Health Tip: Preparing for Colonoscopy

(HealthDay News) -- To examine your colon in a procedure called a colonoscopy, you must prepare by emptying the colon. The procedure enables your doctor to search for signs of cancer and other abnormalities affecting the large intestine.

Your doctor will give you exact instructions, but in general, your diet should consist of clear liquids that do not contain artificial coloring.

The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says the following foods generally are acceptable parts of a pre-colonoscopy diet:

• Fruit juice (strained with no pieces of fruit).
• Water.
• Plain, unsweetened tea or coffee.
• Diet soda.
• Broths that are fat-free.
• Gelatin.