How I prep for a colonoscopy Multiple Day Fasting

Hello everyone, Dy Ann Parham here. Today, I'm excited to share my personal experience on how I prepared for my recent colonoscopy using a multiple-day fasting approach. As someone who has undergone three colonoscopies over the past six years, I've noticed that each preparation has improved, largely due to a better understanding of my body and the benefits of intermittent fasting. In this article, I'll walk you through my preparation process, which I believe can offer insights for those looking to simplify their own colonoscopy prep.

Understanding the Importance of Colonoscopy Prep

Colonoscopy prep is often viewed with apprehension, largely due to the daunting stories circulated in peer groups and on social media. However, I've adopted a mindset that transforms colonoscopy prep into an opportunity for bodily detox and cleansing. Thanks to my insurance, this becomes a medically supported detox session. Unlike many, I don't enjoy prolonged periods of fasting; my routine involves intermittent fasting within a 24-hour period, which aligns with my lifestyle and health needs.

The Role of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has been a significant part of my life, contributing to my overall health and aiding in the natural healing processes of my body. This lifestyle choice has been instrumental in preparing my body for medical procedures like a colonoscopy. By fasting, I aim to clear my system thoroughly, ensuring a clean colon for the procedure. It's important to note, however, that everyone's health conditions are different, and it's crucial to follow medical advice tailored to individual needs. For those new to fasting or colonoscopy prep, adhering to the guidelines provided by healthcare professionals is essential.

My Personal Prep Strategy: A Detailed Walkthrough

My latest colonoscopy prep involved a 90-hour fasting period, which wasn't entirely planned but turned out to be very effective. Here’s how I approached the days leading up to the procedure:

• Saturday: Post a 5k run, I wasn't very hungry, so I started my fast around 6 PM after having a light salad, marking the beginning of my fasting period.
• Sunday: I continued with low-intensity exercises and consumed minimal calories, mainly from electrolytes and water, maintaining my energy levels without solid food.
• Monday to Wednesday: I transitioned to a cleaner fast, consuming only water and black coffee. This helped enhance the clarity of my fast, keeping me in a state of ketosis, indicated by the presence of ketones which are a sign that the body is utilizing fat for energy.

The Role of Supplements and Hydration

During the fasting period, I ensured adequate hydration and electrolyte intake to maintain mineral balance, crucial for preventing fatigue and other potential side effects of fasting. I used unflavored electrolyte supplements to avoid any unnecessary sugars or additives.

Experiencing the Benefits of Deep Ketosis

By the time of my colonoscopy on Wednesday, my body was in a deep state of ketosis, which not only supported the cleansing process but also provided significant mental clarity and energy. The presence of ketones was a clear indicator that my body was efficiently using fat for energy, which is ideal during fasting and especially beneficial during the prep for a medical procedure like a colonoscopy.

The Actual Colonoscopy Prep and Procedure

On Tuesday evening, I began the actual colonoscopy prep with the prescribed SUPREP, which is a concentrated solution designed to clear the digestive tract. I followed this with adequate water intake to ensure hydration. The process was smooth, and by early Wednesday morning, I had achieved the desired clear output, indicating that my colon was ready for the procedure. The experience was much less daunting than anticipated, with minimal discomfort.

Insights from My Ketone Monitoring

Throughout the prep, I monitored my ketone levels to gauge the depth of my ketosis and overall metabolic state. This monitoring helped me understand how my body was reacting to the extended fast and the prep solution. The data I gathered provided reassurance that my body was in a healthy fasting state, utilizing its fat stores effectively, which is a testament to the benefits of being adapted to an intermittent fasting lifestyle.

Post-Colonoscopy: Reintroducing Food and Normal Activities

After the procedure, I focused on gently reintroducing food. I started with a hydration shake and gradually added more substantial foods into my diet. By Thursday, I resumed light activities, and by Friday, I was back to my regular exercise and eating routine. This careful approach helped ensure that my digestive system was not overwhelmed after the fasting and cleansing process.

The Importance of Mindful Eating Post-Procedure

Post-colonoscopy, it's crucial to be mindful of food choices. Having cleansed the colon, it's an optimal time to reintroduce foods that are beneficial and avoid those that might cause irritation or discomfort. This mindfulness helps maintain the benefits of the cleanse and supports overall gut health.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Preventative Healthcare

A colonoscopy is not just a medical procedure but an opportunity to reset and understand more about one's health. It's essential to approach such procedures with a positive mindset, seeing them as preventative measures rather than something to fear. By combining colonoscopy prep with fasting, I was able to turn a necessary health check into a beneficial cleansing ritual, which I believe can be a powerful approach for those who are accustomed to fasting.

I encourage everyone to consider their health proactively and not shy away from procedures like colonoscopies that can provide critical insights into one's health. With the right preparation and mindset, these experiences can be more than just bearable; they can be transformative.

If you have any questions about my experience or if you've had similar experiences with fasting and colonoscopy prep, I'd love to hear from you. Sharing our stories can empower others to take charge of their health and approach necessary medical procedures with confidence and understanding. Remember, your health is in your hands, and being informed is the first step towards making choices that support a long and healthy life.