When preparing for a colonoscopy, following the recommended diet is crucial for ensuring the procedure goes smoothly. This usually involves restricting fiber intake starting 1-3 days before the colonoscopy. Since applesauce contains fiber from apples, there are conflicting recommendations on whether it should be avoided in the days leading up to the procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Applesauce contains fiber from apples, although less than raw apples because the skins are removed.
- Most physicians recommend avoiding all fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds 1-3 days before a colonoscopy to minimize fiber intake.
- Some doctors say unsweetened applesauce without seeds, skins or pulp is permitted up until 24 hours before the colonoscopy.
- Talk to your physician about their specific recommendations on consuming applesauce before your colonoscopy.
- Be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking clear liquids up until 2-4 hours before your colonoscopy.
How Much Fiber is in Applesauce?
The fiber content of applesauce depends on how it is prepared:
- Unsweetened applesauce: Contains 2 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. It’s made just from apples and water.
- Sweetened applesauce: Contains 1-2 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. It has added sugar or other sweeteners.
- Chunky applesauce: Contains 2-3 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. It’s unsweetened with some apple chunks.
- Homemade applesauce: Fiber content varies. It may have more pulp and skin compared to commercial versions.
For comparison, a medium raw apple with skin contains 4.4 grams of fiber.
So while applesauce contains less fiber than whole apples, it still provides a moderate amount of fiber from the apples.
Why Fiber is Restricted Before a Colonoscopy
Fiber is restricted 1-3 days before a colonoscopy for two key reasons:
- Cleans out the colon: A clear liquid, low fiber diet helps empty the colon of stool. This cleansing of the bowel allows for better visualization during the colonoscopy procedure.
- Prevents constipation: Large amounts of fiber can cause constipation, which can interfere with the colon preparation. Going very low in fiber helps avoid this problem.
For these reasons, physicians instruct patients to avoid high fiber foods before the colonoscopy. This means limiting foods with fiber, including fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Recommended Fiber Intake Before a Colonoscopy
Here are the typical guidelines on limiting fiber intake before a colonoscopy:
- 3 days before: Limit fiber intake to 10 grams per day.
- 2 days before: Consume less than 8 grams of fiber per day.
- 1 day before: Eat minimal fiber, only the small amounts found in allowed clear liquids and foods.
Applesauce Recommendations Before Colonoscopy
Whether or not applesauce should be eaten in the days leading up to a colonoscopy depends on the physician’s recommendations.
Some doctors instruct patients to completely avoid all fruits and vegetables, including applesauce, starting 2-3 days before the colonoscopy. They want to minimize any source of fiber during this bowel prep period.
However, other physicians allow 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce without seeds, skins or pulp up until 24 hours before the colonoscopy. They consider a small amount of fiber from applesauce unlikely to interfere with the bowel prep when only eaten until the day before the procedure.
General Tips
- Discuss applesauce with your physician so you know their specific guidelines on whether or not you can eat it.
- Stick to unsweetened applesauce without extra add-ins, as this contains less fiber.
- Limit portion size to 1/2 cup or less per day.
- Stop eating applesauce 1-2 days before the colonoscopy based on your doctor’s instructions.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, broth, tea, black coffee and juice without pulp until 2-4 hours before the colonoscopy.
Sample 3-Day Low Fiber Diet Before Colonoscopy
Here is a sample 3-day menu with less than 10 grams of fiber per day. It excludes all fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. On the day before the colonoscopy, fiber intake is very minimal.
| Day | Menu | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days before |
|
7g |
| 2 days before |
|
6g |
| 1 day before (liquids only) |
|
1g |
Foods to Avoid Before Colonoscopy
Here are the main types of foods that should be eliminated in the days leading up to the colonoscopy because of their fiber content:
- Fruits – raw, cooked, juice with pulp
- Vegetables – raw, cooked
- Legumes – beans, lentils, peas
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains – oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread
- High fiber cereals like bran flakes
- Crackers, breads and baked goods made with whole grains
- Popcorn
Allowed Foods and Liquids Before Colonoscopy
Here are examples of foods and liquids that are usually permitted in the days before the colonoscopy since they contain minimal fiber:
- Refined bread, rice, pasta and cereals like corn flakes, Rice Krispies
- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs
- Dairy products like milk, plain yogurt, cheese
- Oils, butter
- Condiments like mayo, ketchup and mustard
- Desserts with no fruit or whole grains like cookies, cake and ice cream
- Clear broth and creamy soups strained of vegetables
- Juice and soft drinks without pulp
- Plain coffee and tea
- Flavored gelatins and popsicles
- Hard candies
- Smooth sauces and gravies
Be sure to confirm with your physician which specific foods are allowed in the days leading up to your colonoscopy.
