Introduction
Colonoscopies are an essential part of preventive healthcare for people over the age of 50. However, the biggest challenge that people face with colonoscopies is the prep drink, which is unpleasant to consume and often causes nausea. In this article, we will go over some tips and tricks to make drinking your colonoscopy prep a little less unpleasant.
Mix with a Clear Liquid
Mixing your colonoscopy prep with a clear liquid can make it easier to consume. The clear liquid will dilute the taste and make it less overwhelming.
Examples of good liquids to mix with colonoscopy prep include:
- Water
- Apple Juice
- Gatorade (clear or light colors only)
When mixing, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the manufacturer for how much liquid to use. Typically, you will need to mix the prep drink with around 8 ounces of liquid.
Here are some tips for mixing and drinking your colonoscopy prep:
- Use a blender bottle with a mixing ball to ensure the ingredients are well mixed
- Take small sips to avoid overwhelming your taste buds
- Use a straw to bypass your taste buds altogether (more on that below!)
Use a Straw
Using a straw is a great way to bypass your taste buds and make drinking your colonoscopy prep a little more tolerable.
Here are some tips for using a straw effectively:
- Use a wide diameter straw to avoid clogging
- Suck on the straw instead of using it to gulp the liquid
- Pinch your nose to reduce the impact of the odor
Chill in the Fridge
Chilling your colonoscopy prep can make it easier to drink by reducing its overall flavor profile.
Here are some tips for chilling your prep:
- Chill the liquid for at least an hour before drinking
- Chill the liquid in a container with a lid to avoid smelling the odor
- Add ice to reduce the temperature further
Follow Each Sip with a Chaser
Chasers are a great way to mask the taste of colonoscopy prep and make it easier to drink.
Here are some good chasers to use:
- Lemon or lime juice
- Ginger ale
- Salt and vinegar chips
Here are some tips for using chasers effectively:
- Take a small sip of the chaser immediately after taking a sip of the prep drink
- Use a different chaser for each sip to keep your taste buds guessing
Drink Slowly
Drinking your colonoscopy prep slowly can reduce the impact of the flavor on your taste buds and make it less unpleasant.
Here are some tips for drinking slowly:
- Divide your prep drink into smaller servings and consume each one at a time
- Take a break between sips to allow your taste buds to recover
- Set a timer to ensure you’re drinking on schedule, but don’t exceed the recommended time frame provided by your doctor
Use a Flavor Enhancer
A flavor enhancer is a great way to add more flavor to your colonoscopy prep and make it easier to drink.
Here are some good enhancers to use:
- Crystal Light
- Kool-Aid
- Jell-O mix
Here are some tips for using enhancers effectively:
- Use enhancers in moderation to avoid overloading your taste buds
- Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for how much enhancer to use
- Try mixing enhancers with different clear liquids for variety
Experiment with Temperature
The temperature of your colonoscopy prep can have a big impact on its flavor profile.
Here are some tips for experimenting with temperature:
- Try drinking your prep at different temperatures to see what works best for you
- Start with lukewarm drinks and work your way down to cold drinks if necessary
- Don’t try to consume the prep when it’s too hot or too cold as it may cause discomfort
Conclusion
Drinking colonoscopy prep is never going to be easy, but by using the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make the process a little less unpleasant. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so be patient and try different techniques until you find what works best for you. The most important thing is to take your colonoscopy prep seriously, and rest assured that it will all be worth it in the end.
