Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
IBS and IBD Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND A question I am often asked is, “what is the difference between Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome?” Aren’t they the same? Well not really. While both are digestive conditions involving irritation in our digestive …
SIBO and Diverticulitis Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In this blog I wanted to talk about 2 conditions that may not seem related at 1st glance but are more closely related than you may think! These conditions are diverticulitis and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). In both …
Constipation and Diarrhea
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Every week I get calls asking about how to deal with digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. In fact, constipation and diarrhea are the 2 most common concerns that people have when it comes to health. But what is constipation? What is diarrhea? Constipation refers to less than 3 bowel movements (BMs) a week. In contrast diarrhea is when there is frequent BMs that usually consist of thin or loose watery stools. From a holistic viewpoint, it is best to have a daily BM. One that is not too loose or too hard.
How do you know if you are suffering from constipation or diarrhea? It may seem obvious but let me break it down for you. Symptoms of constipation include having only a few BMs a week, having a BM every other day as well as straining to have a BM is also considered constipation. Other signs of constipation include gas, bloating, anal itching, bloody stool, stomach pain as well as nausea/vomiting and the stool itself hard/small. What about diarrhea? 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 BM. Long term diarrhea can also cause what is called anal leakage as well as a decrease in the natural “urge” to have a BM or the feeling you get when you are about to have a BM. Diarrhea can cause a painful irritation of the skin to occur.
What can cause constipation or diarrhea to occur? Oftentimes they are a symptom of different underlying systemic conditions. For example, thyroid disorders and pregnancy can affect BMs. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis can also affect our BMs. Even diabetes and Lupus can affect BMs. Medications often cause constipation or diarrhea as a side effect. For example, it is well known that antibiotics can trigger diarrhea. On a serious note, changes in BMs can be a sign of colon cancer. Just like many different medical concerns, constipation and diarrhea can be caused by or exacerbated by stress. An overgrowth of pathogens can also lead to either constipation or diarrhea. These pathogens can include Candida as well as bacteria and parasites. Even food allergies and digestive disorders such as Celiac disease and Lactose intolerance can affect BMs. Disorders of the GI tract such as IBS, Diverticular Disease, Lazy Bowel Syndrome, or structural defects can also affect the frequency of BMs. Other digestive disorders that can affect our BMs include gallbladder disorder. While this is not every cause of constipation or diarrhea it is a list of the most common causes.
When addressing constipation and diarrhea it is especially important to rule out any systemic concerns. The following suggestions are things that have been found to be helpful in combating constipation and even diarrhea.
Sources:
Bromelain- The Power of Pineapple Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Bromelain is an enzyme that has been written about many times in the past. In fact, there are even a few blogs on the Invite website itself! Yet, despite this, people still have a few unanswered …
Bromelain is a enzyme that is extracted from the stems of pineapples and touts great digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Here’s what the science says behind this powerful supplement.
Depression symptoms often include certain digestive problems. Research has shown that the makeup of bacteria in your gut can influence your emotional health. However, not all gastric issues are due to a mental health condition. Depending on your symptoms, you could have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), two types of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
You might not realize just how sensitive your GI tract is to your emotions; When you’re upset you may feel physically nauseated, lose your appetite, or run for a comfort food. The brain and the gastrointestinal system are so closely linked that stomach issues can be the cause of, or the result of, anxiety, stress, or depression, according to Harvard Medical School experts.
According to Dr. Alan Pressman of InVite® Health, “When you think of probiotics (healthy bacteria) the last thing you think about, if at all, is the brain. Probiotics mostly bring to mind gastrointestinal function, including digestion and absorption, immunity and manufacturing of vitamins K and B. However, several international research reviews indicate that probiotics play a major role in brain function including memory, concentration, focus, mood, appetite control, and even blood brain barrier health – the brains protective shield, especially when combined with the peripheral neurotransmitter serotonin in the gut where, in the brain, it’s a pacifier. In a recent research report from Sweden’s Karolina Institute, it states that our natural gut residing microbes play a role in controlling the permeability of the blood brain barrier which protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood. The report concluded that the transport of molecules across the blood brain barrier can be influenced by gut microbes which therefore play an important role in the protection of the brain.”
If your digestive symptoms go beyond what’s expected from depression, it’s time to check in with your doctor. Make a list of your symptoms, including when they started, how long they lasted, if you’ve had them in the past, and how you treated them, suggests the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
During the appointment, your doctor will ask about your condition, do a physical exam, and possibly even run lab tests to figure out the cause of your symptoms.
Clinical studies from the top leading research institutions that observe digestive activity consistently point to the benefits of targeted nutrition for gastrointestinal health. In addition, the results from these studies also show that that specific digestive enzymes and digestive vitamins play a key role in supporting a healthy digestive tract. For good digestive health, we need to maintain healthy probiotic bacteria, or “good” bacteria levels. There are many types of bacteria that occur naturally in the intestines, some healthy and some unhealthy. A sufficient level of healthy bacteria has excellent benefits: it helps crowd out the unhealthy bacteria, improves digestion of vegetables and fiber, supports and maintains the individual immune system of your digestive tract, increases available energy for digestion, and maintaining regularity. Healthy probiotic bacteria also diminishes the rate of yeast and other harmful species, while offering protection from harmful food borne pathogens, such as Salmonella. Prescription drugs, poor diet, and overconsumption of alcohol and other toxins can decrease the population of healthy, protective intestinal bacteria, and restoring this healthy bacteria to a proper level is highly beneficial. Just remember, if you are going to be using any natural or herbal products then it is strongly recommended that you speak to a doctor first. Talk to an InVite® Nutritionist or Naturopathic Doctor at any of our store locations to design the perfect protocol of digestive vitamins for you.