Find a Location

The Dangers of Food Additives & How to Avoid Them

by

According to a recent article in Medical News Today, certain food additives found in processed foods may be responsible for the rise in colorectal cancer rates in the mid-twentieth century. Dietary emulsifiers are the prime culprit. These “detergent-like molecules [are] added to modern processed food” to create a smooth texture that is pleasing to the palate. While they may seem harmless, according to researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, these additives actually alter microbes in the gut, creating “an environment favorable for the development of cancer.”

Our bodies have built-in defenses against harmful bacteria, but chemically-created food additives are wreaking havoc. Normally, its mucus covering protects the intestines from the invasion of bad bacteria, but emulsifiers actually appear to carry harmful bacteria across the cells lining the intestines, changing the gut environment. When these changes in the gut microbiota are severe, inflammation can result. That inflammation can lead to Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD) and even colorectal cancer.

The most common food additives linked to inflammation are polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose, both emulsifiers. Polysorbate-80, also known as Tween 80, is a yellow-colored liquid found in foods, cosmetics, vitamins, vaccines, and medicines. It makes products look and taste creamier, bulks foods up, and acts as a binder for ice creams and puddings. Additionally, polysorbate-80 helps dissolve ingredients so they can more easily blend together (Source: The Good Human). Look for polysorbate-80 in chewing gum, ice cream, gelatin, and shortening.

Carboxymethylcellulose, also known as cellulose gum or CMC, is used in foods as a thickener and to stabilize emulsions as well as a source of fiber because it is not absorbed (Source: Be Food Smart). It’s also used in nonfood products such as detergents, artificial tears, toothpaste, and laxatives. But don’t be fooled! CMC is not a natural fiber source, and it does not provide the same health benefits as the fiber found in legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Look for CMC in ice cream, salad dressings, cheese, gelatin, infant formula, and candy.

You should try to avoid all food additives but especially polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose as these have been linked to colon cancer.

What can you do?

  1. Shop and eat organic. According to the USDA’s National Organic Program, synthetic additives like polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are not allowed in organic foods. Therefore, an easy option is to simply buy organic.
  2. Read food labels. Buying all organic foods can be very expensive. A more frugal and prudent option is to check the ingredients listed on the products you buy. Steer clear of anything with polysorbate-80 or carboxymethylcellulose. Choose foods containing natural preservatives like ascorbic acid, citric acid, vinegar, salt, and sugar. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid any foods containing ingredients you are unable to read.
  3. Avoid all food additives including artificial flavorings, textures, and colors. Again, you must read your food labels or buy organic.
  4. Cook and eat fresh, whole foods.
  5. Promote a healthy gut and eliminate bad bacteria by doing the following: (1) regularly taking probiotics; (2) lowering stress; (3) eating fermented foods like saurkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kombucha; (4) limiting refined sugar; and (5) regularly consuming bone broth.

Food additives are everywhere, but unless you’re actively looking for them, you may not realize how common they are. Polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are two such additives that have recently been linked to alterations in gut bacteria and even colon cancer. Be proactive with your colon health by buying organic, reading food labels and making good health-conscious choices, eating whole foods, and promoting a healthy gut.

Hey Doc, What’s Your ADR?

by

When you go to your gastroenterologist for your first colonoscopy, you probably assume that he or she will be asking all the questions and that you will provide the answers. You can safely assume that your gastroenterologist will ask questions regarding your diet, level of physical activity, family history, and whether you are experiencing any symptoms related to your GI health. But there are some important questions that you should ask your gastroenterologist as well.

The #1 Question is…

The most important question that you should ask your gastroenterologist is, “What is your adenoma detection rate (>ADR)?” Adenomas are precancerous polyps that your physician will identify and remove during your colonoscopy. ADR is the proportion of individuals undergoing a complete screening colonoscopy who have one or more adenomas, or polyps, detected. Your gastroenterologist’s ADR will differ between men and women, so look for an ADR of at least 25 percent for male patients and 15 percent for female patients. Remember, the purpose of scheduling a screening colonoscopy is to prevent colon cancer, so you want a physician with a high adenoma detection rate. This means that he or she is locating and removing precancerous polyps from a higher percentage of patients.

