Lowering Salt in Your Diet. 1  Salt is regulated by FDA as a âgenerally recognized as safeâ (GRAS) ingredient. A GRAS substance is one that has a long history of safe, common use in foods, or that is determined to be safe, for the intended use, based on proven science. These substances need not be approved by FDA prior to being used.
Gastroenterologists are internists who specialize in diseases of the intestines. Gastroenterologists perform most colonoscopies. Other doctors who perform colonoscopies: Colon and rectal surgeons are general surgeons with extra training in the surgical treatment of intestinal and rectal conditions. General surgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions. Some general surgeons focus their practice on the intestinal tract.
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic evaluation of the colon, which may include a biopsy and/or removal of a lesion. An endoscopic colonoscopy on the large intestine or bowel is used to find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, inflammation, and bleeding. The procedure is recommended for all adults starting at age 50 and then again every 10 years or so due to the higher risk of colorectal cancer in later years. The recommended frequency for a colonoscopy test also depends on various risk factors. Colon cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the U.S.