Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Aged Garlic Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Garlic is a nutrient that as a supplement or even spicy food enhancer can be found everywhere. The benefits of using garlic as either a supplement or even just as a spice to add to our food are numerous. …
Understanding Probiotics
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
If there’s one topic that is sure to confuse people it’s the topic of probiotics. Invite health has a powerful line up of probiotics. But how are they different? How do you know which one is right for you? For this blog I will be reviewing 3 of the most popular Invite Health probiotics. These are the Probiotic Hx, Probiotic Weight and Probiotic Women.
Probiotic Hx is a well-rounded every day probiotic. In my experience taking the Probiotic Hx is like taking a good multivitamin, it’s good for our overall health. But what does that really mean? Well to start probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in our gut. (1) Sometimes due to situations such as illness, certain medications and even stress bad bacteria and even yeast can begin to grow in our digestive system. They can begin to outnumber the good guys and this can result in digestive concerns, allergies, and even contribute to obesity. (2) A good probiotic can also help with diarrhea. (3) One bacteria that is well known for causing diarrhea is C Diff and in studies probiotics have been found to reduce the risk of C Diff by 60%. (4) Studies have also found that probiotics can decrease the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. (5) In addition to helping with diarrhea a good probiotic has been found to help with Ulcerative colitis (6) and even IBS. (7) Probiotics do more than just help our gut. Studies have found that they can help with general health, depression, anxiety and even stress. (8) Probiotics have also been found in studies to help with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. (9) Certain probiotics can even breakdown bile helping with our cholesterol levels. (10) As you can see a good everyday probiotic is great for so many things. But what if you have a specific health concern? Well that is where the Probiotic Weight and Probiotic for Women come into play. They take all the benefits of a regular probiotic and have added nutrients for specific health concerns. They are easy to take in addition to our daily probiotic.
Probiotic Weight contains a particular strain of probiotic that was found to lower weight and BMI after just 12 weeks of use. Additionally both waist and hip circumference were reduced after the 12 weeks of use. (11) Bergamot has been found in studies to help with visceral adipose tissue. (12) It has also been found to reduce liver fat content in those with liver steatosis. (13) Artichoke has been found to help with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and obesity. (14) I do want to point out that the Probiotic Weight is a powerful formula. To avoid stomach distress I recommend taking it with a full meal. While research shows these herbs can be helpful in general people can have different reactions to herbs so it is important to monitor how you feel when you start a new herbal supplement.
Probiotic Women is a combination of garlic, thyme and a probiotic blend. Garlic has been found to be antimicrobial. (15) Thyme has also been found to be antimicrobial. (16) Lastly probiotics have been found to help with a UTI. (17)
But how does one choose? And how does this entire blog relate to immune health? Well when it comes to immune health a good overall probiotic such as Probiotic Hx is always a win. In fact probiotics have been found to help with an upper respiratory infection! (18)That is why for those looking for general immune health and for overall a good daily probiotic I recommend the Probiotic Hx. For those looking for additional help with weight or women’s health they can take Probiotic Hx and then add on the specific probiotic that will help with the specific concern they are experiencing. For more information or help choosing what is right for you please reach out to an Invite nutritionist!
As we approach the end of this topic I hope it has been helpful and somewhat fun! Our next topic will be Pneumonia.
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Renalaid for Going Beyond Bladder Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Today’s product highlight probably seems out of place in a conversation mostly about respiratory health. However the health of our respiratory tract is inherently linked to another system. That is our immune system. Keeping …
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Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Digestive
For further questions or concerns email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com†
Last week we talked about constipation, today we are discussing the exact opposite- diarrhea. Diarrhea is a frequent bowel movement caused by thin or loose watery stool. Severe diarrhea can be very dangerous especially in children and senior citizens. It is important to seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, there is blood in the stool or a fever above 101.†
ICYMI: DIGESTIVE HEALTH, PART 5: CONSTIPATION >> READ NOW!
