Can You Eat Canned Tuna Before a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure used to examine the colon and detect any abnormalities. As part of the preparation for a colonoscopy, patients are typically placed on a restricted diet to clear out the colon. One question that often comes up is whether canned tuna can be eaten leading up to the procedure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a definitive answer on eating canned tuna before a colonoscopy.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum to view the entire colon and rectum. A tiny camera at the tip of the colonoscope allows the doctor to examine the inner lining of the large intestine on a video monitor.

Colonoscopies are performed for several reasons:

• Screening for colon polyps or colon cancer
• Evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits
• Monitoring patients with a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
• Follow-up surveillance after removal of precancerous polyps or cancerous tumors

During the procedure, the doctor can also take biopsies of any abnormal looking tissue. Polyps can be removed through the colonoscope as well. A colonoscopy usually takes 30-60 minutes to perform.

Why a Special Diet is Needed Before a Colonoscopy

In order for the doctor to clearly view the colon lining during a colonoscopy, the colon must be completely emptied and cleaned out. No stool should be left inside.

That’s why patients are placed on a liquid diet and required to use strong laxatives or cleansing agents the day before the colonoscopy This preparation flushes out the colon contents so there is maximum visibility during the procedure

For 2-3 days prior to the liquid prep day, a low fiber diet is recommended. This diet reduces the bulk and solidity of stool and allows for easier bowel cleansing.

Low Fiber Diet Guidelines Before Colonoscopy

• Avoid high fiber foods like whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables. These can leave residue in the colon.

• Include low fiber foods like white bread, white rice, pasta, lean meats, eggs, milk products, canned fruits and vegetables.

• Limit fried or fatty foods that can constipate.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of approved liquids. Avoid pulpy juices.

• Stop eating seeds or nuts in breads, cereals, crackers or other grain products.

• Be cautious with added seasoning mixes which may contain sesame or poppy seeds.

Can Canned Tuna Be Eaten?

Yes, canned tuna is generally permitted in the low fiber diet before a colonoscopy. Here are some key points on including canned tuna:

• Choose tuna packed in water rather than oil, to limit fat intake. Oil-packed tuna could leave an oily residue in the colon.

• Both chunk light and solid white albacore tuna varieties are allowed.

• Flavored or seasoned tuna packets could contain onion, garlic or other high fiber ingredients, so it’s best to avoid those. Plain tuna is preferable.

• You can season your tuna with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or other seasonings approved on the low fiber diet. Avoid seeds or nuts.

• Tuna salad made with mayonnaise is permitted, but go easy on the mayo as a high fat food.

• Canned tuna can be eaten on sandwiches, in salads, casseroles, wraps or just plain right out of the can.

• Up until the liquid diet starts (typically the day before colonoscopy), canned tuna is allowed at any meal.

• On the liquid prep day, no solid foods including tuna are permitted. Only clear liquids are allowed like broth, water, black coffee, gelatin and pulp-free juices.

Benefits of Including Tuna Before Colonoscopy

There are several advantages to incorporating canned tuna in your low fiber colonoscopy prep diet:

• High Quality Protein: Tuna provides an easy way to meet your daily protein needs when you have to cut out fatty red meats, beans and lentils on this diet. A 3 ounce can of tuna contains about 22 grams of protein.

• Low Fiber: Canned tuna is fiber-free, so it won’t add bulk or residue to stool like some other protein foods. This helps keep your colon cleared out.

• Variety: Adding tuna can provide some variety from just eating egg, chicken, or dairy when you have limited protein options on the low fiber diet.

• Nutrition: Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12 and niacin. You can get beneficial nutrition from tuna that might be missing from the restricted colonoscopy prep diet.

• Simple Preparation: Canned tuna is affordable, convenient and ready to eat. It requires minimal preparation when cooking elaborate low fiber meals is difficult.

• Familiar Food: If you regularly enjoy tuna sandwiches or tuna casserole, having this staple food can provide some normalcy leading up to an intensive medical procedure like a colonoscopy.

Are There Any Precautions with Tuna?

Certain individuals might need to exercise caution with tuna consumption before their colonoscopy:

• Fish Allergies: Those allergic to fish or seafood would need to avoid tuna. Opt for chicken, eggs or dairy instead.

• Mercury Levels: Pregnant women and young children should minimize intake of canned tuna due to its mercury content. White tuna has less mercury than light tuna.

• Sodium Content: Canned tuna is relatively high in sodium, so those on low-sodium diets may need to monitor intake. Rinsing the tuna before use can reduce some sodium.

• Oil vs Water Packed: As mentioned earlier, oil-packed tuna could leave an oily residue in the colon. Water-packed is preferable for colonoscopy prep.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people experience bloating or gas from canned tuna. This could be uncomfortable when trying to cleanse the colon.

Tuna-Based Meal Ideas for Colonoscopy Prep

Here are some recipes ideas to incorporate canned tuna into your low fiber colonoscopy prep diet:

• Tuna salad sandwiches on white bread with mayonnaise and chopped celery
• Tuna lettuce wraps on butter lettuce leaves with Greek yogurt dressing
• Easy tuna casserole with egg noodles, cheddar cheese, peas and cream of mushroom soup
• Tuna melts on English muffins with tomato sauce and melted cheese
• Mediterranean tuna bowls on a bed of white rice with lemon juice and olives
• Tuna-stuffed tomatoes drizzled with olive oil
• Tuna avocado toast on white bread
• Tuna tacos in soft corn tortillas with shredded lettuce and salsa
• Tuna poke bowls with white rice, avocado, seaweed and ginger dressing
• Tuna noodle bake with egg noodles, peas, cream sauce and breadcrumbs

The Bottom Line