Don’t Be Shy in Asking

You may feel like you are being too bold in asking for numbers and percentages from your gastroenterologist, but asking about ADR is extremely common and even necessary. ADR is a quality measure that distinguishes the best gastroenterologists in the profession, so your physician should be proud to share his or her ADR. You also should inquire about average withdrawal time. This refers to the amount of time that it takes for your gastroenterologist to remove the colonoscope after reaching the beginning of the colon called the cecum. High ADRs are usually associated with a longer withdrawal time, so look for a withdrawal time of at least six minutes.

Polyps that are left in the colon will grow and can develop into colon cancer. ADR and withdrawal time are two quality measures that should matter to you in ensuring that your physician views and removes precancerous polyps and lesions. You can do your part by reading and following the bowel preparation instructions to the letter so your colon is completely empty for the colonoscopy. A high ADR, longer withdrawal time and a complete bowel flush are the three most important components for a quality colon screening (Source: Advocate Health Care E-News).

Adenoma Detection Rate Coincides with Colonoscopy Prep

by

Good colon health is a two-way street that requires a committed partnership between you and your gastroenterologist. A patient’s responsibility prior to a colonoscopy is to thoroughly empty the bowel to create maximum visibility for the GI doctor to view any abnormalities in the colon. The doctor’s responsibility is to carefully examine the entire length of the colon and remove lesions or colon polyps that could become cancerous.

Dr. Paul Brown of Louisville Endoscopy Center has performed thousands of colonoscopies. Dr. Brown is the Medical Director of Louisville Gastroenterology Associates, specializing in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Brown explains the patient-physician partnership that is required to achieve a quality colonoscopy.

Of all the possible methods to screen the colon for colon cancer, why is a colonoscopy the preferred method?

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it prevents colon cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous adenomatous polyps. This procedure allows the gastroenterologist to view the entire length of the colon to evaluate the health of your digestive tract.

The gastroenterologist inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope  into the rectum with a camera attached to detect abnormalities. If any colon polyps are discovered during the procedure, the doctor can remove the adenomatous polyps during the colonoscopy, thus preventing colon cancer before it starts. No other colon cancer screening can provide this. Therefore, I tell my patients that a colonoscopy can be both a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure.

What is Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) and why is it important?

Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is the percentage of time that at least one adenomatous polyp is detected during a physician’s screening colonoscopies. The national average is 25 percent for men and 15 percent for women; our percentages at our surgery centers are much higher and range between 25 and 50 percent. Knowing a physician’s Adenoma Detection Rate is an important qualifying factor in selecting the GI specialist, which will give the patient added confidence when committing to the procedure.

Adenoma Detection Rate is a helpful tool because it is a direct measure of the effectiveness of the colonoscopy that a gastroenterologist offers. As patients interview potential physicians to perform their colonoscopy, they should remember that the higher the ADR, the lower the colon cancer risk.

How does a High Adenoma Detection Rate Relate to a Quality Colonoscopy?

A high Adenoma Detection Rate is essential for a quality colonoscopy and for colon cancer prevention. For every 1 percent increase in a physician’s ADR, the risk of a person developing colon cancer over the next year decreases 3 percent. Doctors who are effective in detecting and removing precancerous polyps have a high ADR and their patients are less likely to develop cancer.

Are there are any other criteria that patients should use to qualify a gastroenterologist?

Patients should ask physicians about their average withdrawal time during a colonoscopy. This refers to how quickly the colonoscope is removed from the colon once the scope reaches the cecum, the farthest point in the colon. The minimum time should be six minutes, so a withdrawal time greater than six minutes is associated with a higher ADR.

