Watch a brief video on how to prepare for your colonoscopy, then follow the guide below to support a smooth and successful exam.
Why Colon Cleansing Matters Before a Colonoscopy
The key to a comfortable and successful colonoscopy is having an empty bowel. Without it, visibility during the exam is reduced and the procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, natural way to help prepare your bowel. We recommend a series of three sessions for best results.
If you are not having complete eliminations by the second session, continue with additional sessions until a productive cleanse is achieved. Only then should you rebook your colonoscopy.
Recommended Cleansing Schedule
To prepare effectively for your colonoscopy, follow this timeline:
Session 1: 7 days before the exam
Session 2: 3 days before the exam
Session 3: The afternoon or evening before the exam
Diet Guidelines for the Week Before Your Exam
Hydration: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., a 200lb person drinks 100 oz/day).
4 Days Before the Exam: Shift to a diet of fruit, steamed vegetables, and/or liquids.
Avoid: Meat, cheese, refined carbs (bread, crackers, pasta), and any food that leaves residue in the digestive tract.
Post-Exam Support: Abdominal Massage
After your colonoscopy, it’s common to experience cramping or tension in the abdomen. We recommend scheduling an abdominal massage with the Tummy Temple Massage Team to support comfort and recovery. Our therapists are trained to gently relieve residual bowel tension and help you return to balance.
A Note About Colonoscopy Success
There is no guaranteed way to know if your colon is fully cleansed until the doctor performs the scoping. This is true for all preparation methods.
Tummy Temple does not perform scoping, only cleansing. However, our colon hydrotherapists can observe the volume of water and waste released and provide feedback on the productivity of your session. This is not a diagnosis—just an informed observation.
Use your best judgment and follow the guidelines above to prepare effectively. This approach is not only gentle and natural—it is gaining recognition in the medical world. For example, Danbury Hospital in Connecticut now uses colon hydrotherapy as its top choice for colonoscopy prep.
If your final colonic is very productive, you should experience minimal cramping when taking your doctor-prescribed prep formulas.
Kristi Zimmer is the CEO of Tummy Temple, a natural medicine clinic focused on detox, digestive health, and nervous system balance. With a background in massage, colon hydrotherapy, and nutrition, she combines her personal healing journey with a passion for holistic wellness.
She leads a team of professionals dedicated to compassionate care and continuously strives to improve the clinic’s services through client feedback.
