Questions to ask before choosing a colon cleanse:

 1.  The frequency of bowel movements is:

A.  2 or more times a day

B.  Once daily

C.  Almost every day

D.  2-3 times each week

E.  Maybe once a week

 

2.  Which of the following do I experience (check all that apply):

A.  Burping or belching

B.  Indigestion

C.  Bowel gas

D.  Bloat

E.  Frequent abdominal pain

F.  Occasional pain

 

3.  Do I use any of the following to help my bowel movements (check all that apply):

A.  Over the counter products

B.  Herbs or teas

C.  Suppositories

D.  Enemas

E.  Fiber or fiber supplements

 

4.  Is my bowel movement:

A.  Hard and lumpy

B.  Like marbles or pellets

C.  Soft and unformed

D.  Formed, easy to eliminate

E.  Skinny and flat

F.  Splatty and loose

 

5.  How much time do I spend on the toilet:

A.  30 minutes or more

B.  Maybe 5 minutes

C.  I'm in and out in a minute or two

D.  I hurry to find a toilet when I gotta go

E.  I know where every bathroom is because of urgency.

 

6.  When I travel, my bowels:

A.  They are just the same

B.  They hardly ever move. I wait until I get home.

C.  I take something (laxatives, herbs or enemas) to have a bowel movement.

D.  Traveling gives me diarrhea.

 

7.  I take medicine for:

A.  Blood pressure

B.  Diabetes

C.  Pain

D.  Anxiety or depression

E.  Sleep

F.  Other medication, please state what condition you have.

 If you would like Dr Victoria's opinion on a cleanse, email your answers to her.