Another qualifying measure is known as cecal intubation rate, which refers to how often a physician sees the entire colon. The colonoscope should be advanced all the way to the cecum to allow visualization of the entire colon. A physician’s cecal intubation rate should be greater than 95 percent for screening colonoscopies.

Does it matter what type of bowel prep kit a patient uses?

The gastroenterologist will help choose the best bowel preparation for each patient based on their age, medical history and medications. Most importantly, patients must follow the directions exactly as they are written. A thorough colon cleanse is an essential part of the colonoscopy. The colon must be free from debris and waste so the GI speicalist can detect lesions, colon polyps and abnormalities.

How has Colonoscopy Prep Changed Over the Years to Make it More Tolerable?

Much has changed regarding bowel preparation methods in the past decade. In the past, most doctors prescribed single-dose products such as Trilyte, Nulyte or Golytely. These bowel preparations were effective, but they had many disadvantages, the first being that patients had to consume 4 liters of liquid over a short period of time. This left patients feeling bloated, full and nauseous, and vomiting was common. If patients were not able to finish all of the purgative solution, their bowel preparation was often incomplete and exam results were inconclusive or compromised.

The split-dose method splits the purgative dose into two parts: The first half of the dose is taken in the evening, and the second half is taken very early in the morning (to allow for at least two hours of fasting before anesthesia). Almost all patients prefer the split-dose method because the volume of liquid is much more tolerable, and they do not have the symptoms of nausea, bloating and abdominal fullness that the single-dose method often causes.

Which Colonoscopy Prep method do you Prescribe to your Patients and why?

For the past three to four years, I have routinely prescribed Suprep and Moviprep using the split-dose method. I find that splitting the dose cleans the bowel more effectively, and I liken it to sending a car through the car wash twice instead of just once. The colon is more thoroughly flushed, which provides an optimum environment to detect precancerous polyps.

The split-dose method allows for better visualization of the colon, especially the right side where adenomatous polyps are often missed due to poor colonoscopy prep. The split dose method just results in a cleaner colon, which increases the Adenoma Detection Rate. This, in turn, increases polyp removal and decreases colon cancer incidence.

Are there any disadvantages of the split-dose method?

Most patients want to schedule a colonoscopy during the morning hours, so yes, they may see it as a disadvantage to wake up very early on the morning of their procedure to take the second dose of the bowel prep solution. However, this is where I have the opportunity to educate my patients. I remind them that, in order to achieve an optimal bowel prep, this will allow me to be successful in finding and removing all colon polyps. This sacrifice on their part is necessary. Most patients like to do their part in providing a well-prepped colon, so they are quite agreeable to wake up early when I give them this explanation.

Besides the prep, what are some other reasons why people don’t get a colonoscopy?

There are probably three major reasons why people do not schedule screening colonoscopies:

Fear of unknown. People may rather ignore the idea of getting a colonoscopy if they don’t understand what it is or why they need it.

People think a colonoscopy will be painful. When primary care physicians refer patients to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy, they can offer the reassurance that anesthesia makes the procedure painless. In fact, the vast majority of patients will not even remember the procedure.

People think that they will miss too much work. Because most people will take the first dose of purgative the night before the colonoscopy and take the second dose the morning of the procedure, they will only have to miss one day of work.

Colonoscopies are not scary, painful or a waste of time. They offer colon cancer detection as well as colon cancer prevention. Therefore, we can say that colonoscopies are both diagnostic and therapeutic. As primary care physicians educate their patients on the life-saving benefits of preventative colorectal screening, we will continue to see colon cancer incidence decrease.

Dr. Brown attended medical school at the University of Louisville, where he was Chief Medical Resident. He completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Louisville and has dedicated his career to serving the Louisville community in the field of gastroenterology.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Brown has authored several articles relating to gastroenterology and has been voted “Top Doc” by his peers in eight successive surveys in Louisville Magazine. To learn more about Dr. Paul E. Brown and his gastroenterology practice, please visit louisvillegastroenterology.com.

