Bowel Preps You Can Do at Home

If you are awaiting a colonoscopy, you know that part of the process is preparing your colon with a strict diet and a thorough bowel cleanse. You probably were informed by your physician that you will need to clear out your colon completely using a laxative with copious amounts of liquid. It is very important that you follow these bowel preparation instructions given to you by your physician to insure a successful outcome. A partial bowel cleanse can make it very difficult for your gastroenterologist to identify abnormalities in the tissue lining of your colon. A poor bowel prep can also cause the procedure to last longer, increase your risk for complications, or force you to redo the procedure altogether. This bowel prep usually is prescribed to you by your physician. However, there are generic options available to purchase over the counter which are easier on the pocketbook and perhaps more palatable than the commonly prescribed bowel preps. With the permission of your physician, you may be able to use a bowel prep that does not require a prescription that you can do at home using over the counter laxatives. 

Natural Bowel Prep Options

A bowel prep typically includes an oral laxative intended to completely flush out your colon before your colonoscopy. These bowel preps come as a drink option or in a powder form to be mixed with water before being consumed. The liquid colon prep drinks often need to be diluted with water or another drink (not red or purple) before use. Bowel preps typically take from under an hour to three hours to work, depending on what you are taking and your own personal constitution. Keep in mind that an oral laxative encourages the colon to draw liquid in from the body. You will experience liquid stools and a loss of water. Be sure to drink plenty of water and liquids that contain electrolytes (like Gatorade) during your bowel cleanse. 

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is a natural mineral laxative that is a magnesium salt of citric acid. It is considered to be a reliable purgative, or something that evacuates the bowels. You may be able to find a magnesium citrate powder that is all natural. This natural mineral laxative also comes in bottle form. 

Bisacodyl

Magnesium citrate is a natural mineral laxative that is a magnesium salt of citric acid. It is considered to be a reliable purgative, or something that evacuates the bowels. You may be able to find a magnesium citrate powder that is all natural. This natural mineral laxative also comes in bottle form. 

Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium citrate is a natural mineral laxative that is a magnesium salt of citric acid. It is considered to be a reliable purgative, or something that evacuates the bowels. You may be able to find a magnesium citrate powder that is all natural. This natural mineral laxative also comes in bottle form. 

Polyethylene glycol

Magnesium citrate is a natural mineral laxative that is a magnesium salt of citric acid. It is considered to be a reliable purgative, or something that evacuates the bowels. You may be able to find a magnesium citrate powder that is all natural. This natural mineral laxative also comes in bottle form. 

Remember : Several days before your procedure, be sure to limit foods that tend to stay in the lining of the intestine for long periods of time

Sample At-Home Bowel Prep

The Week of Your Colonoscopy

Several days before your procedure, be sure to limit foods that tend to stay in the lining of the intestine for long periods of time. Residual food particles can reduce the clear visualization of the colorectal lining and are more difficult to suction during the colonoscopy. Avoid:

• Seeds or nuts
• Whole grains
• Fruits with small seeds, celery, and beans
• Grapes, tomatoes with skins, peas, and onions

One Day Before the Procedure

One day before your colonoscopy consume only clear liquids. The definition of a clear liquid is one that you can see through with no pulp or solids present. The liquid can be clear, yellow, green, orange, or blue. You should avoid all clear liquids that are red or purple colored. Red and purple dye interferes with your colonoscopy results because the color can mask the lining and disguise abnormal tissue growths. 

Liquids you can take include:

• Broth, including vegetable, chicken, or beef
• Fruit juices (no red or purple juices)
• Popsicles (except red or purple)
• Jello
• Soda
• Sports drinks
• Black coffee or tea (do not add any creamer)
• Clear protein supplement 

DIY Bowel Prep

Needed:

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) tablets
• Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®) 1 bottle (238g)
• 64 ounces of clear liquid, preferably a sports drink

Prepare Your Bowel Prep:

Bowel Prep:

Drink the mixture in 8-ounce portions every 15 minutes. Set a timer to help you stay on track. For example, begin your bowel cleanse at 4:00 pm:

You will drink four 8-ounce glasses of the oral laxative solution. Be prepared to have bowel movements within the hour of drinking the prep. Also, continue to drink clear liquids to avoid dehydration while flushing out your colon. 

For the second half of your bowel prep, take two bisacodyl tablets with a glass of water before drinking the second half of the PEG mixture. Then continue. For example, if you start the second half of the prep at 11:00 pm: 

Finish the entire mixture. You know you are fully cleansed when you have clear or yellow-tinged liquid diarrhea. 

Remember, this bowel prep is an example of a bowel prep you can do at home. Be sure to check with your physician before doing any type of bowel cleanse at home. People with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can experience serious complications during a bowel prep. Use only as directed by your physician. 

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