(HealthDay News) -- Preparing for a colonoscopy may not be pleasant, but it's worth the effort.
The Harvard Medical School offers these suggestions:
- Cut down on fiber several days before the scheduled colonoscopy. Avoid whole grains, nuts, seeds, raw produce and dried fruit.
- Stick to only clear liquids the day before. Water, bouillon, clear juices, black coffee, plain tea, popsicles, Jell-O, clear sodas and sports drinks are generally acceptable.
- Take the preparation as recommended by your doctor. If it isn't flavored, consider adding a powdered drink (nothing blue, purple or red), or lemon or lime to mask the taste.
- Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Set aside with some magazines, books or other reading material. Make sure you've cleared your schedule for the day.
