New split-dose preps

Bowel preparation is crucial for effective colonoscopy. Two bowel preparations are available that are largely equivalent: Polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) and oral sodium phosphate (NaP). PEG-ELS is remarkably safe, though sometimes poorly tolerated.

If you suffer from occasional constipation, you may be inclined to take a laxative. However these symptoms don’t always mean laxatives are necessary and if you are taking warfarin (or a brand of warfarin like Coumadin®), it may not be safe to take some laxatives.

• Prep: Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate (Suprep).
• Prep: Sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid (Prepopik).
• Prep: Polyethylene glycol, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, and ascorbic acid (Moviprep).

At 6 p.m., take 3 tablets of Dulcolax® laxative pill with water by mouth. At 8 p.m. the evening before your colonoscopy start drinking the Gatorade®/MiraLAX® solution. Drink one 8-ounce glass every 10 minutes until completed. You can continue to drink clear liquids until midnight.

If you didn’t finish your prep or your bowel movements aren’t reduced to clear liquids, contact your doctor so that he or she can help you reschedule your procedure. There’s not really a way to know for sure whether your bowel prep is complete before having a colonoscopy.

In this article, we list 10 scientifically supported ways to improve the gut microbiome and enhance overall health.

1. Take probiotics and eat fermented foods.
2. Eat prebiotic fiber.
3. Eat less sugar and sweeteners.
4. Reduce stress.
5. Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Get enough sleep.

5 colon-cleansing foods

• Broccoli. There are so many different ways to add broccoli to your diet.
• Dark, leafy greens. Eating dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard is a great way to cleanse your colon.
• Milk. You can use milk for more than just your morning cereal.
• Raspberries.
• Oatmeal.