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.
What Is a Colonoscopy? During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a thin, flexible camera to check for abnormalities or disease in your lower intestine or colon. The colon is the lowest portion of the gastrointestinal tract that takes in food, absorbs nutrients, and disposes of waste. The colon is attached to the anus via the rectum. The anus is the opening in your body where feces are expelled. During a colonoscopy, your doctor may also take tissue samples for biopsy. They may also remove abnormal tissue such as polyps.