A colonoscopy requires a completely clean colon for the physician to properly examine the lining for polyps or other abnormalities. This cleanliness is achieved by drinking a large volume of a bowel-cleansing solution, commonly called the prep. Successfully completing the required volume is the most important factor for an effective procedure, but the prep’s unpleasant, salty, or bitter taste and large volume often complicate the process. Fortunately, several practical strategies exist to make consuming the solution much more manageable.
Temperature and Sensory Hacks
Manipulating the temperature of the prep solution is an effective strategy for improving palatability. Chilling the solution thoroughly helps to dull the taste buds’ sensitivity to the unpleasant flavors. The solution should be placed in the refrigerator for several hours, ideally overnight, before consumption.
If the container is too large, portions can be poured into a thermos filled with ice to keep the liquid cold while drinking. However, adding too much ice directly to the preparation can dilute the solution or add unwanted volume. The strong, medicinal odor of the solution also influences the perception of taste.
To address the smell, pouring the solution into an opaque cup with a lid can help minimize aromatic exposure. Pinching the nose or using a nose clip while drinking dramatically reduces the perceived bitterness. The temporary use of a menthol lozenge or cough drop placed under the tongue just before and during consumption can also provide a strong competing flavor.
Approved Flavoring Additions
Adding approved flavorings directly to the solution can help mask the saltiness and bitterness of the prep. The most important rule when choosing an additive is that it must be a clear liquid or powder, as any red, blue, or purple dyes can stain the colon lining or interfere with the doctor’s ability to see clearly. Patients should confirm with their physician or the prep instructions before mixing anything with the solution.
Clear, dye-free sports drinks, such as certain varieties of Gatorade or Powerade Zero, are popular choices because they can also help replenish electrolytes lost during the cleansing process. Other safe additions include:
- Clear, sugar-free flavoring packets like Crystal Light or Propel powder, as long as they are free of prohibited dyes.
- Lemonade without pulp.
- White grape juice.
- Clear sodas like Sprite or ginger ale.
For a stronger flavor contrast, some people mix the prep solution with clear, light-colored carbonated beverages. If the prep is a large-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution, it can sometimes be mixed with a clear liquid in a 50/50 ratio, but this must follow the specific instructions provided by the prescribing doctor. Artificial sweeteners are acceptable additions, provided they do not contain prohibited dyes.
Pacing and Palate Cleansing Techniques
The physical strategy used for drinking the prep can be as important as the flavor and temperature. Many people find the “chug, don’t sip” approach most effective, as drinking quickly minimizes the time the solution spends on the taste buds. Using a straw placed toward the back of the tongue can help bypass taste receptors, making the liquid go down faster.
Instead of viewing the task as consuming a single large volume, break the prep into smaller, timed increments, such as an eight-ounce glass every 10 to 15 minutes. This systematic approach makes the large volume feel more manageable and prevents overwhelm. Managing nausea is also important, and taking a short break or walking around can help move the solution through the digestive tract.
Between doses, palate cleansers can eliminate the lingering aftertaste and provide temporary relief. Sucking on a hard candy, such as a lemon drop or peppermint, is a useful technique, but the candy must be a clear or light color. Sucking on a fresh slice of lemon or lime after each glass introduces a strong, sour contrast that can neutralize the salty taste of the prep.