Lack of Colon Cancer Symptoms Does Not Mean Colon Cancer-Free

by

Let’s take a little quiz to see how familiar you are with the symptoms of common illnesses:

  1. Muscle and joint aches, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, pain around the eyes, fever.
  2. Sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, congestion, cough.
  3. Throat pain, swollen tonsils, spots on the back of the mouth, tender lymph nodes, fever, painful swallowing.
  4. Ear pain, difficulty hearing, loss of balance, irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite.

How did you do? If you chose: influenza, common cold, strep throat and middle ear infection, you are exactly right! Many health conditions have recognizable symptoms to help us know what type of treatment we need to begin the healing process. Other sicknesses and diseases are more covert and may not have warning signs at all. Colon cancer is one example of a disease that may not have any associated symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. This is quite problematic, as colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Although this may be unsettling news, we do not all need to live in fear of developing colon cancer. There are some patterns that often go along with colon cancer. For example, family history plays a more important role in colon cancer development than was previously thought. If colon cancer runs in your family, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting screened earlier. This is especially true if you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer.

Other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, large body mass index, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and hereditary conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, can put you at higher risk for colon cancer. Lifestyle choices also play an important role in colon cancer development. Smoking, alcohol use, eating a high-fat/low-fiber diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to colon disease.

Colon cancer does eventually cause very specific symptoms, but this often means that the disease has been progressing for some time already. Pay attention to your body and look for warning signs, such as persistent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, black or tarry stools, thin pencil-like stools, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea or vomiting. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay in calling your doctor and scheduling an appointment.

Remember, a lack of symptoms does not provide assurance that your colon is in good health. Be active in your own healthcare. Know your family history, pay attention to changes in your bowel habits, be aware of exacerbating conditions, make good lifestyle choices, and memorize the warning signs of colon cancer. Most importantly, schedule regular colonoscopies beginning at the age of 50 (or earlier if you are African American and/or have a family history colon cancer). This disease may not be as easy to diagnose as the flu or the common cold, but you can equip yourself with knowledge about colon cancer incidence and prevention! If you do not currently have a licensed specialist to perform your colonoscopy, use our physician locator to find a qualified physician in your area.

Best Foods to Keep Your Colon Clean

by

“You are what you eat” is a saying that definitely applies to colon cancer.  Some of the risk factors for colon cancer are linked to what you eat. One of the most significant factors includes eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet, so eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to protect your colon (Source: Latinos Health).

Here are some foods that are gut-healthy for your colon and delectable to the taste buds:

  1. Apples or apple cider vinegar. Apples are rich in fiber and promote healthy digestion. Apples also contain pectin which assists in removing toxins and building a stronger intestinal lining.
  2. Avocados. This fruit has both soluble and insoluble fibers at a ratio of one to three. Soluble fibers promote bowel regularity and prevent toxin build-up. Insoluble fiber prevents colon cancer by adding bulk and cleaning out the colon.
  3. Broccoli. Almost everyone likes broccoli. This cruciferous vegetable contains antioxidants which protect cells from cancer. Soluble fiber in broccoli promote healthy bacteria in the intestines.
  4. Spinach. This dark leafy green is one of the best sources of vitamin A and provides roughage to keep the colon clear and help digestion run smoothly.
  5. Lemon. All citrus fruits are known to be good colon cleansers, but lemons are especially good at detoxification. They act as an antiseptic to reduce waste matter build up and hinder the growth of harmful microorganisms.
  6. Garlic. This spice has worldwide appeal and is used in cuisines in almost all cultures. Garlic is known to protect against viruses, parasites and bacteria and helps flush pathogens from the colon
  7. Water. It is impossible to have a healthy colon without water. Fiber absorbs water, and constipation can result if fiber is consumed without adequate H2O. Drinking plenty of water will help move the bulk that fiber has created in the intestine to clean the colon and remove toxins and waste.

