Alcohol and Beer 2 Days Before Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure used by doctors to check the colon for abnormal growths and diseases. Patients must follow a clear liquid diet the day before their procedure. This includes avoiding alcohol and beer.
Non-alcoholic beer is considered a clear liquid, but it should be avoided during the colonoscopy prep. This is because it may contain ingredients that interfere with the bowel-cleansing process.
Avoiding Dehydration
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of your large intestine, also known as the colon. Typically, you will need to adhere to a strict diet the day before the test. The diet usually involves consuming clear liquids, such as water and juice. You can add broth to your list of liquids to provide variety and hydration during the colonoscopy prep process.
It is important to avoid dehydration during the colonoscopy prep period, because it can interfere with the sedation you receive during the actual colonoscopy. This is why it is best to drink non-alcoholic beverages the day before a colonoscopy.
Besides drinking water and broth, you can also enjoy clear popsicles and Jello (provided they are not red), black coffee and tea and other hydrating options to help you get through the prep process. Just be sure to drink these beverages in moderation, as you will still need to drink the bowel preparation solution.
Avoiding Alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with your doctor’s interpretation of your colon health, and it also interacts with the sedatives used during a colonoscopy. You should avoid consuming alcohol at least 24 hours after your procedure. However, if you do consume alcohol, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace the ones you lost during the prep process.
During colonoscopy preparation, you’ll need to follow a strict diet and start drinking bowel-cleansing solution the night before your exam. Generally, you won’t be able to eat solid foods, so your choices will be limited to clear liquids. You can drink water, tea and coffee without milk or cream, broth and carbonated beverages. You can also take non-alcoholic beverages such as sports drinks, herbal teas and electrolyte solutions. These alternatives to beer can improve your hydration level and provide important nutrients that you’re lacking from not eating any solid foods. They’ll also help you avoid the side effects that can be caused by consuming too much alcohol, like dehydration and inflammation.
Avoiding Staining
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure during which doctors insert a long, flexible tube into the rectum and colon. The tube has a camera attached to allow the doctor to see inside of the large intestine and rectum for signs of disease or other issues. Most people will be asked to follow a clear liquid diet before the procedure. This typically includes avoiding foods that cannot be easily digested or are high in fiber, such as beer.
Drinking alcohol can dehydrate the body. This can make it difficult to absorb the laxative that is prescribed before a colonoscopy, per UCLA Health. It can also interfere with the sedative that is used during the procedure.
Instead of drinking beer, drink other types of clear liquids such as water, GatoradeR (without red, purple, or blue dye), coconut juice, tea, or broth. It may help to mix your beverage with a small amount of a flavoring such as lemon or apple cider.
Avoiding Side Effects
People undergoing a colonoscopy should follow the bowel preparation guidelines provided by their doctor closely, including adhering to dietary restrictions and taking the prescribed bowel-cleansing solution. People should avoid alcohol, including alcohol-free beer, during this time, as it may contain ingredients that don’t align with the dietary requirements of the preparation process.
In addition, alcohol can cause dehydration, which is bad when a person needs to drink lots of fluids to cleanse their colon. It can also interfere with the sedatives that are used during the procedure, per UCLA Health.
In order to avoid the side effects associated with beer 2 days before a colonoscopy, people can enjoy other clear liquids such as water, coconut juice, tea and coffee without milk or cream, and JELL-O. They can also try to eat foods that are easy to digest, such as soup, crackers and vegetables. This will help them stay hydrated until they are able to start drinking normal beverages again.