Colonoscopy fasting is a step you need to take in preparation for the colonoscopy procedure itself. It's one of several important ways to get ready for the doctor to examine your colon for signs or colon cancer or other colon problems. Another important part of colonoscopy preparation is known as bowel prep.

The goal of this article is to provide some basic information about both these important preparatory steps for your colon examination.

Colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep are designed to make sure you've moved all stools and other intestinal debris out of your colon by the time you go into the operating room. By fasting a taking a prescribed laxative the day before, you give your doctor the best chance of getting a clear view of the walls of your colon.

Most colonoscopy procedures last less than an hour. Some are done in half that time or even less. But your doctor will want you to to start the colonoscopy preparation process a full day in advance.

Generally speaking, your food intake choices are extremely limited in the 24 prior to your procedure. Depending on your situation, your doctor may even ask you to fast for longer than that (this is rare, however).

While you're fasting, you'll be permitted to eat gelatin or Popsicles - but only in certain flavors. Red and blue are prohibited because they can influence the color of your colon walls during your colonoscopy. The following are also permitted

• diet soda.

• fat-free bouillon or broth

• hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops

• plain coffee

• plain tea with no sugar or cream

• strained fruit juice specifically apple, white grape, or cranberry

• plain water

You should absolutely avoid dairy products like ice cream, milk and cream soups.

Many times, you'll be permitted to drink clear liquids until about four hours before your colonoscopy. But be sure to ask your doctor if it's okay.

Besides observing the limitations on food and drink, you'll be required to follow the other major part of your colonoscopy preparation, which is commonly known as "bowel prep."

Your doctor will prescribe one of several types of strong laxative for you to take the evening before. The most popular brands include Golytely®, Fleets Phospho-Soda® and Movi-Prep®.

These products generally require you to take them in a serious of doses over the course of several hours. Make sure you follow the directions on the packaging, and also observe any further recommendations from your doctor.

Your doctor will also want you to drink three-to-six 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid in between doses - possibly even more. This will keep you hydrated, since the laxative will rob your system of a lot of fluids.

You'll feel as if you have a very bad case of diarrhea as the laxatives begin to take effect. You'll probably have to make trips to the bathroom every few minutes.

According to some people, the colonoscopy itself is easy because you're sedated. But limiting your food intake, and dealing with the laxative the day before is the hardest part of it all.

The most obvious benefit for having a colonoscopy done lies in making sure there are no signs of cancer in your colon. But there are other benefits too. During your examination, your doctor will also be able to spot other potential trouble-in-the-making, like diverticulosis or polyps that may develop into cancer later.

Advances in colonoscopy procedure technology, along with better public awareness through multiple media campaigns, are among the major reasons the number of colon cancer cases has been decreasing in the last few decades.