Saturday, January 29, 2011

Colonics vs. Colonoscopy Prep-What's The Difference

I wanted to touch upon a common misconception, one that continues to come up in conversation and in the media. During my segment on Oprah's Ask The All-Stars, some viewers may have been confused between a colonic and colonoscopy prep and I would like to clear it up.

The main difference is that a colonic is a way of life. It is a procedure that is performed to assist individuals with easier bowel elimination and hydration. For some, colonics is a way to assist while cleansing and dieting (clearing out toxins naturally rather than using laxatives). Colonics can be performed on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Colonics are also being performed in several hospital facilities to assist in preparing for a Colonoscopy (read further for more information). Dr. Hiromi Shinya, MD, is a well-renowned Japanese doctor known for pioneering the modern-day colonoscopy and inventing the procedure to eliminate polyps non-invasively. He is a proponent of enemas and bowel cleansing. In his book, "The Enzyme Factor," he discusses the relationship between enzymes and health. In Dr. Alejandro Junger's book, "Clean," Dr. Junger discusses how to naturally clean and detoxify the body. Through his process, he also supports and recommends colonics. Both these doctors are well-respected and pioneers in their fields. Both doctors (who are western trained) support and recommend putting water up your fanny!!!!

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is usually done after the age of 50 to screen for cancer and possible polyps. In order to prepare for the colonoscopy, a person needs to prepare doing "a prep." A liquid diet needs to be consumed 1-3 days prior. The night before the procedure, one or more Bowel Prep Solutions that usually contain sodium phosphate, or sodium sulphate and other unpleasant laxatives are taken to fully clean out the colon for the camera to enter the bowels. This is a process that requires you to be close to home and can be uncomfortable for some people.

Danbury Hospital (Conn.) using Colon Hydrotherapy as a bowel prep. Dr. Joseph Fiorito, Director of Gastroenterology supports the process as a preparation for a colonoscopy. The conclusion of the study was that, "the quality of colon cleansing, overall tolerance, comfort, and convenience were significantly better for HYDRO." www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeWjxHspRKS You can also view this video on my website at www.clearwayhealth.com. Overall, bowel viewing was better on all sides of the colon using colon hydrotherapy, as opposed to the polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage (PER-ES and the Aqueous Sodium Phosphate).

As always, if there are any underlying medical issues, consult your doctor. If you any any questions about colonics or scheduling a colonic to assist in the prep for a colonoscopy, please give Talya Meldy a call at Clear Way Health 310-391-2017.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.**

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