Maybe it’s time to make some modifications to your diet. Try adding some of these colon-friendly foods to your grocery list, and spend some time with a cookbook or your favorite recipe website. Good health and a clean colon are within your reach!

Coconut Oil and Colon Health

by

Is there anything that says summer more than coconut? Coconut shampoos, lotions, sunscreen, air fresheners, and candles are available at every store. And then there’s all the tasty ways to use the coconut in food. Pina coladas, coconut cakes and coconut cream pies are popular favorites, just to name a few.

The coconut is not just limited to aroma and taste, though. There are a myriad of uses and health benefits of the coconut. Coconut oil is full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids that can assist in digestive disorders, viruses and bacterial and fungal infections. More research needs to be done, but coconut oil has long been a friend of the colon and has been known to aid in the digestive process (Source: LiveStrong).

Properties of coconut oil

Coconut is a good source of nutrition and fiber. Coconut oil is unique because it is comprised of medium chain triglycerides and not long chains of triglycerides. The shorter chain helps improve nutrient absorption and eliminate parasite infections. The antimicrobial properties in coconut oil help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungal infections like candidiasis. Cleansing your colon with coconut oil can help restore lost vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Coconut oil and digestion

Not only does coconut oil help to clean the colon but it can help prevent digestive and nutritional diseases. Coconut oil has been especially helpful in relieving symptoms of Crohn’s disease. A digestive disorder that starts in the ileum, Crohn’s disease inflames the digestive tract and causes ulcers, fistulas, infections and diarrhea. According to Healthy Ways Newsletter, the short chains of fatty acids in the fiber of coconut meat can help sufferers of Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel disease and can help the digestive system absorb nutrients more efficiently. This is because the shorter chains of fatty acids puts less stress on the pancreas and digestive system.

Adding more coconut to your diet

There are many foods and supplements that we don’t want to add to our diet, but adding more coconut should be easy unless you do not prefer the taste. Taking a coconut oil supplement each day should help your digestion, but you can also try to eat more coconut too. Try sprinkling some toasted coconut on yogurt, cereal or granola. Dried coconut can also be a chewy, nutritious snack. Give the coconut a try! And while you’re at it, check out the Recipe section of the butt seriously blog to learn about new and tasty recipes for your colon health.

Stay Hydrated and Improve Colon Health

by

In an interview with People magazine, Heather Locklear’s close friend and makeup artist, Lisa Ashley, reveals that Heather has a rather unique nickname. “We call her Camel because she can go so long without drinking water. I don’t even know how her skin stays looking so pretty.”

In truth, a lot of us have the tendency to be like Heather Locklear. No, I’m not talking about the sultry eyes or the perfectly toned legs. I’m talking about the habit of going without water a lot longer than we should.

According to a recent report by CBS, up to 75 percent of Americans don’t drink enough water throughout the day, which means they are living in a chronic state of dehydration. While we might think we are taking in plenty of fluids as we sip on coffee, tea or soda, what many of us don’t realize is that these drinks actually have a dehydrating effect on the body. Caffeinated beverages are diuretics, meaning they promote water loss. So while you sip away on that gas station Big Gulp or venti Starbucks latte, your body is actually losing out on the fluids it needs to perform properly.

You might remember from your seventh grade science class that 60 percent of the human body is composed of water, so it’s easy to see why hydration is so important. Water is a key component that allows the body to carry out its daily functions, such as absorbing vitamins and nutrients, detoxifying the liver and kidneys, and carrying away waste (Source: Medical Daily). Adequate hydration is also particularly important for colon health.

The colon is responsible for removing liquid from digested food so stool can be formed and eliminated from the body. This continual passage of waste keeps the colon naturally clean, but when the body doesn’t receive an adequate water supply, constipation can occur. Drinking more water throughout the day helps to keep the colon clean, increase overall function and improve regularity (Source: LIVESTRONG).

