How to Take Colonoscopy Prep Easily (Honest Review of the Pocari Sweat & Ice Water Combo)

Hello,

This is Checkup Gaja.

Everyone, when health checkup season approaches,

what is the first thing you worry about?

For nine out of ten people, it is probably:

‘How am I going to drink all of that infamous colonoscopy prep medication?’

I also found it incredibly hard to get used to

that uniquely slimy and bland lemon taste

of the colonoscopy prep.

It is quite common to hear stories

from people around us who threw up while drinking it.

However,

if you do not empty your bowels completely,

the examination itself becomes impossible

or its accuracy drops,

so you absolutely must drink it all.

I will share every detail of the practical tips

I learned from my own experience,

allowing you to finish the medication quickly

with less nausea and a better taste!

Why Pocari Sweat and Ice Water?

The medication instructions usually say

‘Mix with plain water,’

but mixing it with plain water makes that uniquely unpleasant taste

even stronger.

The cheat code that will be our lifeline

in this situation is

Pocari Sweat and ice.

The Role of Pocari Sweat

The sweet and sour taste of the sports drink

masks the bland and salty taste of the medication.

Additionally,

as you continue to have diarrhea

after taking the colonoscopy prep,

your body rapidly loses water and electrolytes.

Replenishing them helps prevent

dehydration symptoms

(dizziness, nausea).

The Role of Ice Water

The taste cells on our tongue

do not perceive flavors well

at very low temperatures.

In other words, the strategy is to make the medication extremely cold

so you can swallow it down your throat

before your numbed tongue can taste it.

Action! A 3-Step Routine for Easy Drinking

I will explain this based on

the most commonly prescribed powder medication

(the type you mix with water).

Step 1: Mix with the Golden Ratio (1/2 Medication + 1/2 Pocari + Plenty of Ice)

Prepare a large cup or a LocknLock bottle.

First, add the colonoscopy powder prep,

but do not fill it up to the marked line

with cold water or Pocari Sweat just yet!

Pour just enough cold water

to completely dissolve the medication,

and then fill the rest

with solid ice

and cold Pocari Sweat.

This way, the concentration of the medication is correct

while the temperature drops drastically.

Step 2: Use a Straw (Tongue Protection Strategy)

If you gulp it straight from the cup,

the taste spreads throughout your mouth

and triggers your gag reflex.

Make sure to

use a straw to bypass the middle of your tongue

and aim directly

toward the back of your throat.

Surprisingly, you will taste it significantly less.

Step 3: Smell Candy/Gum (Refresh Tip)

After emptying a cup,

you might feel nauseous

due to the lingering aftertaste in your mouth.

At this point, briefly hold a green grape or lemon candy

in your mouth and take it out

(absolutely do not swallow it!),

or smell some gum,

and the blandness in your mouth will completely disappear.

Important Precautions to Follow!

No matter how helpful Pocari Sweat is,

there are things to be careful about.

Colored sports drinks are strictly forbidden!

Drinks with artificial coloring,

like Powerade (blue)

or Gatorade (yellow),

can stain your intestinal walls and hinder

the doctor from finding polyps.

Make sure to only use clear

or milky-white drinks

like Pocari Sweat or Toreta.

Do not fill the entire volume with just Pocari Sweat!

Sometimes people mix the medication

entirely with sports drinks

without adding any water,

but doing so

can lead to excessive sugar and sodium intake,

making you feel even more bloated.

It is safe to mix in the sports drink

while strictly following the guidelines

written in the medication instructions

(e.g., the minimum amount of water needed to dissolve the prep).

There is a saying, ‘If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will win a hundred battles.’

Before blindly tearing open the medication packet,

set up the 3-piece combo I shared today

—ice water, Pocari Sweat, and a straw—

in your sink beforehand.

The dreaded colonoscopy preparation process

will become much easier.

Remember,

you must empty your bowels completely

to finish the accurate examination in one go

and enjoy a delicious first meal!

I am rooting for everyone

to successfully take their medication safely

and pass their health checkup on the first try.

If you have

any more questions about the pre-colonoscopy diet

(foods you can eat 3 days prior),

please leave a comment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix colonoscopy medication with Pocari Sweat?

Yes, you can. Mixing with clear sports drinks like Pocari Sweat can help mask the unpleasant taste of the medication and prevent dehydration caused by frequent diarrhea. However, you must adhere to the minimum amount of water specified in the medication's instructions when mixing.

Is it okay to mix with Powerade or Gatorade?

No, absolutely not. Sports drinks containing dyes, such as blue or yellow Powerade or Gatorade, can stain the intestinal wall, making it difficult for medical staff to detect polyps. Only clear or milky-white sports drinks should be used to ensure an accurate examination.

Is there a way to reduce the unpleasant taste of the medication?

It is recommended to use ice water and a straw. Making the medication extremely cold dulls the taste buds on your tongue, making the taste less noticeable. Additionally, using a straw to bypass the middle of the tongue and direct the liquid straight to the back of the throat can minimize stimulation of the gag reflex.

What should I do if I feel nauseous after drinking all the medication?

It is recommended to briefly hold a green grape or lemon candy in your mouth or smell gum. This is effective in eliminating the lingering taste of the medication in your mouth, which can help alleviate nausea. However, swallowing the candy or gum is strictly prohibited.

Can I mix colonoscopy medication with only sports drinks, without water?

No, it is not recommended. Mixing the medication solely with sports drinks without any water can lead to excessive sugar and sodium intake, which may cause more bloating. For safe consumption, you should mix it with the amount of water specified in the medication guidelines.