In addition to causing frequent thin/watery stool, diarrhea can cause stomach bloating stomach/intestinal cramps, nausea, vomiting or a feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement. Long term diarrhea can also cause what is called anal leakage as well as a decrease in sensitivity in both the tissues and in the natural “urge” to have a bowel movement. Chronic diarrhea can lead to a propensity to have trouble knowing when a bowel movement will occur and even controlling it. Both diarrhea and anal leakage can cause a painful irritation of the skin to occur. Chronic diarrhea, just like many chronic conditions, can be associated with anxiety and even depression as individuals start to feel anxious about their lack of control regarding bowel movements. They often feel isolated because the frequent bowel movements force them to stay home.† (1)
Chronic diarrhea can also be caused by pathogens just like constipation. Diarrhea that starts abruptly is often caused by bacteria i.e. food poisoning. Parasites from recent travel are another common cause. Usually known as the “24 hour bug” or stomach virus will often result in diarrhea.†
Certain medications can also cause diarrhea. Unfortunately many of the conventional treatments for constipation, such as laxatives, can lead to diarrhea. An example of medications that commonly lead to diarrhea are antibiotics. Treatments for different forms of cancer can also cause diarrhea. Food allergies or sensitivities like Celiac disease and lactose intolerance can also lead to diarrhea.†
Irritable bowel disease, functional bowel disorder, and Irritable bowel syndrome are certain intestinal diseases that can cause diarrhea. If an individual has a gallbladder dysfunction, had it removed, or has a “sluggish” gallbladder it can lead to diarrhea. If the gallbladder has been removed, it makes it very difficult to break down fat; part of why diarrhea can be experienced.† (2)
Several systemic issues can and do cause diarrhea such as diabetes type 1 and 2, Thyroid disorders and autoimmune disorders such as Systemic lupus erythematosus.† (3)
THYROID HEALTH IN RELATIONSHIP TO WOMEN’S HEALTH >> READ NOW!
Just like with constipation, in order to effectively work with diarrhea, it is important to know the underlying cause. If there is a systemic concern, it must be addressed first since working with the underlying concern will often result in the diarrhea or constipation naturally resolving itself. In many cases, diarrhea can be a result of a “24-hour bug” or virus which can resolve by itself quickly. If the diarrhea doesn’t clear up in a few days or is accompanied by a fever, going to a gastroenterologist can help you get down to the root cause.†
A stool test can help to rule in or rule out pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, fungus or even yeast. A breath test can help to rule out the pathogens that cause Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). There are also tests to help rule out any food allergies or sensitivities.†
Once lab work is done and we know what is going on, the diarrhea is easier to treat. A food diary is always helpful. I always tell people to write down what they eat, how they felt, and if the diarrhea improved on certain days. It is very important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhea. Due to the loss of electrolytes, I suggest using Rice Water. (4) Following the BRAT DIET is helpful for your stomach after experiencing an episode of diarrhea: Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast (5) Eliminate food allergies or sensitivities from your diet. It is important to address any underlying systemic condition such as Hyperthyroidism.† (6)
Eliminate any pathogens with Probiotics that can help populate the digestive tract with good bacteria; eliminating any pathogens that cause diarrhea. (7) InviteⓇ’s Probiotic Hx, Probiotic Weight, Core Probiotic, and Probiotic Maintain are helpful supplements to build that good bacteria back up. Colostrum is one of the first things I will recommend when it comes to working with diarrhea. It helps to kill pathogens directly and boost the immune system. Colostrum also helps building up the mucus layer in the digestive system, what protects the digestive system from being damaged and leading to things such as leaky gut. (8) Our powered colostrum called Neuroimmune helps restore the damage in the digestive system.†
Antimicrobials have been found in studies to help eliminate pathogens that can cause both diarrhea and constipation. Caprylic acid has been found in studies to help eliminate H. Pylori, Candida and other types of pathogens. (9) Garlic has been found in studies to help eliminate bacteria and fungus such as Candida. (10) InViteⓇ’s Nutristatin 144 contains both Caprylic acid and Garlic to help eliminate bacteria and fungus. Our Aged Garlic can help eliminate bacteria and fungus as well. Olive Leaf Extract has been found to help eliminate microbes such as yeast in the body. (11). InViteⓇ’s Olive Leaf Extract as well as our Renalaid formula are helpful for eliminating microbes.†
Digestive enzymes are helpful when there is an issue with digesting, a person will often experience diarrhea. A good digestive enzyme will help eliminate this issue by breaking down the food. (12) InViteⓇ’s Digestive Hx and Prozyme Digest contain good digestive enzymes to help you with any digestive issues you may experience.†
If you are having any concerns regarding diarrhea, feel free to contact an InViteⓇ nutritionist for more information. Next week, we’ll delve into the differences of IBS vs IBD and how to work with these conditions.†