Staying Hydrated Before Your Colonoscopy
While you need to restrict your fiber intake, it’s crucial to stay well hydrated in the days before your colonoscopy by drinking plenty of clear liquids.
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water and other approved beverages each day. You’ll also need to drink extra fluids as part of your bowel prep the day before your colonoscopy.
Drinking sufficient fluids prevents dehydration and allows the bowel prep to work effectively. Make sure to drink different clear liquids throughout the day for variety.
Recommended Clear Liquids
- Water
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Weak tea
- Clear broth or bouillon
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Gelatin
- Popsicles
- Soda
- Coffee or tea without milk or creamer
- Other beverages approved by your doctor
Avoid alcohol and liquids colored red or purple, as these can interfere with the visibility during the colonoscopy.
You’ll need to stop drinking clear liquids typically 2-4 hours before your scheduled colonoscopy time.
Does Applesauce Constipate You?
Applesauce is sometimes used as a home remedy for constipation due to its fiber content. So why is it restricted for colonoscopy prep?
It comes down to the amount of fiber consumed. Large or sudden increases in fiber intake can lead to constipation. That’s why you need to slowly increase your fiber intake over time if you want to reduce constipation.
However, even small to moderate amounts of fiber consumed shortly before the colonoscopy can be problematic. Stool bulk is undesirable when you need to thoroughly cleanse the colon for the procedure.
During the low-fiber colonoscopy prep phase, applesauce in particular may be restricted because it’s difficult to remove all the skins and pulp. Any insoluble fiber that remains can be constipating.
Tips to Avoid Constipation
- Follow your physician’s recommended fiber restrictions in the days before your colonoscopy.
- Avoid constipating foods like applesauce close to the procedure.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated.
- Use laxatives as directed to help induce bowel movements.
Sample Colonoscopy Prep Schedule
Here is a typical colonoscopy prep timeline with instructions on when to restrict your diet and take laxatives:
| Timeframe | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 7 days before | Avoid seeds, nuts and raw vegetables. Stop taking iron supplements. |
| 3 days before | Begin a low fiber diet. Avoid whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid daily. |
| 2 days before | Continue low fiber diet and adequate fluids. Take a laxative in the evening if prescribed. |
| 1 day before | Eat or drink only allowed clear liquids. Drink extra fluids. Take a laxative in the afternoon and evening. |
| Procedure day | Do not eat or drink anything 2-4 hours before your colonoscopy. Take any remaining laxative doses as directed. |
This timeline will vary based on your doctor’s recommendations. Be sure you are given detailed colonoscopy prep instructions.
Applesauce Cautions
While applesauce is often allowed up until 1-2 days before the colonoscopy depending on your physician’s guidelines, there are some precautions:
- Avoid applesauce with seeds, skins or pulp due to the higher fiber content.
- Be careful not to overeat applesauce. More than 1/2 cup daily close to the procedure may be too much fiber.
- Stop eating applesauce 1-2 days ahead of time, even if it’s allowed up until the day before your colonoscopy.
- Applesauce may be more constipating for some people.
For a smooth colonoscopy prep, it’s safest to eliminate applesauce completely starting 2-3 days before the colonoscopy unless your physician explicitly says it’s permitted.
What Can I Eat Instead of Applesauce Before Colonoscopy?
If you need to avoid applesauce, here are some good alternatives:
- Canned peaches, pears or fruit cocktail packed in juice
- Mashed banana
- Applesauce substitute: mash ripe banana with a fork and mix until smooth.
- Avocado mash
- Baby food fruits like bananas, peaches, pears – be sure they do not contain apples or juice
- Fruit-flavored yogurt and puddings
- Custard
- Popsicles and fruit ice pops
- Jello and flavored gelatin
Check with your physician to see if any substituted fruit options are permissible in the days before your colonoscopy.
Conclusion
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves following a low fiber diet for 1-3 days beforehand. Since applesauce contains fiber from apples, most physicians recommend avoiding it completely during the bowel prep period.
However, some doctors permit 1/2 cup or less of unsweetened applesauce without skins, seeds or pulp up until 24 hours before the colonoscopy. This small amount is thought unlikely to interfere with the colon cleansing.
To be safe, check with the doctor performing your colonoscopy about their specific guidelines on eating applesauce. And be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids leading up to your procedure.
Following the recommended diet and prep instructions will help ensure your colonoscopy goes smoothly for the best results.
