Role of Diet on the Microbiome of the Digestive System

Inclusion Criteria: * GROUP I: Patients presenting for a screening colonoscopy * GROUP I: Age of 45 and above * GROUP I: Strict vegetarian diet, determined by using diet history questionnaire 3.0 National Institutes of Health (NIH) * GROUP I: Non smoker * GROUP I: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form, complete web based dietary assessment and provide stool, colonic mucosa and blood samples * GROUP II: Patients presenting for a screening colonoscopy * GROUP II: Age of 45 and above * GROUP II: Omnivorous diet * GROUP II: Non smoker * GROUP II: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form, complete web based dietary assessment and provide stool, colonic mucosa and blood sample Exclusion Criteria: * • Current smokers (nicotine abuse only) * Positive family history of colon cancer or colon cancer related syndromes * Recent use of antibiotics in 1 month * History of inflammatory bowel disease, and/or radiation enteritis or colitis * Pregnant and breastfeeding women * Women of child-bearing potential who have positive urine or serum pregnancy test * Heavy drinker (defined as more than 14 drinks per week) * Currently using anti-flatulence medications, probiotics and/or fiber supplements * Major dietary restrictions and/or following a special diet * Patient with positive fecal test/symptoms