Colonoscopy Prep: Helpful Tips to Clear Your Bowels

The colonoscopy prep is one of the things that many patients are afraid of. It can be a major inconvenience. But it is necessary. Keep in mind that you need at least 16 hours to prepare for this procedure. The overall procedure, on the other hand, can only take around three hours or less.  

What to do During Colonoscopy Prep Three Days Before the Procedure? 

Eating a low-fiber diet is vital, three days before the procedure. If you are taking fiber supplements and anti-diarrhea drugs, then you need to stop. 

You should also discontinue eating foods containing dyes because they may interfere with the examination. 

What are the High-Fiber Foods to Eat during Colonoscopy Prep? 

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Milk and Dairy

It is okay to eat hot chocolate, buttermilk, cream, yogurt, and sour cream. But you must not mix yogurt with nuts, granola, and seeds. You must avoid berries or fruits with skin or seeds. 

Bread and Grains 

You can eat them as long as they are made with refined white flour. It is also okay to consume white rice, low-fiber cereal, and plain crackers.

It is a no-no to eat brown or wild rice, as well as bread or cereal with seeds or nuts. 

Meat 

You are allowed to eat chicken, lamb, veal, eggs, tofu, fish and seafood. But you got to stop eating tough meat with gristle. 

Legumes

You cannot eat legumes. Thus, no dried peas, beans, lentils, and other legumes. 

Fruits

You can only eat canned or cooked fruits but you must consume them without seeds or skin. Avoid eating raw fruits with skin or seeds. Raisins are not allowed. Any dried fruits cannot be consumed. 

The bottom line, you must not eat food with seeds, nuts, and whole grains. Avoid dried fruits too. Your doctor will tell you what food to eat and what food to avoid to prepare for this procedure. 

What is Colonoscopy Prep Diet on the Day Before the Colonoscopy Procedure?

 

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You cannot eat solid foods anymore. Instead, you can eat clear liquids, such as black coffee, tea, clear juice, clear broth or bouillon, clear drinks or sports drinks. Avoid drinking fruit juice with pulp or beverages containing red or purple dye. 

All solid foods are replaced with clear liquids. And the midnight before the procedure, you will have nothing by mouth. In other words, you will undergo fasting. 

But you can have a clear liquid, like broth, tea, and water. As mentioned earlier, you cannot have fluids containing blue, red, or purple food coloring. 

No nuts, seeds or foods with a high amount of fiber before you take clear liquids. 

You must not eat or drink two hours before your colonoscopy procedure. 

Bowel Preparation 

The evening before the procedure, you can only drinking liquid that triggers diarrhea. It is known as a bowel-clearing substance. 

However, the exact instructions to prepare for colonoscopy will depend on your doctor’s preference. It also varies depending on the time of the procedure and your previous experience with colonoscopy. 

What are the Laxative Medications for Colonoscopy Prep 

Your doctor will use different types of medications. But they typically include enema. This will help in flushing out your colon. You will have to take it the evening before the procedure. 

What is PEG in Colonoscopy Prep?

It is one of the solutions that your doctor may require you to take. It works by forcing fluid through your colon. It flushes all the waste. 

You will have to drink a gallon of it. But you cannot take it in one gulp. Rather, you will have to drink 8 ounces every 10 minutes. 

This solution may make you feel nauseated because of its salty taste. If you are not into salty food or drinks, then it might be a problem that you have to endure. 

When the solution’s effects kick in, you will experience bloating and cramping. Then, you will go to the bathroom frequently. 

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You might need to drink a lot of Gatorade, Jell-O, and Italian ice. However, you must not take anything with red, blue and purple dyes. If you like, you can drink chicken or beef broth. To soothe your bottom, you must buy some medicated wipes. 

Avoid going out once you are starting to prepare your bowel. Keep in mind that you will be going to the bathroom frequently once the solution kicks in. If you are responsible for your kids, make sure that you get some help. 