It will take some time to grow accustomed to drinking more water throughout the day – especially if you’re not a big fan of H2O in the first place – but there are ways to make it a little easier to increase your fluid intake. Follow these steps to keep your body hydrated morning, noon and night:

Keep water readily available – Purchase an eco-friendly reusable water bottle that you can fill throughout the day. This will make it easy to always have water within reach whether you’re in the car, at the office, in the gym or at home.

Measure your intake – The general rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces. For example, a 130-pound individual should drink 65 fluid ounces of water per day, roughly the equivalent of 8 cups. Water bottles with marked measurements make it easy to track your daily intake. But even if your bottle isn’t marked, you can always write measurements in with permanent marker.

Try infused water – If you don’t like the taste (or lack thereof) of plain water, infused water can be a game-changer. Add slices of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs to your water bottle for some added color and flavor. Have fun experimenting with different combinations like cucumber melon, grapefruit mint and lemon rosemary.

Use a reminder app – Our phones can do pretty much anything these days, and that includes providing helpful reminders to drink more water. Apps like Waterlogged, Daily Water Free and Water Your Body allow you to set reminders to drink water and allow you to record the amount consumed.

Dilute beverages – If you’re not ready to give up your favorite drinks cold turkey, try diluting them with one part water. Tea, fruit juice and lemonade can still be delicious even at half strength, and you can use sparkling water for some extra kick.

Eat hydrating foods – If you just can’t bring yourself to drink water by the glassful, you can still increase your fluid intake by eating foods with a high water content. Snack on cucumber slices (they’re over 96 percent water!), celery sticks, watermelon cubes or strawberries.

Increasing your water intake is great for your body but it can be a big adjustment. Be patient with yourself as you work towards this healthy new habit, and cut yourself some slack if you fall short of your daily goals. What matters most is that you’re working towards a hydrated body and a healthier colon. Bottoms up!

Low Fiber Breakfast Muffins

by

When you’re told to go on a low fiber diet, one of your first thoughts may be, “How do I go about doing that?” It’s easy to find recipes with a high fiber content, especially when high fiber is used as a selling feature for many products. But sometimes, a low fiber diet is recommended before undergoing a colonoscopy or to help a digestive issue.

This type of diet limits the kinds of vegetables, fruit and grains you can eat. It does not, however, limit your quality of food. Low fiber does not mean low flavor.

One way you can cut down on the amount of fiber you’re eating is to start off with a good breakfast. Turkey sausage, spinach, eggs and cheese make a great combination for muffins. They are just what the doctor ordered—literally. The eggs and cheese have zero fiber with 100 percent taste, while the spinach and sausage have a small amount of fiber. (Always read food labels to make sure the fiber content of the product you are purchasing is low.)

These muffins can be made Sunday night and eaten throughout the week. If they are stored in an air tight container, they reheat in the microwave nicely. They also don’t have a lot of calories, so you’re getting low calories and low fiber. That’s two for the price of one.

Low Fiber Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 5 sausage links
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  • Salt
  • Cooking oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is warming, spray muffin pan with cooking oil.
  2. Squeeze out any excess liquid from spinach. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the turkey sausage links and cut into small pieces.
  4. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cheese, spinach and sausage. Sprinkle with salt.
  5. Fill six muffin cups with the egg mixture and bake 25 minutes or until sides are golden brown.

8 Colon Cancer Symptoms that Men Should Not Ignore

by

Men are notorious for not going to the doctor, whether it is for a routine physical, a sick visit or a screening. However, when it comes to colon cancer, a visit to the doctor could be the best decision you ever make. According to Livescience, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 51,783 Americans died from colon cancer in 2011, which makes colon cancer the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening tests like a colonoscopy may not sound pleasant, but they can offer the best view of the colon to determine whether you have a colon polyp which could develop into colon cancer.

