NPR’s ‘market place’ recent story on Colonoscopies is another example of our current health paradigm gone astray. A procedure that was first advocated by Dr. Alfred Neugut in 1988, coined as a preventative screening is hopefully an early detection procedure for colon cancer. Quoting Dr. Neugut “that 50% of the American public allows themselves to have a tube that is four feet long inserted up their, uh, backside is to me absolutely incredible”.

Back then the procedure was simpler (Sigmoidosopy) and could be preformed by general practitioners; as oppose to today only half the colon could be seen; so the more complicated, dangerous, expensive procedure was adopted even though it has been consistently shone that the more extensive procedure is no more effective in detecting early signs of cancer and seven more times likely of complications.

We most not wait to see if we are a candidate for treatment by the medical and pharmacological industries but be proactive maintaining a clean and pure lifestyle as much as possible. We need to educate our selves and become more aware of our individual needs, habits, and processes. Colon health is reliant on regular bowel movements; waste was not meant to be held for long periods. This stuff is toxic. A common reference, I believe from the Naturopathic field, is that a bowel movement should occur after every meal. That would be three time a day; seems extreme. If were not going once a day, we should be concerned.

If a clean, pure and natural diet is not enough to trigger peristalsis. We need to drink more water (hydration), much water is reabsorbed in the colon and if were dehydrated this leaves little hydration for elimination. We need to eat more whole foods, fiber included. I am amazed by a recent report in Bloomberg’s Business Weekly that white bread is more popular than whole grain bread. No excuse here, whole grain bread taste better and is hardier and hence more fulfilling. We also need to be in a more relaxed state of mind when eating and digesting. The parasympathetic nervous system governs peristaltic movement. With out peristaltic movement, mater in the colon moves slowly if at all. Not in our best interest.

Simply experiencing gas should be a sign to consult with your natural health care provider; learn what foods to avoid. What supplements such as enzymes and pro biotics to take to support digestive function. And in cases that require a more proactive approach a series hydro colonics is a very effective way to clean and support your colon. Colon Hydrotherapy is a simple procedure that flushes out your colon using pure reverse osmosis water. I stress the pure water used verses the chemical laden impure foods we willingly accept to consume daily.

Closing comment: Why wait 50 years to get your covered colonoscopy under the new health care reform bill to see if you are a candidate for cancer treatments, rather than be proactive and avoid the colon cancer possibility altogether.

-David