How to Drink the PEG Solution? 

It is not tasty. Thus, you may wish to add some Kool-Aid, lemon or lime juice. Drink it chilled or hold your nose while you are drinking it. Sucking on a slice of lemon may also help. 

Because you will be visiting the bathroom frequently, you must wear loose clothing. Keep in mind that when the urge to poop hits, it can be difficult to hold back. Thus, you must tell the other people in your house to bear with you in this situation. 

It can be boring and irritating. But to help you soothe the feeling, you may want to set up your toilet with music. You may also try to watch videos on your laptop or read some magazines while you are in the bathroom. These things can help. 

During the Procedure 

The procedure, per se, can last for up to three hours. Your physician will keep you relaxed as much as possible. 

Colonoscopy Prep Importance

You must follow the instructions carefully. Remember that this procedure is the only way for your doctor to see and inspect your colon to find any polyps or tumors. If there are polyps, your doctor will remove them for biopsy. 

This procedure is necessary if you have a family history of colon cancer. It can be a hassle. But it is all worth it. It can spot small colon cancers that are still treatable. In that way, your doctor can remove them before they can spread to various parts of the body. 

Colonoscopy is also vital to remove any polyps that might develop into cancer. Keep in mind that colon and rectal cancers are said to be the third most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death related to cancer in the US and other parts of the world. 

You must perform the colonoscopy prep properly. Otherwise, a not-so-clean bowel can interfere with your doctor’s diagnosis. 

Discover Ovarian Cancer: Its Signs, Symptoms and How It Is Diagnosed

Each year, an estimated 21,000 females (born of the female sex) in the US are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Out of these 21,000, 14,000 of them will die from the said disease. A woman’s lifetime risk of having this cancer is 1 in around 78. But your risk of dying from it is 1 in 108. 

Over the past 20 years, though, the rate of diagnosis is slowly decreasing. Between 1999 and 2014, Caucasian females were likely to be diagnosed with this disease than those who are in other ethnic groups. 

Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect and diagnose it. Most of its symptoms are similar to other less serious problems, such as indigestion and bloating. When it is in the early stage, this cancer will show no signs or symptoms in some cases. It will only be diagnosed until the cancer cells have spread to the other parts of the body, like the pelvis or abdomen. 

If cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, treating it becomes difficult. That’s why early detection is vital so that doctors will have higher chances of treating it through surgery and chemotherapy. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer 

As stated earlier, early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes symptoms. In the advanced stage, you will experience the following signs and symptoms: 

Abdominal bloating 

Swelling in the abdomen

Feeling full quickly when you eat

Weight loss

Pelvis area discomfort

Constipation and other changes in your bowel habits

Urinate frequently 

Who is at Risk of Developing Ovarian Cancer 

Women, ages 50 to 60 years old, have a higher risk of developing this malignant condition. 

Heredity may also play a vital role in its development. However, the percentage is quite low. If you have a breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), then you are likely to develop it.  

If you have a family history of this condition, you are likely to be diagnosed with this disease. Furthermore, if you used estrogen hormone replacement therapy for a long time and in high doses, then your chances of getting diagnosed with this disease are higher than those women who did not take this medicine. 

When you start your menstruation early and it ended at a later stage, this situation may also increase your risk of this cancer. 

How Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed? 

There are tests that can diagnose this type of cancer. Pelvic examination is one. Here, your doctor will insert her gloved fingers in your vagina and presses a hand on your abdomen to feel the organs in your pelvic area. 

Another test is ultrasound. CT scans may also be suggested. But it is typically done if your doctor suspected of a tumor in your ovaries. With these imaging tests, your doctor can determine the shape, size, and structure of your ovaries. 

Some blood tests may also are requested. One of them is the tumor marker. A cancer antigen (CA) 125 test may be done. It is a test that detects a protein in ovarian cancer cells. Although it is not a confirmatory test, it will give you clues about your diagnosis. 

