Can You Eat Bacon Before a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are important preventative screenings to examine the health of your colon and rectum and check for issues like polyps or cancer. But the preparation requires a strict diet to fully clear out your system beforehand. This leads many bacon lovers to wonder – can I still enjoy some bacon leading up to my colonoscopy prep?

While the rules limit high fiber foods, some types of lower fiber bacon may be allowed in moderation up until the final day before your colonoscopy. Here’s a thorough look at diet guidelines and how bacon may or may not fit.

Why Diet Modification is Needed Before a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies involve inserting a tiny camera on a flexible tube into your rectum and up through your entire colon, This allows the doctor to visually inspect the lining of the large intestine for any polyps or other abnormalities

In order for the camera to have full visibility, your colon must be completely emptied and cleaned out. This requires following a low residue diet in the days leading up to the procedure. The goals are to:

• Reduce bowel movements to limit fecal matter.
• Avoid foods that can clog the intestines.
• Allow any remaining stool to pass smoothly and easily.

A few days of strategic dietary changes help achieve this optimal state for the colonoscopy. This is where bacon comes into question.

Can You Have Bacon on a Low Residue Diet?

Traditional low residue diets steer clear of all red meats and processed meats like bacon and sausage to reduce bowel stimulation. However, some centers now allow limited amounts of very lean, low fiber red meat and pork closer to the procedure.

In general bacon is restricted, but there are a few factors that determine if some types can be permitted in moderation:

• Leanness – fattier cuts leave more residue, so opt for leaner bacon.

• Cooking method – frying adds fat, so baked or boiled is better.

• Portion size – stick to 1-2 ounces maximum per day.

• Timing – only in the 3-4 days leading up to prep day, not the final 1-2 prep days.

So in limited amounts several days before your prep starts, some centers say a small serving of lean low fiber bacon may be allowed. Check with your own colonoscopy center for their guidelines.

Sample Low Residue Diet Menu

To understand what types of foods are recommended on a low residue diet, here is a sample one day menu:

• Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites, white toast with jam, banana

• Lunch: Baked chicken breast, white rice, cooked carrots

• Dinner: Lean pork chop, boiled potato without skin, yogurt

• Snacks: Crackers, cottage cheese, peeled apple

Foods to avoid that may show up in a typical diet are:

• High fiber cereals, whole grains
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Dried beans, lentils
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole wheat breads

Key Rules for Low Residue Diets

These are the core guidelines to follow for low residue eating before a colonoscopy:

• Avoid all fruits/vegetables with skins, seeds, hulls or membranes. Stick to well-cooked, peeled versions.

• Skip beans, lentils, and grains like quinoa, barley or bran.

• Only consume white bread, white rice, and plain pastas. No whole grain types.

• Say no to nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Their insoluble fiber is not fully digested.

• Limit red meat and processed meats unless very lean and low in fat/fiber.

• Cut back on or avoid dairy products for a couple days if you are lactose intolerant.

• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of approved clear fluids.

Following these rules reduces insoluble fiber while providing tender, easily digestible foods. This helps you transition to the liquid-only prep phase.

Sample Colonoscopy Prep Schedule

What does the full prep timeline look like? Here is a general outline:

• 5 days before: Begin avoiding obvious high fiber foods, start hydrating well

• 3 days before: Move to a full low residue diet

• 2 days before: Continue low residue diet, only clear liquids after dinner

• 1 day before: Very limited low residue foods until noon, then only clear liquids

• Procedure day: Clear liquid diet until cut-off time, then nothing by mouth

This gradually transitions you to the liquid-only phase right before colon cleansing begins. Check your prep instructions for your specific schedule.

Clearing the Colon With Laxatives and Liquids

In the final 1-2 days before your scope, no more solid foods are allowed. You will take laxatives and/or enemas to fully flush out your system. Be prepared to spend lots of quality time on the toilet!

During this intense bowel-cleansing phase, your diet consists of:

• Clear broths and bullion

• Plain gelatins like Jello

• Frozen juice bars like popsicles

• Clear juices without pulp

• Water, carbonated beverages

• Clear electrolyte sports drinks

• Weak tea or black coffee without dairy

You’ll be drinking laxative solutions too. Combined, this quickly empties your colon by flushing everything out. It’s not fun, but necessary for a successful colonoscopy.

Can You Enjoy One Final Bacon Breakfast?

Traditionally, the day before the colonoscopy you would already be limited to the liquid diet only. But some doctors allow a small low residue breakfast if your procedure is later in the day. Can you make that breakfast a nice plate of bacon and eggs?

Unfortunately, probably not. The morning before is when you really need to follow the strict diet closely. Most experts recommend sticking to low fiber cereal or eggs, white toast, and fruit like bananas or applesauce. Bacon and other meats are likely off limits regardless of type or preparation.

While you may get away with some earlier in the week, it’s best to avoid all red meats, pork, and processed meats like bacon and sausage that morning before starting your bowel prep.

Tips for Following the Colonoscopy Diet

Here are some helpful tips for getting through the colonoscopy diet preparation:

• Stock up on recommended low residue grocery items several days before starting the diet.

• Grill, boil or bake poultry and fish instead of frying to avoid added fats.

• Opt for creamy nut-free soups made with allowed vegetables.

• Spice up white rice or pasta with salt, olive oil, Parmesan or lemon.

• Quench thirst with approved clear fluids like water, lemonade, or tea.

• Chew sugar-free gum or mints to ease fasting cravings.

While it may seem dull compared to your normal diet, with some creativity you can find satisfying low residue meals before your colonoscopy prep.

What to Expect After Your Colonoscopy

Once your colonoscopy is successfully completed, you’ll gradually add foods back to your diet. Begin with bland binding foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This helps firm up stool after all the laxatives and diarrhea.

You may feel gassy and bloated for a day or so too. Avoid foods that could over-stimulate your post-colonoscopy colon, like:

• Heavy fats and oils
• Rich sauces or seasonings
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Spicy dishes
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy if you are lactose intolerant

Focus on hydration and gentle, low fiber foods as you recover. Within a few days, you can typically return completely to your normal diet and enjoy all your bacon favorites again!

The Takeaway on Bacon Before Colonoscopy

Preparing for a colonoscopy requires following a low residue diet to clear out your system beforehand. Traditional guidelines avoid red meat and processed pork. But some doctors may now allow small amounts of leaner, low fiber bacon a few days prior, if prepared plainly. However, no bacon is permitted starting the final day before your procedure. Stick to easy-to-digest low fiber foods, then clear liquids, for a successful prep. With the right dietary modifications, you’ll be back to enjoying all your favorite bacon dishes after your colonoscopy. Just get through the necessary prep period first!