Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Digestive Health Overview Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Digestive health does not just mean diarrhea or constipation. In fact, while diarrhea or constipation can be a concern by themselves, they are often symptoms of other disorders such as SIBO, IBS, IBD and even diverticulitis. The digestive tract is one …
Mucositis
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Cancer treatment can affect our digestion. One common side effect is called mucositis. What is mucositis you ask? Basically it is inflammation of your mouth and digestive system. (1) This occurs because cancer therapies are designed to attack any cells that rapidly divide, such as cancer cells. Unfortunately our mucous membranes which lines our entire GI tract is made up of rapidly dividing cells and thus are at risk of being attacked in the same way as cancer cells. In other words the cells of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are often attacked by cancer therapies and thus become inflamed and even damaged. (2)
What are the signs of mucositis? Let’s start with oral mucositis. Oral mucositis usually begins between 1-2 weeks after starting treatment. These symptoms can include a dry and sore mouth. You may have bad breath as well as a fungal mouth infection. You may also develop mouth sores. (1) You may also notice that your mouth and gums appear red, shiny and even swollen. Your saliva may become extra thick. It may be difficult to swallow, talk or even eat. As a result of the sores you may be bleeding. Lastly there may be soft white patches of pus and a white mucous coating in your mouth. (2)
What are the signs of mucositis in your gut? Well these symptoms usually begin about 2 weeks after starting cancer treatment. These symptoms can include either diarrhea or constipation. You may have sores around your bottom and even blood in your stool. You may have pain when you swallow as well as stomach cramps and bloating. (1) You may also have nausea, vomiting and even painful bowel movements. (2)
Mucositis is much more common than you may expect. There are some factors that can increase your risk of mucositis. These risk factors can include tobacco intake, alcohol intake and even dehydration. Having a protein deficiency or a low BMI also increase your risk of mucositis. Certain dental concerns such as dental implants, dentures and even gum disease increase mucositis risk. Having kidney disease, diabetes or HIV are also risk factors. (2) If you develop mucositis it is recommended to not use alcohol based mouthwashes. It is also recommended to not eat hot, spicy, acidic, rough/hard food or fizzy drinks. The reason these things are not recommended is that they can worsen the signs of mucositis. (1)
Mucositis can have serious complications. It can cause chronic diarrhea which can trigger dehydration, anemia and even weight loss. Having mucositis also places you an increased risk of developing an infection. Mucositis can make it difficult to eat and thus undernutrition is a common side effect. In fact up to 70% of those who have mucositis may require hospitalization for tube feeding. Lastly if the mucositis becomes severe it can lead to a need to reduce the frequency of the cancer treatment. This poses its own risk to our health. (2)
What can you do about mucositis?
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Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. CONSTIPATION: EASY TREATMENTS THAT ARE SAFE, INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 659 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health …
Dr.Claire concludes her series by summarizing the most common digestive health issues that occur among many individuals.
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Constipation
For further questions or concerns email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com†
Every week I get calls asking about how to deal with constipation. Clinically speaking, constipation refers to less than 3 bowel movements a week. From a more holistic viewpoint, an optimum digestive tract will lead to a daily bowel movement. There is a common misconception going around that it is necessary to have a bowel movement after every meal. This is not true and is actually a symptom of rapid transit time!†
The symptoms include having a few bowel movements a week. Having a bowel movement every other day is considered mild constipation. Whereas, straining to have a bowel movement is constipation. Even if you do have a bowel movement every day, if the stool is hard/small or you feel as though there is stool left behind, you’re experiencing constipation. It can cause gas, bloating, anal itching, hemorrhoids, bloody stool, stomach pain as well as nausea or even vomiting.†
When it comes to working with this, it’s important to understand what is causing it. Oftentimes, it’s a symptom of different underlying systemic conditions. For example, thyroid disorders and pregnancy can affect bowel movements. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis can have it as a symptom. Medications often cause constipation as a side effect. For example, overusing laxatives, even herbal laxatives such as Senna. On a very serious note, it can be a sign of colon cancer. Just like many different medical concerns, constipation can be caused by or exacerbated by stress. Before addressing the symptoms, it is important to address these underling concerns. In addition to underlying medical concerns, dietary concerns such as lack of water, fiber and even too much dairy can be a cause. A lack of movement is also a common issue. In children resisting the urge to have a bowel movement can also lead to constipation.† (1)
An overgrowth of pathogens such as Candida Albicans can also be a cause; as pathogens can cause diarrhea and constipation. (2) Disorders of the GI tract such as IBS, Diverticular Disease and Lazy Bowel Syndrome or structural defects such as fistulas, Intussusception, malforatation, colonic rotation and outlet dysfunction can also have it as a symptom. (4) While there can also be other causes of constipation, these are the most common.†
When addressing constipation it is very important to rule out any systemic concerns such as hypothyroidism. Underlying medical concerns need to be addressed first. Clearing up the underlying issue will often resolve the constipation. Follow up or schedule a visit to a Gastroenterologist. A stool analysis will be performed. It’s a great way to determine the presence of any pathogens.†
ICYMI: DIGESTIVE HEALTH, PART 4 ON STOOL TESTS >> Read Now!
The following suggestions are things that have been found to be helpful in combating constipation. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have information on hand when you call regarding constipation. Recent lab work, and a diet diary are important resources to have on hand when you call InViteⓇ Health. This way a protocol can be personalized.†
Address any underlying medical concerns and eliminate any food sensitivities or allergies. Increase water to half your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 200 pounds you need to be drinking 100 ounces (12.5 cups) of water. Every 8 ounces of water is 1 cup.†
Add fiber to your diet! Fiber is naturally found in fruits and vegetables. These are a great jump start for your digestive tract. Maltodextrin has been found to help combat constipation (4) Psyllium seed husk has also been found to help constipation. (5) For relief of temporary constipation, InViteⓇ Health Colon HxⓇ and soluble fiber can help. A great every day fiber is InViteⓇ Health’s Organic Flaxseed Powder. It’s better to use the powder rather than the seeds since the powder is broken down. That way, the fiber is more easily used by the body.† (6)
Caprylic acid has been found in studies to help eliminate H. Pylori, Candida and other types of pathogens.† (7) InViteⓇ Health’s Nutristatin 144 is a great item.†
Garlic has been found in studies to help eliminate bacteria and fungus such as Candida. (8) See InviteⓇ Health’s Aged Garlic.†
Olive Leaf Extract has been found to help eliminate microbes such as yeast in the body. (9) See InViteⓇ Health’s Olive Leaf Extract and our Renalaid formula.†
Probiotics help to kill bad bacteria and help colonize new healthy bacteria.† (10)
Herbs have been found to help eliminate constipation. Now it is important to stay away from herbs considered laxatives. While these can be a temporary relief, long term they can cause damage to the digestive tract. Triphala fruit complex has been found to help promote bowel movements. (11) See InViteⓇ Health’s Colon HxⓇ, Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm have also been found to help when taken in tea. (12) InViteⓇ Health’s GI Maintain has both of these and can easily be mixed into a warm cup of chamomile tea.†
THE POWER OF ADAPTOGENIC HERBS – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 447 >> Listen Now!
Magnesium Citrate is one of the best supplements to help. It is a natural, non-habit forming stool softener. (13) See InViteⓇ Health’s Magnesium Citrate, Bioavail Magnesium Complex and Bone Powder. Castor oil packs are incredibly powerful tools in helping with concerns. (14) Omega 3s such as Fish Oil and Krill Oil have also been found to help lubricate the stool. (15) See InViteⓇ Health’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil Advanced.†
Next week we’ll cover the topic of Diarrhea.†
