BLOG 533 COLONOSCOPY

BLOG 533 COLONOSCOPY 

The dreaded colonoscopy that makes its way into life as we age. The colon is a key player in our digestive tract that helps remove stool and keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. This examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum is used to look for changes/alterations in the body that possibly have developed/evolved with age. These changes could be cancer related; therefore, the American Cancer Association (ACS) recommends having a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then every 10 years after.

There’s good reason to be proactive and have this screening done. The major reason is to check for colon cancer. Another major reason is to look at the intestines, especially if the person has been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or other digestion issues. If a person has had polyps, a colonoscopy can be useful for monitoring these and checking on changes. Polyps are a clump of cells that develop on the lining of the colon. They’re usually harmless but can turn into cancer.

The preparation for this procedure is what most people don’t look forward to. The preparation takes place the day before the exam and that means not eating sold foods, just having a liquid diet. A doctor will also recommend taking a laxative in large volume either as a pill or more commonly, in liquid form. Depending on what medications you take, you may also have to pause them the day/night before. When a colonoscopy is done, usually the person is put under sedation or anesthesia and/or given pain medication to help with discomfort. When the procedure is done, a colonoscope is put into the rectum and is long enough to reach the colon. The scope has a light, and the doctor can pump water, air, and carbon dioxide into the colon. This inflates the colon so the doctor can see into the area better. The scope also has a tiny video camera at the tip so the doctor can examine further. The doctor can also insert tools on the scope to take tissue for biopsy.

Overall, the exam takes about an hour. You do need a ride home after because of the sedation. Feeling bloated or having gas after is normal. Sometimes the first bowel movement after can have some traces of blood. The doctor will then review the results A negative result means the colonoscopy won’t need to be repeated for another 10 years unless otherwise advised. However, a positive result could mean the doctor found polyps or abnormal tissue. In more detail, if a doctor finds one or two polyps that are less than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, they might recommend a repeat. The doctor might recommend a colonoscopy sooner if more than two polyps are found, a very large polyp larger than 0.4-inch, differing structures/characteristics with the polyps that pose health risks, and most certainly if there are cancerous polyps.

Having a colonoscopy is a proactive approach to health. Being reactive can sometimes be too late. A day or two of discomfort is worth experiencing versus a cancer diagnosis. Ongoing digestive issues are disruptive to daily life. Getting older has its cons, but we can ease the process by being more aware and involved with what are bodies need from us.

BLOG 532 FOOD CRAVINGS

BLOG 532 FOOD CRAVINGS

Food is a constant factor in life we encounter every singe day, more than once per day. Its purpose is for the nutritional components we need for healthy bodily functions. However, cultural, environmental, and personal influences affect what food we eat. The stereotypical three meals per day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are not the same for everyone. Dealing with food is something we all do, but individuals vary in their relationship with food. Diets, portions, locations, availability, and mental state are contributing factors to what gets consumed. Cravings can also be a determining factor for the foods we eat. We have preferences and likes, but cravings surpass simple eating choices. The desire shifts from need to want with strong emotional pull. There is a psychology behind food cravings.

The urge to eat certain foods right away feels like a wave of hunger for that food has taken over. Cravings can pop up anytime, even if the person is full. The most common types of food people crave are those that are salty, sugary, fatty, or maybe a combination of these. Sometimes it can be said that someone is addicted to sugar or addicted to carbs. Foods can feel rewarding and stimulating the reward system of the brain. That feeling of pleasure can lead to the habit of wanting more and more of what are called “hyperpalatable” foods. These types of food release hormones including dopamine, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol. The hormones released are related to stress, hunger, and metabolism.

The operation of appetite hormones when we normally eat is that appetite hormones glucagon-like peptide and cholecystokinin from the digestive tract and leptin from fat cells are released. These communicate feelings of fullness with the brain to stop eating. If the person has eaten in several hours, ghrelin is released from the stomach to signal hunger. The problem is that eating hyperpalatable foods too often can lead to interfering with how the brain processes these hormonal signals. Cravings may continue even when the person is full of food. Not getting enough sleep can also cause appetite hormonal imbalances. Women during their menstrual cycles can also imbalance hormones. Some medications can do this too such as antidepressants.

Another craving trigger can be advertisements. The media practically has its own department for snacks. Ads for chips, ice cream, crackers, and soda lure people in. The visual stimulates cravings. People fall victim and want instant gratification. In a world where everything is a touch to order away, it’s easy to access hyperpalatable foods quickly.

Avoiding cravings can be achieved mainly by eating healthily and often. A person’s relationship with food can be controlled by staying away from triggers, not buying hyperpalatable foods, partaking in other dopamine releasing activities that are healthy such as exercise, and of course keeping good mental health status. Hormones remain a complicated subject matter that individuals struggle with in many ways. There is not a one size fits all solution to them which means there isn’t a one size fits all solution to cravings. What remains controllable are our thoughts regarding food, so be self-aware and nourish your body with true self-care.