Tomorrow I will be drinking only clear liquids and not eating anything. In the evening, I will drink a gallon of a fluid that will flush my system, leaving my colon completely empty.

Why, you may ask, would I do this? It’s certainly not pleasant! Well, you see, I have Crohn’s Disease, and I’m overdue for a preventative colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and part of the small bowel using a really small camera, which is passed through the anus on a flexible tube. The doctor doing the procedure checks for visible signs of inflammation and other abnormalities and takes biopsies to screen for colon cancer. For people over age 50 and anyone with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the recommended frequency is every 2 years. It’s been 6 years since I last had one.

You may be surprised to hear me talking about western medical procedures. Typically, I advocate a diet of colorful whole foods (local, seasonal, organic) and a balanced lifestyle, including movement, time for contemplation, exploration of nature, and lots of laughs with family and friends. Oh, and, hopefully, a career or other way to occupy your time that is meaningful and brings you joy and fulfillment. That is my basic recipe for a zestful life.

I would prefer it if I never needed to set foot in a hospital again. Besides whole foods and a balanced lifestyle, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and massage are my preferred healing modalities. Yet, I have also learned that there is wisdom in a middle way. I appreciate the information I gain about my health through blood tests. And given the higher chance of colon cancer for people with IBD (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), it seems wise to employ the health coverage (which I am grateful to have) and just check to make sure everything looks A-OK!

I’m happy to report that generally, my dis-ease is well-managed. I have been off of pharmaceutical drugs for over a year and a half, my energy levels are high, I’m physically stronger than I’ve ever been, I know what foods to eat so I feel well, and, thanks to the supportive care of Dr. Kelly McCann, my levels of inflammation are approaching zero! Specifically, these are the healthy happy habits I swear by for taking care of my own health; I recommend similar practices for my clients who want to prevent disease and upgrade their levels of health and vitality:

• A diet of home-prepared foods composed of high quality ingredients: local organic produce, pasture-raised meat and eggs, wild fish, whole grains, and nuts, which happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free
• Daily green smoothies
• Frequent yoga & meditation
• Daily movement of some sort
• Regular sleep
• Daily journaling
• Frequent fun & adventure
• Quality time with friends & family
• Two careers I enjoy
• Supplements that support the healing of my gut
• Regular body work
• Time for rest, relaxation, and vacation

Based on my recent blood test results and my daily holistic wellness practices, I expect the colonoscopy report to be positive. This is why I’m a health coach. I want your reports to be shining with health, too! I want you to be able to heal yourself or prevent disease with delicious, beautiful food that is surprisingly simple to prepare. I promise you’ll enjoy the process. It’s my gift to you – a life worth living.

With Harvard friends Jenn, Felicity, and Kara on the day of my last colonoscopy in June 2004. After recovering all afternoon, I got dressed and ready for our Urban Planning & Design Departmental Dinner celebration. It was the start to the Graduate School of Design’s graduation festivities.

Tomorrow night a friend is having a birthday party. I’m sure I’ll be there, feeling relieved the procedure is finished, and happy that my regular health care regimens are much less invasive and a lot more fun. If you have IBD or know someone who does, be encouraged: there is hope for a full, wonderful, and pain-free life. Contact me to find out how you can get rid of the gas, bloating, bleeding, and piercing pain. I’ll help you enjoy eating again.

Eat well. Be well. Thrive. E. Chloé Lauer BA, MUP, Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach, Yoga Teacher in Training San Francisco health & lifestyle coach specializing in allergies, Crohn’s/Colitis, and Gluten-Free living; serving the Bay Area and beyond via phone & Skype consultations: sign up here to speak with me!