it.

Can I Drive After A Colonoscopy?

• You will not be able to drive. You should wake up from anesthesia quickly, and you may even feel like you could drive (I usually do). However, the facility is not legally allowed to let you, so you’ll need someone to pick you up or to call a rideshare service.

Can I Eat After A Colonoscopy?

• Again, every doctor is different. Some say eat what you want, while others suggest easy-to-digest food for a day or two. You’ve cleaned your entire colon and stripped away beneficial bacteria essential for proper digestion. Your colon just went through a lot, so going to get a cheeseburger is something you might regret, lol. I recommend staying on the same low-residue diet for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

What To Expect After A Colonoscopy

• Take a deep breath and be proud of yourself. You deserve it! If they remove anything, you’ll be notified when the pathology results are available.

What If I Have A Bad Colonoscopy Prep?

• Your doctor will reschedule your procedure, and you will still be responsible for the cost of the one you just had, which is one reason it’s essential to follow the rules and do everything you can to have a successful prep.