Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~CAREER by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Most people do not think about their career and work environment when discussing their personal health and wellness. However, it can be a driving force in managing a healthy lifestyle. I even …
Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Both gingivitis and periodontal disease are conditions in the mouth that involve an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. But just how are these 2 conditions related? What are the symptoms you may experience? How do you even develop …
Introduction to Dental Health
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Dental health may not seem like a topic that would come up in an Invite health blog series but here we are talking about dental health! Dental health, or in other words oral health, does not just affect the teeth. In fact, there are numerous chronic conditions associated with poor dental health. But why does this connection even exist? And just what chronic diseases are associated with our dental/ oral health?
To start with the mouth is an important opening to our body. In fact, it is the very start of our digestive system! The digestive tract starts in the mouth, where food enters and ends in the anus where waste products exit. In addition to being the entry point for the digestive tract, the mouth is also the entry point to the respiratory tract. But why does this even matter? You may have heard that the human mouth is full of germs, and this is true. Since the mouth is a major opening to the body it also means that any bacteria in the mouth can enter the body either via the digestive tract or respiratory tract.
These bacteria that are in the mouth can lead to different systemic diseases. Let us start with how oral health can affect our heart health. Oral germs can lead to inflammation and even infections. Studies have found a link between inflammation and infections in the mouth and stroke, clogged arteries, and heart disease. Endocarditis is an infection in the heart that occurs when bacteria travel from one part of the body and end up attaching to the heart. One of the places that is common for these bacteria to travel from is the mouth. (1) In fact, people with gum disease are 28% more likely to have a heart attack than those without dental problems. Studies have also found that those who lack access to dental care as teens have an increased risk of high blood pressure later in life. Additionally, studies have found that those with gum disease are three times more likely to have a stroke that can impair vision. (2) In fact, the bacterium in the mouth is the reason the American Heart Association recommends that in high-risk people, an antibiotic be prescribed prior to dental surgery. (3)
Studies have also found that the bacteria in the mouth can travel to the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. (1) In fact, gum disease can worsen inflammation in lung disorders such as asthma and COPD. (4)
Oral health can also have negative effects on pregnancy. In fact, periodontitis has been found to be linked to both premature birth and low birth weight. (1) Severe periodontal disease in pregnancy can even lead to an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. (5)
Oral health can also impact your daily life. For example, neglected oral health can lead to chronic pain, discomfort and even trouble eating. Oral health can also affect your ability to speak. Chronic dental pain can make it difficult to concentrate, work effectively and even enjoy daily activities. Dental concerns can lead to self-consciousness, low self-esteem, and even social anxiety. (6)
In addition to hygiene practices there are certain systemic health conditions that can negatively affect oral health. These include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, eating disorders, RA and Sjogren’s syndrome. (1) Even certain medications and foods can affect our oral health. In fact, I will be doing a whole blog just on what foods and medications can affect our oral health.
What can you do to improve your dental/ oral health?
Our next topic will be Gingivitis and Periodontal disease.
Sources:
All About Detox Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog I wrote about how it can be beneficial to do a detox twice a year. I described it as being a spring and fall cleanse. Just like you would do in your …
All About Detox Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Liver health is important for our overall health for so many reasons. One of the most well-known functions of the liver is to detox our bodies. Doing a detox, or cleanse is one of the topics …
Kidney Health Part 4
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Dialysis
I wanted to talk about dialysis because in my experience it is one of the topics that people have the most questions about. If you can recall in part 1 of kidney health, I talked about how one of the main functions of the kidneys is to filter the blood. As the kidneys begin to fail to do their jobs the waste and toxins they should be removing aren’t removed and thus they build up in the bloodstream. This waste/toxins and excess fluid must be removed in some way. Dialysis is a treatment that does the job of your kidneys. It removes both waste and excess fluid from the blood.
There are two ways to get dialysis. The first is called hemodialysis. This is what most people think of when they think of dialysis. In hemodialysis a machine removes blood from the body and filters it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) and then the clean blood is returned to the body. This process may take place at a hospital or dialysis center. Hemodialysis may be done at home.
The second form of dialysis is peritoneal dialysis. In this form of dialysis tiny blood vessels inside the abdomen lining filter blood through the aid of a dialysis solution. About a week before peritoneal dialysis the doctor inserts a Y shaped catheter into the abdomen (peritoneum). During the peritoneal dialysis procedure, the dialysis solution flows into the body via one part of the Y shaped catheter for about 60-90 min. During this time, the fluid absorbs waste and fluids. After 60-90 minutes the solution is removed via the other branch of the Y shaped catheter.
What can you expect during dialysis? Let us start with hemodialysis. During the actual procedure or right after you may have low blood pressure, or feel nauseous, dizzy, or even faint. Other side effects can include restless legs syndrome, muscle cramps, headaches, chest/back pain and itchy skin. During peritoneal dialysis your stomach may become extended, and you may feel bloated or full. You may also experience fever, abdominal pain, nausea/ vomiting after the procedure.
What are some of the complications that can occur with dialysis? With hemodialysis there is a risk of infection, poor blood flow, blockage from any scar tissue or even a blood clot. In the case of peritoneal dialysis, you may develop skin infections around the catheter. There is also a risk of developing peritonitis. Peritoneal dialysis can weaken abdominal muscles over time and increase the risk of a hernia forming. Over time peritoneal dialysis can lead to weight gain.
What is the outlook for dialysis? The outlook really depends on multi factors including age, overall health and what is the cause of kidney failure. In general, it is possible to live between 10-20 years on dialysis. If you experience any of the following, please contact the appropriate health care provider: difficulty urinating, dehydration, dizziness/fainting or low blood pressure. It is also important to seek medical care if there is any sign of infection, severe abdominal pain, unusual bulge in the abdomen/groin and any nausea/vomiting. It is important to work with your health care provider to determine which form of dialysis is best for you. (1)
What supplements are recommended to use during dialysis?
What can you do before the kidney damage is so severe that you need dialysis?
What are some of the nutrients that should be monitored during dialysis?
Our last blog in this series will be how and when to detox!
Sources: