Colon Cleansing At Home: How-To & Tips

July 8th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Colon Cleansing

Colon hydrotherapy is becoming better known as more people are turning to alternative health methods. Colon cleansing is a process that removes fecal matter from colon walls. It is also good for watering down bacteria and other toxins found in the large intestine.

There are lots of benefits from colon hydrotherapy, but two that stand out are weight loss and detoxification. The two are connected in that eating the wrong foods or too many of the wrong foods not only causes weight gain, but also toxic effects on our bodies.

Add that to the toxins that come from the air, water and our environment in general, and all the chemicals and pesticides used to treat our foods and we end up with toxic overload. While this isn’t always obvious, a good clue is that if you are eating well, yet don’t feel as good as you should, a colon cleanse would be something for you to check out.

Other symptoms that come from intestinal toxins include:

  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Excess Weight Gain
  • Stomach Bloating
  • Gas, Bad Breath
  • The Feeling Of A Coated Tongue
  • A Body Odor
  • Skin Problems

A good colon cleanse that flushes the system will decrease the presence of these symptoms and often get rid of them completely. Since colonic hydrotherapy isn’t something that is well recognized by the conventional medical community you may have to seek out an alternative treatment center.

On the other hand, if you have concerns about having this procedure performed by someone else, you may want to consider using a home colonic kit. These aren’t difficult to use; although you might want to read up on how the procedure works and be aware of how you might feel. After you’ve completed it the first time, however, you will find they are easy to use and will probably be inclined to do them on a regular basis.

You’ll find a good variety of these kits and also many products that can be used in conjunction with the cleanse to enhance the detoxification. Look for kits that contain these ingredients:

Psyllium Husk

To expand the colon by forming a gel-type substance that will help retain the moisture. This will lock onto the waste build up and assist in their removal.

Bentonite Clay

This is a clay-like substance that pulls out toxins, poisons and free radicals.

Herbs

Combinations of herbs assist in the cleaning process. Wild Strawberry Herb, Wild Rhubarb Root, Red Raspberry Leaf, Barberry Root, Bladderwack pods, Myrrh Gum, Ginger Root, Plantain Herb, Cascara, Sagrada bark, are some of the herbs you might find.

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Cure Hemorrhoids With Colon Cleansing: Detoxification Tips

July 7th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

There’s nothing worse than a hemorrhoid. These painful aggravations are fairly common with lots of people. They are marked by swelled blood vessel in the rectum area and often come from straining due to constipation. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to hemorrhoids.

What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?

  • Hemorrhoid symptoms
  • Rectal pain
  • Anal itch
  • Incomplete bowel movements
  • Blood in your stool
  • A lump just inside or on the outside of the anus

Who Is Susceptible To Hemorrhoids?

Although everyone can be bothered with hemorrhoids, there are some people who are more susceptible. Those with liver disease, who are overweight and pregnant women, are most inclined. If you think you may have hemorrhoids, a visit to your doctor can confirm the condition. There are different tests which can be performed. The two most common is an internal exam of the rectum or a colonoscopy.

Methods For Healing And Avoiding Hemorrhoids

  • Stick with a nutritious diet
  • Stay out of saunas
  • Avoid drinking alcohol
  • Don’t sit for long periods of time
  • Jump (that’s right) jumping helps the circulatory system
  • Hemorrhoid Treatments

Since constipation is one of the main reasons a person gets hemorrhoids, cleansing the colon is the best way to deal with them. For minor hemorrhoids, a fiber shake will probably alleviate the condition. The shake will make your bowels soft and moist and they will pass more thoroughly and easily.

TRY THESE TIPS:

  • Fill your diet with high fiber foods. Legumes, raw vegetables, nuts, fresh fruits, grains, nuts are some examples. Also add broccoli and carrots to your diet
  • Keep an active lifestyle. Get plenty of exercise. Walk as often as you can.
  • Eat ginger and onions - both are known for their qualities of bringing about good circulatory health
  • Add cayenne pepper and curcuma to your food list
  • Always take time to eliminate bowels whenever you feel the urge
  • Eat foods rich in zinc like sweet potatoes. Take cod liver oil and use olive oil when you’re cooking. If you don’t get enough zinc, consider a zinc supplement
  • Aloe Vera Juice is a tried and true method for treating hemorrhoid related problems. Drink half a cup three times a day for up to five days for optimal treatment
  • If there is a lot of pain, consider one of the over-the-counter ointment treatments.
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Leaky Gut, Colon Cleansing, Detox Tips

July 6th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

Sometimes the intestinal wall becomes compromised, and begins to let toxins and waste products to pass through it and into the bloodstream. This is called “Leaky Gut,” a condition that can be very serious. Sometimes the body will realize this is happening, recognizing the particles shouldn’t be there and the body’s immune system begins to kick in to attempt to fight off the bacteria.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut usually develop in the intestine. You may find yourself suffering from one or more problems like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, indigestion, heartburn and abdominal pain. But the symptoms aren’t always just physical. People can experience neurological problems as well and find they suffer from confusion, brain fuzz, poor memory, aggressive behavior, confusion, anxiety and nervousness.

But it doesn’t end there. Other symptoms may affect breathing and can include asthma or shortness of breath. Recurring bladder infections, vaginal infections, pain in the muscles and joints, fatigue, skin disorders and even bed wetting.

Home Testing For Leaky Gut

If you think you might be suffering from Leaky Gut, there are some home tests you can perform to assess Candida and Magnesium assessments. These can assign in getting to the origin of your problem.

Also, you can see your doctor and ask for the Intestinal Permeability assessment. It’s a fairly simple test taken over a six hour period. You’ll be asked to drink a mixture of mannitol and lactulose and then your urine will be checked for high levels or certain molecules that indicate you have the syndrome. If low levels are found, it is probably indicative of a faulty absorption in your intestine.

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine what causes Leaky gut Syndrome. It is known that ingestion of heavy metals, deficient nutrition and a number of medications can be at fault. The medicines include anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, prednisone, birth control pills and broad spectrum antibiotics.

Pesticide residues, chemical inhalation, environmental toxins, refined sugars, yeast infections, parasites, chronic stress, food allergies, excess caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and a host of bacteria are also credited with causing the condition. Other indications for the syndrome include thick blood, a sluggish liver, enzyme deficiency or hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

One of the first things to do when diagnosed with Leaky gut is to alter the way you eat. Foods with antimicrobial properties are a necessity. These are found in rosemary, mustard, hot chili pepper, radishes, lemon, onions, and leeks. Begin eating organic yogurt that is not pasteurized and stock up on broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage.

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Colon Cleansing Tips: Avoid White Bread

July 5th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

Most of us have been eating white bread our whole lives. Unfortunately, just because it tastes good, it’s convenient and is a fairly common staple, doesn’t make it healthy. In fact, there are so many preservatives and so much of the natural whole wheat is removed by processing, it is actually more toxic to some people than beneficial.

Just take a look at the stuff bread is made of:

  • Partially hydrogenated oils
  • Fungal prohibitive chemicals
  • Refined flour
  • Bleached whiteners
  • Chemical softeners
  • Carmel coloring
  • Calcium sulfate

You see that white bread is made mostly of refined flour and contains few if any nutrients. The fiber is removed along with the fatty acids that are essential to health. During production, when the raw grains are being milled, most of the health benefits of the wheat are lost. These grains are extremely important for good health, but most are lost, and the chemicals that are added, render it all but toxic.

What happens when we eat white bread:

  • Our immune systems become weak
  • We put ourselves at risk for cancer from the toxins
  • Our intestines can become clogged up
  • Ingest a sticky protein - gluten
  • Clog up our large intestines, leading to mucoid plaque.

White bread contains several substances which are not easily digestible, and lead to a build up of mucoid plaque, a sticky form of mucous which clogs our colons.

After eating white bread for most of our lives, the impact of all that refined flour leads to more plaque which eventually begins to attract and holds onto toxins, fecal material and other impurities.

Some of the downfalls of eating white bread

Malnourishment - When your colon is functioning right, your body doesn’t absorb all the nutrients available to it, causing your body to become malnourished.

Constipation - Without regularity, the wastes from your body remain in your colon unless you consistently have eaten an all raw food diet most of your life, avoiding breads and other toxic foods, you probably need to have a colon cleanse. While changing to a healthy diet helps to maintain a healthy colon, it must first be cleansed in order to rid itself of all the old toxins built up by an unhealthy diet.

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Colon Cleanse Tips: Castor Oil, Nature’s Detox Magic!

July 4th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

That’s right…Castor Oil. It’s been used for thousands of years to treat every possible health related condition. This stuff can ease childbirth pains, relieve menstrual cramping and even get rid of warts.

Castor oil in ancient times was called Palma Christ, which simply means “hand of Christ.” Among other things, it was used to treat pain, liver and gallbladder problems, skin wounds and disorders, and an array of digestive problems

Castor oil is thought to work by directing blood circulation and biological energy to whatever area it is applied to. It is a unique way of drawing toxic substances from the body and is considered a good way to treat a number of health concerns.

The procedure for using castor oil to treat a skin inflammation is to soak a cloth, preferably plain cotton, with the oil and wrap it around the affected spot. Continue doing this for several nights to see a marked improvement.

The unusual composition of chemicals in castor oil is what is credited with making it effective. One of them, ricinolic acid is known to be effective in prohibiting the growth of viruses, yeasts and molds, and a variety of bacteria. In Russia, castor oil was often included in products for restoring health and shine to hair. Constipation and eye irritations were also treated with castor oil.

The procedure for using castor oil to treat a skin inflammation is to soak a cloth, preferably plain cotton, with the oil and wrap it around the affected spot. Continue doing this for several nights to see a marked improvement.

It was Edgar Cayce who made use of castor oil for health treatments so popular. When individuals asked him for advice in treating their ailments, he often recommended the oil. His idea was to make a pack of several cotton layers saturated in the oil and placed against the person’s skin. Heat was applied for a short time. The castor oil abdominal pack is still used by many people.

Cayce was so convinced by the results of castor, he even recommended the use of the castor oil packs to help absorb nutrients, help with waste elimination and lymphatic circulation as well. Castor oil actually boosts the flow of lymph through the body, which in turn speeds up the removal of toxins and reduces the swelling in lymph nodes. Chronic fatigue and depression were found to be relieved by the practice.

When you purchase castor oil, be certain you get it from a good source. The oil is a product of castor beans which are usually treated with pesticides. Sometimes when castor beans are processed, they lose the healing nutrients by contamination or destruction. The best place to get castor oil is the country of its origin: India .

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Colon Cleanse: Candida, Acne & Leaky Gut

July 3rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Colon Cleanse

Most folks never consider having a colon cleanse unless they are suffering from a physical problem or are symptomatic of a chronic illness. But you don’t have to wait until you are sick to enjoy the benefits of colon cleansing. There are lots of reasons to have a colon cleanse. Here are just a few:

1) Candida - or Candida albicans

This is a fairly modern condition caused by too much Candida yeast growing in your body. The main risk for Candida is an unhealthy colon. When colons are not working right, it causes the yeast to leak through the intestine walls carrying toxins into the bloodstream. As they move around and attach to organ tissue, we begin to suffer from ailments like brain fog, acne, feeling sluggish, and more. If the colon is cleansed of all toxins, Candida cannot grow out of control.

The first step in bringing Candida under control is colon detox. This brings an abrupt stop to the fungus moving into the bloodstream. Along the way the cleanse will get rid of any mucoid plaque, which will also uncover the Candida yeast and bacteria, making them vulnerable the treatment. Following the colon cleanse it is a good idea to take an Anti-Fungal. These will kill the yeasts immediately.

2) Acne

Most people who suffer from acne would never think their problem is caused by toxin in the body, but in fact, that is the main cause. Whenever toxins are present or the cause of a condition or ailment, cleansing the colon will always help. Even acne.

Acne is a condition of our poor lifestyle and eating habits. Most people treat acne from the skin level, but in order to overcome acne, it must be dealt with at its root cause - a poorly circulating bloodstream brought on by colon toxicity. People who are overloaded with toxins will often find they have acne or other skin irritations due to the fact the toxic chemicals are trying to find a way out of the body. One of the easiest methods is to get out through the skin.

To really eradicate acne you have to go to the source of all the toxins: the colon. All the skin creams and acne ointment on the planet will not cure acne. It may disappear for a while, but it will always come back. A colon cleanse along with taking a digest enzyme supplement and using colonics or enemas.

3) Leaky Gut

Have you ever heard of leaky gut syndrome? If not, then you should really be aware of the condition its symptoms and how to treat and prevent it.

Most of our nutrients are absorbed through our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A barrier in that tract stops toxins and bacteria from entering into our blood. If for some reason the barrier, or lining, becomes damaged or develops large pores, our health is at risk because the toxins, parasites, bacteria and fungus can get through.

There are many indications that someone may have Leaky Gut Syndrome. Here are a few:

  • Bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Constant gas
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • IBS

Advanced symptoms include:

  • Food allergies
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Acne
  • Celiac disease
  • Colitis
  • Autoimmune diseases

The first step in treating Leaky Gut is to get your colon clean and in good working order. This will rid toxins and leftover waste from the colon and prevent them from getting through the pores of the GI tract. While this is usually very effective in keeping the toxins at bay, Leaky Gut can develop into a very serious condition which should be treated medically as well.

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Colon Cleansing: Kill Yeast Overgrowth In The Body

July 2nd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

We humans tend to eat processed foods for their convenience. Most of us will choose white bread over wheat and sweet baked goods over fruit any day. But the problem is that this diet doesn’t give us enough fiber. Add that to the fact that we have poor eating habits, we eat too much, too fast, too often and at the wrong times. This leads to an overgrowth of Candida Albia’s.

Check this out: Let’s say you take a bit bite of a sweet, delicious, slice of vanilla cake. It’s great going in; but as it goes on down your body, it begins to develop a thick coat of mucous. That sticks to your large intestine and becomes a form of plaque.

Mucoid plaque is just like other plaques in our bodies. They are not healthy. And, at the very least, they stop the colon from functioning at its best. The result is toxic build up, constipation and sometimes, malnutrition due to the fact the plaque stops us from absorbing nutrients.

As the toxins build, they provide a perfect setting for the Candida fungus to take hold of the colon. Worse, the Candia begins to spread throughout your body, creating more problems and causing more illness.

It’s true that Candida is in everyone’s body. Normally it’s a harmless organism that lives in our intestine, however when Candida starts growing out of control, it goes from harmless to a root like fungus that consumes the lining of the GI tract.

It is unlikely you can ever rid yourself of Candida, so the point of treatment is to get it back under control and balanced like other bacteria that reside naturally in our body. There is a simple way to do this - It’s a matter of simply reversing the process that brought the Candida out of control to begin with. And, since toxic colon is the reason Candida begins to grow, and since our colons become overburdened because of the foods we eat, then diet is where we begin:

Five foods to avoid:

1) All refined sugars and processed foods

2) Meats and prepared foods that contain hormones

3) Canned foods and prepared foods

4) Dried fruit - no more than one serving a day

5) Canola and Peanut oil (instead, use olive, coconut or flax oil)
Once you eliminate these items from your diet, give your colon a good cleansing by taking Psyllium Husk and Bentonite Clay shakes. Sometimes it takes from a few months to several years to bring Candia under control.

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Avoid Heavy Metals Top 10 List: Detoxification Tips

June 30th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Cleansing Naturally

Most of us don’t think about how many harmful toxins and heavy metals we are exposed to on a daily basis. But, in reality, we are bombarded with exposure to arsenic, cobalt, mercury and silver all the time. While minute amount of some of these metals can be beneficial to good health, being subjected to too much leads to metal toxicity in the body.