Even though colon cancer is often accompanied by no symptoms at all, there are several warning signs that you should recognize (Source: Newsmax). If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment right away with your doctor to be examined:

  1. Changes in bowel habits—Long, pencil-like stools could indicate a bowel obstruction. Thin stools that are recurrent could mean that there is a problem.
  2. Blood in the stool—Stools can be red, purple, maroon or black and tarry in appearance. Do not assume that blood is from hemorrhoids.
  3. Cramps and bloating—Occasional cramps or bloating associated with gas is common, but persistent abdominal pain needs to be analyzed by your doctor.
  4. Diarrhea or constipation—These are opposite problems, but the both can be a symptom of colon cancer if they are both happening frequently.
  5. Feeling like your bowel is not empty—A blockage can make you feel like you have not fully eliminated your bowel.
  6. Fatigue—Cancer cell growth can make you feel exhausted and run down, so tell your doctor if you feel a dramatic decrease in energy or endurance.
  7. Unexpected weight loss—The presence of a tumor may cause you to lose your appetite, which results in weight loss.
  8. Shortness of breath—Cancer slows the body down, making you feel excessively weak and out of breath.

If something doesn’t seem right, you should at least put in a call to your doctor. Don’t try to diagnose your condition on the internet or ask friends what they would do in your situation. Consult your doctor and be willing to make an appointment if necessary. It will mean peace of mind–or early intervention.

6 Surprising Foods That Can Cause Constipation

by

According to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, approximately 15 percent of Americans have constipation. Apparently, the most likely candidates for back-up are women, adults 65 and older, non-Caucasians and those in lower socioeconomic classes. Constipation can result from several factors such as inadequate water consumption, insufficient fiber, pregnancy and sedentary lifestyle. To promote regularity, men should consume at least 38 grams of fiber per day and women should consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day.

Certain foods are more constipating, so it is helpful to know what foods have a tendency to back you up. Here is a list of foods that commonly cause constipation, so if you struggle with going No. 2, you should avoid these foods:

  1. Bananas—Green bananas are higher in starch, which can result in constipation because of tannins. These bitter chemicals cause constipation in some people, but not all. Remember the BRAT diet for treating diarrhea? The “B” stood for bananas!
  2. Bread—You don’t need a gluten allergy or wheat allergy to be bothered by bread. The digestive tract does not always break down and absorb bread, so the sugars in bread often ferment and produce gas.
  3. Chips—Although these snacks are irresistible in the texture and taste department, they are poor in nutrients. Chips are low in fiber and high in fat, resulting in a lose-lose combination when it comes to constipation. Unfortunately, almost any other side dish is healthier than chips, so eat them sparingly.
  4. Chocolate—The newest hype is that dark chocolate is good for you, but this is only true in moderation. Chocolate actually slows down the digestive process and is among the worst culprits for causing constipation.
  5. Frozen dinners—Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s may be convenient and easy on the pocketbook, but they are hard on the gut. Frozen meals are high in fat, sodium and preservatives and low in fiber. The processing of foods removes fiber and makes it difficult for the body to push waste through the GI tract.
  6. Red meat—Hamburgers, steak and pot roast are American favorites, but red meat causes digestive problems because it remains in the stomach for a longer period of time compared to other foods. Do you know that “extra full feeling” you have after eating a big beef dinner? This feeling is due to the fact that the meat is so slow to digest.

The answer is not to eliminate all six of these foods from your diet. Rather, pair these constipating foods with fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains so your digestive system remains in balance. Your body needs a variety of foods to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients it needs, so eat all foods in moderate amounts. Drinking plenty of water and getting adequate exercise is also necessary for a healthy digestive system that functions properly.

If you are struggling with constipation, keep a food diary and record the foods that you eat. This way, you can isolate which foods or combination of foods may be causing discomfort. Chronic constipation should never be ignored and should be addressed with a doctor if it continues (Source: Medical Daily).