The present invention provides methods and taste-modifying kits for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods and taste-modifying kits can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.