Say everything is moving along just fine in your digestive tract. No pain, no complaints, no issues.

That’s great!

But you still need to start getting regular screening colonoscopies by the time you are 45 years old (or sooner, if needed).

Why? Think of it like a regular dental examination: If you keep up with your cleanings and checkups, you can head off potential problems before they turn into bigger issues.

Colonoscopies are painless and take about 30 minutes — and it could save your life.

“We want patients to have regular screening colonoscopies because we know they can help save lives,” said Dr. Mary Jacob of Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Colonoscopy:

1. Colon cancer and polyp screening

The No. 1 reason everyone should get a colonoscopy at age 45 (or sooner depending on your family history) is for the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women have a lifetime risk of developing colon cancer. But because of colonoscopies, colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented — and early detection is lowering the colon cancer death rate.

(Adults ages 50 and older may qualify for a Colonoscopy Now, to save time and money!)

2. You have a family history of colon cancer

When your blood relatives have something like colon cancer, it increases the risk that you could develop it as well. Colon cancer screenings like a colonoscopy keep an eye on things and are often performed at a younger age as a preventive measure.

3. You have a personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis are at increased risk for developing colon cancer. Even if feeling great and your disease is controlled on medical therapy, surveillance colonoscopies are needed every 1-2 years to screen for early changes of colon cancer.

4. Rectal bleeding
Anytime you’re bleeding, you need to know why. If you fall and cut yourself, you know the reason you’re bleeding. Internally, it’s harder to know why, and often presents as rectal bleeding or in bloody stool. Not all rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. You may want to ignore the signs, but don’t: An evaluation by one of our doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan and colonoscopy can help determine the source of the bleeding, and catch a problem early.

5. Change in bowel habits

You know the foods you eat contribute to what happens in your digestive tract, so you may excuse the after effects of what you’ve been consuming — but there could be underlying issues requiring treatment by a GI specialist that are making things worse. And those issues may be able to be treated, making you more comfortable and healthier.

Schedule your colonoscopy

If you’re 45, or have one of the other Reasons Why You Need a Colonoscopy, you can request an appointment online now at Gastrointestinal Specialists. Our outpatient endoscopy center offers increased convenience and financial savings compared to a hospital.

Is there a way to nourish your digestive system for a healthier colon and happier gastrointestinal tract? Yes! The foods you eat can impact how your body responds — and it’s simple to incorporate these three things into your diet now.

“Diet is one of the easier things you can change to have a healthier colon,” said Dr. Jared Bortman, a gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists PC & Endoscopy in Troy, Mich.

“I encourage my patients to increase their vegetable intake for the fiber benefit, as well as studies suggesting an association between vegetable consumption and reduced colorectal cancer risk.”

1. Whole Grains

Regularly including whole grains in your diet improves bowel health by helping to maintain regular bowel movements. At least half of the grains you consume should be whole grains — if not more.

Diet Tip: Start adding whole wheat, barley, oatmeal, whole wheat bran flakes (and gluten-free whole grains, including quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice and wild rice) to your daily rotation.

2. Water

The majority of our body’s functions depend on water — so it makes sense that drinking plenty of water improves our overall health, especially when it comes to the digestive system. Drinking enough water keeps stools soft, and ensures things are flowing throughout your gastrointestinal tract more smoothly. The more the foods you eat are watered down, the less chance of them getting “stuck” and causing you discomfort as they make their way out.

Diet Tip: Definitely don’t skip getting at least 64 ounces of water a day! And fruits and veggies are high in water content like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and soup.

3. Fiber

An apple a day keeps the doctor away — when it comes to the fiber in them that helps to keep your gastrointestinal tract clean. Vegetables are generally high in fiber and some fruits are too, so make sure you are getting a variety of veggies and fruit every day. Fiber removes waste by grabbing debris left behind in the colon on its way through your digestive system.

Diet Tip: Munch on seeds, nuts, brown rice, couscous, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, zucchini, celery, cabbage, raisins, apples, strawberries and oranges.

Take Care of Colon Issues

At Gastrointestinal Specialists PC & Endoscopy Center, we provide colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies, in addition to treating other gastrointestinal concerns to help you feel better and treat diseases. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.