Planning what to eat leading up to a colonoscopy exam can seem confusing. You want to follow your doctor’s instructions to prepare properly, but you also want to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need So can you eat salmon before a colonoscopy?
The answer is yes, salmon is generally fine in the days prior to a colonoscopy as part of a low-fiber diet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover why salmon works well, how long before your colonoscopy you can eat it, portion size, and the best ways to prepare salmon and other beneficial foods for colonoscopy prep
Why Salmon is a Good Pre-Colonoscopy Protein
Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein to eat in the 3-5 days prior to your colonoscopy when following a low-residue diet Here’s why it’s a smart choice
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High Protein Content: A 3 ounce serving of salmon contains about 17 grams of protein. Protein foods are recommended as part of the pre-colonoscopy diet.
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Low Fiber: Salmon contains minimal fiber, with only 0-1 grams per serving. Limiting fiber is key in the days leading up to your procedure.
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Anti-Inflammatory: Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body. This can help if you have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
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Easy to Digest: As a soft, flaky fish, salmon is gentle on the digestive system and less likely to cause GI issues compared to red meats.
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Mild Flavor: The mild taste and light color of salmon make it ideal for eating prior to a colonoscopy compared to spices that can irritate the bowel.
So in terms of protein sources, salmon is one of the best and safest options for prepping for a colonoscopy.
When to Eat Salmon Before Your Colonoscopy
Most doctors recommend starting a low-fiber diet 3-5 days before your colonoscopy exam. During this time, it’s fine to eat salmon as long as you follow a few guidelines:
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Portion size: Stick to 3-4 ounces of salmon per serving. Larger portions are harder to digest.
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Frequency: Enjoy salmon once per day at most. Too much high protein food can be taxing on your digestive tract when you’re limiting fiber intake.
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Cooking method: Bake, broil, grill, or poach salmon. Avoid heavy breading or frying which can be harder to digest.
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Spices: Use minimal added spices beyond basic salt and pepper. Too much seasoning can irritate the GI tract.
On the day before your colonoscopy, you’ll need to follow a clear liquid diet and avoid all solid foods including salmon. But earlier in your prep week, one small serving of mildly seasoned salmon is perfectly fine.
Best Ways to Prepare Salmon for Colonoscopy Prep
How you prepare your salmon makes a big difference in how easy it will be to digest leading up to your colonoscopy. Here are some of the best options:
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Baked salmon: Season with a little lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes.
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Broiled salmon: Broil a salmon fillet for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Sprinkle with fresh dill.
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Grilled salmon: Grill a salmon steak over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. Brush with a light teriyaki glaze.
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Poached salmon: Gently cook salmon fillets in a skillet with a bit of butter, lemon juice and broth for 5-7 minutes.
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Canned salmon: Look for low-sodium canned salmon and use it to make salmon patties or salmon salad.
Avoid creamy lemon dill sauce, pesto, or other heavy seasonings that can be hard to digest. And limit pickled and smoked salmon as the processing methods introduce more sodium.
Other Recommended Foods to Eat Before a Colonoscopy
In addition to salmon, here are some other beneficial foods and key nutrients to include leading up to your colonoscopy exam:
Protein foods: Eggs, chicken, tofu, yogurt
Fruits: Applesauce, ripe bananas, honeydew, peeled peaches
Vegetables: Cooked carrots, mushrooms, asparagus tips
Grains: White rice, plain pasta, crackers without seeds
Dairy: Milk, cheese, plain yogurt
Fluids: Water, clear fruit juices without pulp, tea, electrolyte drinks
And here are foods to avoid that may be too fibrous or irritating:
- Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, bran cereal
- Raw veggies and fruits with skin
- Dried beans, lentils, peas
- Nuts and seeds
- Red meat
If you have any questions about your prep diet, be sure to go over the food guidelines with your doctor so you understand what can be eaten safely in the days before a colonoscopy.
Sample Low-Fiber Meal Plan with Salmon
To give you an idea of how to incorporate salmon into a low-residue colonoscopy prep diet, here is a sample 3 day meal plan:
3 Days Before
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and white toast
Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich on white bread, melon cubes
Dinner: 3-4 oz baked salmon, white rice, steamed carrots
2 Days Before
Breakfast: Cream of wheat with milk, apple sauce
Lunch: Turkey and cheese sandwich on white bread
Dinner: Grilled chicken, white pasta with olive oil, cooked mushrooms
1 Day Before
Breakfast: Fruit smoothie with banana, melon, yogurt
Lunch: Chicken noodle soup
Dinner: Clear broth with saltine crackers
Then on the day of the colonoscopy, stick to clear liquids only. This meal plan gives you an idea of how to work salmon and other recommended foods into your prep diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Salmon Before a Colonoscopy
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about eating salmon leading up to a colonoscopy:
Can I eat smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon is fine as part of a low fiber diet. Choose lower sodium options and limit to 2-3 small servings in your prep week.
What about canned salmon?
Canned salmon like tuna is permissible, again in moderation. Look for low-sodium options packed in water. Rinse to reduce the salt content further.
Can I eat salmon two days before?
Yes, you can safely enjoy 3-4 ounces of baked, grilled, or poached salmon up to two days prior to a colonoscopy along with other low-residue foods.
Is raw salmon OK?
It’s best to avoid raw salmon as it’s harder to digest. Cook your salmon by baking, grilling, poaching, or broiling instead.
What about salmon sushi?
We don’t recommended eating salmon or other raw sushi in the days leading up to your colonoscopy since it can be difficult to digest.
Can I have salmon salad?
Yes, you can make salmon salad using canned salmon mixed with a little mayonnaise and chopped celery. Avoid versions with nuts, seeds, or heavy creamy dressings.
Get the Nutrition You Need With the Right Pre-Colonoscopy Diet
Planning out your colonoscopy prep diet carefully by including easily digested proteins like salmon, along with other gentle foods, will help keep you as healthy and energized as possible leading up to your colonoscopy. Be sure to discuss any menu plans and food questions with your doctor so you understand how to prep effectively.
With the right dietary approach, you can get all the nutrients you need in the days before your procedure. Follow your prep instructions and your colonoscopy will go as smoothly as possible. Eating healthful, nourishing foods like salmon will give you the energy to sail through your colonoscopy prep.