Can I eat watermelon the day before having a colonoscopy?

Generally, it is acceptable to eat watermelon the day before a colonoscopy, but you should control the amount consumed and avoid excessive intake, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and affect the colonoscopy results. The specific analysis is as follows:

Watermelon mainly consists of water and sugar, and also contains a certain amount of dietary fiber. It helps increase intestinal moisture, promotes intestinal motility, and facilitates bowel movements, thus having a positive effect on intestinal cleansing. The dietary fiber in watermelon softens stools, making them easier to expel, which aids in clearing the bowel before a colonoscopy and allows the doctor to observe the interior of the intestine more clearly. Moreover, the pulp of watermelon is relatively fine and, after digestion, leaves minimal residue that is difficult to eliminate, causing little interference with colonoscopic observation. However, consuming too much watermelon may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it could even result in intestinal bleeding or perforation, thereby affecting the colonoscopy outcome.

Prior to a colonoscopy, it is recommended to follow a light diet and consume easily digestible foods such as plain rice porridge, noodles, and steamed buns. This helps reduce residual food in the intestines and facilitates effective bowel cleansing.