Those tests are will not confirm whether or not you have this condition. That’s when your doctor is not certain about the diagnosis, she may suggest that you undergo surgery to remove an ovary and have it biopsied to determine any signs of cancer. 

Are There Ways to Prevent Ovarian Cancer Naturally? 

Doctors do not know how ovarian cancer starts. In that case, they are clueless as to how to prevent this condition from occurring. 

But what you eat may help you prevent developing ovarian cancer and other types of cancer. Eating the right foods may slash your chances of getting this disease. 

Ovarian Cancer Food Diet

Ginger 

It is known that this herb has active compounds that can eliminate ovarian cancer cells in the same way chemotherapy drugs do. The only difference is that ginger does not cause sickening side effects. You may take one teaspoon of ginger per day or add one-half teaspoon of ground ginger in your tea. 

Tomato Juice

Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting carotenoids. During the processing of tomato juice, the plant cell walls that contain those nutrients are broken down. As a result, the carotenoids are easier to absorb by your body. Drinking eight ounces of tomato juice a day may help cut your risk of developing this type of cancer. 

Green Tea 

The famous tea is known to have cancer-fighting compounds. They can prevent and repair damaged DNA. If you drink green tea each day, you are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. And if you drink another cup, you can lower your risk to another 18%. 

Flaxseed

You will need to add two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds over your cereal and smoothies. Doing it daily will help you cut your risk by 38%. These seeds are high in compounds that can protect your ovaries from the damaging effects of high estrogen levels. 

Endive 

It contains a high amount of kaempferol. It is a substance that eliminates precancerous cells. It cuts the blood flow from cancer cells so they will starve. You may add slices of endive to your salads or grill it to bring out its sweetness. 

Boost Your Immune System 

Your body has a way to defend itself against invaders, like cancer cells. Although boosting your immune system does not necessarily help in fighting cancer callers, it can lower your risk of developing any malignant tumors. 

One way to boost your immune function is to get enough sleep. You should also lower your stress. It does not matter what causes you to be stressed out. You need to eliminate those factors. 

Stress is the number one silent killer. When you are stressed out, the cortisol levels in your blood are high causing your immune function to go down. 

Takeaway

Beating ovarian cancer can be tough, especially if you have a family history of this disease. However, there are plenty of ways to prevent cancer cells from growing in your body. You need to start eating the right foods. Avoid those processed foods as they contain a lot of compounds that can cause gene mutations. You must consume raw foods, as much as possible. 

My best friend died of ovarian cancer in 2014. You may read her story here. (Click the link to visit her post on how she was diagnosed with this type of cancer.)

Discover Veganism Food: What Food You Can Eat

Veganism food is different from the type of food that you eat. Veganism, per se, is a type of vegetarian diet. 

Those who follow this diet do not eat meat, eggs and dairy products. They also eliminate some animal-derived items. 

Furthermore, vegan people do not consume foods that are processed with the use of animal products. 

Know Veganism Food to Follow the Rules of this Type of Diet

If you are cooking for people who are following this diet, then you should always avoid the foods derived from animals. You may also ask your guests what kind of food they eat and avoid. 

Typically, a vegan diet includes beans, vegetables, fruits, legumes and a great number of foods produced by combining these items. 

These days, you can find vegan versions of familiar or comfort foods, like ice cream, cheese, and hot dogs. You can even find vegan mayonnaise and veggie burgers. 

What Type of Food to Avoid 

Meat

It includes horse, organ meat, wild meat, beef, pork, etc. Any meat derived from an animal is not permitted. 

Poultry 

You cannot eat chicken, duck, quail, turkey, etc. 

Fish 

It includes seafood, shrimp, calamari, mussels, lobster, crab and fish sauce, among others. 

Dairy 

You also cannot drink or eat dairy products, like these, cream, ice cream, milk, and yogurt. 