Consider some of these harmful effects which come from overexposure to heavy metals:

  • Nervous system damage
  • Low energy levels
  • Lung and kidney damage
  • Severe mental degeneration
  • Cancer

TOP 10 WAYS TO AVOID HEAVY METALS

Despite regular exposure to heavy metals there are a number of ways to avoid coming into contact with these toxins:

1) Avoid new furniture

New furniture is often treated with a host of toxic chemicals including pesticides, varnishes and others. This is done to make the furniture more durable and resistant to problems. Furniture made in other countries, like China should be inspected thoroughly for as much information as possible about the treatments used. Try to stick with purchasing furniture produced in your local area so you can find out what toxins might have been used.

2) Avoid new cars

Everybody loves the smell of a new car - but in reality, much of that new car smell is coming from harmful toxins coming off the materials, upholstery, leather, glass, carpet, etc. They are extremely harmful to your skin and brain. Think about it: new cars are expensive. Save your money!

3) Avoid Chemical Insect Repellents

Most of us know about the harmful effects of pesticides and insect repellent. Chemicals like Deet are extremely toxic; even known to cause seizures in some people. But have you ever thought about the pesticide treatments done on a regular basis in restaurants? Consider this if you are thinking about working in the restaurant industry.

4) Never Wear New Clothes Until They’ve Been Cleaned

There’s nothing like a new set of threads, but always wash, rinse and dry them out before wearing them. These too, have a variety of toxins, including metals that are found in dyes and fabric treatments.

5) Eliminate Canned Goods From Your Diet

Canned goods usually contain a chemical known as MSG or monosodium glutimate. It’s used to bring out the flavor in foods and it does the job, but it’s also fool of ingredients that are harmful. If you ever get headaches after eating canned goods, that’s a good sign you are especially sensitive to MSG. Remove it from your diet. Ask if it’s used the next time you go out for Chinese or take out. Stick with homemade broths and soups.

6) Vitamin C Supplements

Everyone is exposed to pollution and secondhand smoke everyday, but if you live in a big city like New York or Chicago, you’re getting overloaded. Short of finding a deserted island there’s no way to avoid it; however taking a simple vitamin C supplement each day will boost your immune system and assist your body in dealing with it.
7) No Fish

Mercury poisoning has become such a big concern with all sources of fish, that many health care professionals say it should be avoided at all costs. Some fish oil supplements indicate testing for mercury on their labels. Check for these before taking any fish oil.

8) Avoid Meats Containing Hormones

The meats you purchase from the grocery store are loaded with hormones used to increase growth. This is passed down to us when we eat it. Consider alternative meat sources like bison, elk, deer, etc., or get your meat directly from the rancher making sure the animals have a large grazing range and are not living in crowded conditions.

9) Don’t Drink The Water

Stay away from tap water - all sources, regardless of what is reported, are contaminated. Lead, arsenic and mercury levels are far beyond acceptable limits in all water delivery systems. Drink only distilled water, or reverse-osmosis-filtered water. Check bottled water labels - you’ll find most of them say the water came from some city’s tap water source.

10) Replace Amalgam Fillings

This is the subject of lots of controversy, but those silver fillings in our teeth are made up of a mixture of metals including mercury and lead. These are stable sources which seep these toxins into our system on a regular basis. It is important to have all your amalgam fillings replaced removed and replaced with porcelain caps or a non-metal filling material.

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Sonoma Diet Explained: The Diet In Brief

June 30th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Diet & Exercise

If you haven’t heard of the Sonoma Diet, you may be interested to know it’s sometimes referred to as “The most flavorful diet plan under the sun.” When you see the foods that make up the Sonoma Diet, you’ll know why they call it this. There is an abundance of variety and the ten foods that the diet focuses on are things you’ll really enjoy.

ABC’s of the Sanoma Diet

  • Almonds.
  • Bell Peppers
  • Blueberries
  • Broccoli
  • Grapes
  • Olive Oil
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Whole Grains

What Are The 3 Waves?