Eggs

Eggs from chicken, quails, ostriches, and fish are not included in the allowed list of food for veganism. 

Bee products

Any products from honey, royal jelly, and bee pollen are not allowed. 

With so many types of food not allowed in this type of diet, it makes it difficult for you to follow this diet. However, there are some ways to make it a lot easier to become vegans. 

Focus on Eating Whole Foods

They are foods containing one or a few minimally processed ingredients. They include more nutrients than processed foods. 

These types of foods are also budget-friendly. Cooking with whole ingredients allows you to match recipes and replace flavors. 

To help you get started, purchase a variety of whole food categories, like nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and vegetables, as well as fruits. 

When you embrace a vegan diet, you can say goodbye to eating bacon and eggs. Thus, you must ensure that you are putting tasty replacements, like tofu scramble. 

Be Creative 

It is challenging to prepare vegan food. Thus, you need to be creative with replacements. During the initial stage of transition, you will surely crave for the meat in your taco. 

However, there are various replacements for those food items. It is easy to enjoy vegan versions of non-vegan foods. 

You must have an open mind and make sure to be creative. There are versatile foods that you can add to your meal, like nuts, seeds, soy, and starches, as well as gums. 

Benefits of Eating Veganism Food 

The food that vegans eat can easily help you lose weight. But that is not the only benefit you can get when you follow this diet. 

There are tons of health benefits you can encounter when you start to get rid of animal meat from your diet and focus on whole foods. 

Consume More Nutrients 

Since you are eliminating processed foods, meat and animal products, you are depending on whole foods, like beans, vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. They contain a high amount of beneficial nutrients. 

In various studies, researchers reported that vegan diets consume more fiber and antioxidants. They are also richer in magnesium, folate, and various vitamins like A, C, and E. 

But you need to prepare for your vegan diet. In that way, you consume a sufficient amount of essential fatty acids, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, iodine, and zinc. 

For that reason, you must not eat those fast-food vegan options. What you must do is to eat nutrient-rich whole plants and fortified foods. You should also take supplements, like vitamin B12. 

Lose Extra Weight 

Most people who wish to lose weight are eating veganism food. Many studies showed that vegans are thinner and with lower BMI compared to non-vegans. 

Participants lost more weight when they followed a vegan diet compared to those who ate a calorie-restricted diet. 

Even when you do not follow your vegan diet perfectly, you will still lose more weight than the standard Western diet. 

The reason for this is that a vegan diet can help in reducing your calorie intake. It is also effective at shedding some pounds without focusing on cutting calories. 

Improve Kidney Function 

Vegans are known to have lower blood sugar levels. They also have higher insulin sensitivity. Thus, it is understandable for them to have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Veganism food can lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes than the diets from the ADA. 

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease 

By consuming only fresh fruits, legumes and fiber, you are lowering your risk of heart disease. You can eat all of these in large amounts when you are on a well-planned vegan diet. 

In some studies, researchers compared the veganism diet to the general population. They found that vegans have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure than those who do not eat veganism food. 

In that case, veganism food is beneficial for your heart’s health as it reduces your risk of developing a cardiovascular problem. 

Apart from heart disease, veganism food may also reduce your pain from arthritis. To obtain this benefit, though, you need to focus on a whole-food and plant-based diet for six weeks. 

At the start of your veganism diet, you may need to know the nutrients you are getting. It can be challenging. But you need to know that you are getting good nutrition choices every day. You have to be observant and you may need to calculate your calories and nutrient intake. 

If it becomes a routine, though, it will be a lot easier to eat veganism food and get rid of that processed food from your diet. You will feel more satisfied with what you eat. 

Planning is always the key when you want to focus on eating veganism food. In that way, you can avoid consuming those unhealthy vegan food options. And do not forget to supplement yourself. To shop for organic supplements from reputable sources, make sure to visit Vim Chi. (When you click the link, you will be directed to an online shop that sells health supplements.)