As you get into the Sonoma Diet, you’ll see it is divided into three phases - or waves. Each is made up of ten days with each becoming stricter than the one before. The main weight loss is during the second wave, and the maintenance phase, where you learn to keep a normal healthy weight is called the third wave

The guiding principle of The Sonoma Diet is to eat well portioned meals rather than large ones. This is done by measuring the size bowl you use during each meal rather than counting calories.

Breakfast is served on a seven inch plate; lunch and the evening meal are taken on a nine inch plate. The instructions for the diet explain what to eat during each wave.

The great thing about the diet is that there are so many different recipes to choose from. This means you never get bored or find yourself craving other foods. You won’t find any other diet that offers as many tasty things to eat. In fact, you’ll find that you really enjoy eating fresh, nutritious food when you’re on the Sonoma Diet because they are so tasty.

The Sonoma Diet is extremely popular because you don’t have to fool with weighing portions, or counting how many calories you eat.

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Colon Cleansing: Is it Really Necessary?

June 30th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Colon Cleanse

Our colons are possibly the most important organ in our body. The colon is responsible for good digestion, a sense of well being, healthy weight maintenance and good energy levels. Because of this, we must keep our colon health or run the risk of developing colon related illnesses like colitis Crohn’s disease, IBS, hemorrhoids, cancer of the colon and constipation

Colon Polyps

Most adults have polyps. Research indicates the figure at about 18%. They are abnormal growths that extend from your intestinal canal. The only way to find out if you have polyps is to have an endoscopy or x-ray.

In the case of non-cancerous polyps, your doctor will probably recommend you have them removed. This is done with a wire loop or an electric current. Other times, surgery is performed. Remember that removing colon polyps is essential to the prevention of cancer, so be sure to have regular checkups.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a fairly well known ailment. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and it is estimated that about 2 million people in the United States have the problem. In Crohn’s disease, the body mistakes good, healthy food for a harmful substance. The result is the body attacks itself and leads to serious inflammation. Some people with Crohn’s disease mistake it for IBS or even colitis. The only way to be sure of the diagnosis is to have a physical examination.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating, weight loss
  • Skin lesions

Medication is needed to treat Crohn’s disease. Surgery is often necessary as part of the treatment.

Ulcerative Colitis

When ulcers form on the lining of your colon, they create inflammation around the lower colon. This is ulcerative colitis; a disease that usually begins in people under the age of 30. The disorder can be caused by a number of reasons, including genetics, weakened immune system and the presence of harmful substances.

Symptoms of Colitis

You probably have Colitis if you experience:

  • lots of rectal bleeding
  • pain in your abdomen
  • bloating, or fatigue.

Promoting Good Colon Health

1) Increase Fiber Intake

is essential for good health. Unless you have at least two bowel movements every day, you are probably not getting enough fiber. If your body isn’t eliminated its waste properly, the toxins simply re-circulate through the body. Even if you aren’t experiencing problems now, it’s a sure bet you will in the future.

Change your diet and add more fiber. There are actually two types of fiber - soluble and insoluble and our body needs plenty of both. Flaxseed, strawberries, citrus, oats and rice are some of the soluble fibers; carrots, Brussel sprouts, barley, whole wheat and fresh cabbage are examples of insoluble.

For people who just can’t get in enough fiber through their diet, there are supplements that can be taken. Consider a fiber shake, like Oxy-Powder everyday, or other fiber supplements. It’s best to get your fiber through fiber-rich foods in your diet, but supplements can be effective too.
2) Get Regular Check-Ups

it’s very important to get regular check ups from your physician. Though I am a practitioner of alternative medicine, I do not shun conventional medicine. Both have their faults and benefits.
Your physician will take a medical history to determine if you have any risk factors for colon problems or disease. A stool test will probably be ordered to check for blood and parasites. A sigmoidoscopy may be ordered to get a visual of your colon. A colonoscopy may be ordered; this is usually done under sedation and there is no discomfort during the procedure.

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