Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Hemorrhoids and Veins Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Many people call telling me they have hemorrhoids and/or anal polyps. I always ask people to be specific as to exactly what is going on in their digestive tract. While to most people, hemorrhoids might seem to …
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 conditions there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria. (1, 2) But just what is diverticulitis? What is SIBO? And what can you do if you are affected by these conditions? It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
Let us start with diverticulitis. In diverticulitis there are small bulging pouches in the intestine. These pouches called diverticula are usually found in the lower parts of the intestines and normally the large intestine. In the case of diverticulitis these pockets have become infected or have an overgrowth of bad bacteria. (3) In contrast diverticulosis is where you have the pouches but there is not an overgrowth of bacteria. In this blog I will be concentrating on diverticulosis which is where you get the infection in the pouches. (1)
SIBO is also an overgrowth of bacteria. One of the differences between diverticulitis and SIBO is location. As I stated diverticulitis usually occurs in the large intestine and as the name implies SIBO occurs in the small intestine. (2) Another difference between the 2 disorders is the type of bacteria that are typically the cause of the infection. While in diverticulitis the bacteria found is typically the type thought of as “bad bacteria’ in the case of SIBO we can find the growth of what is typically considered normal or even “good bacteria.” (1, 2)
I know what you are thinking, this is great, but I am still confused! Well to make a long story short both SIBO and diverticulitis involve an overgrowth of bacteria. SIBO occurs in the small intestine and diverticulitis occurs in pouches typically in the large intestine or lower intestine.
Now what are some of the most common symptoms of diverticulitis? The most common symptoms include cramps, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movements and blood in the stool. (4) You may also experience abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, fever, and chills. Long term there may be a decrease in appetite which can result in weight loss. (5) The symptoms of SIBO are like diverticulitis! To start there typically are changes in bowel movements. With SIBO this change tends to run towards diarrhea more often than constipation. However, constipation does occur more often than you would expect. Therefore, in my professional opinion the presence of constipation should not automatically rule out SIBO. Other symptoms that are also like diverticulitis include gas, bloating, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain and even loss of appetite and thus weight loss. Those symptoms more strongly associated with SIBO include fatigue, joint pain, insomnia, brain fog and even nutrient deficiencies such as low B12. (6)
When it comes to risk factors for diverticulitis and SIBO once again some of them are the same. For both diverticulitis and SIBO constipation or slow transit time can increase your risk. (7, 8) Anything that can increase the risk of constipation can increase the risk of both digestive concerns. For example, a low fiber diet and even a high meat diet. Other risk factors more linked to diverticulitis include extreme weight loss, advanced age, a genetic predisposition, and a condition called Ehlers Danlos syndrome. (7) There are also some factors that cause food to move more slowly through the small intestine thus they increase the risk of SIBO. These factors include low stomach acid, structural malformations of the small intestine, IBD, immunodeficiency and even certain medications. (8) Lastly as we all know stress and anxiety can lead to constipation thus increasing the risk of diverticulitis and SIBO. (7, 8)
What can you do to help with the symptoms of diverticulitis and SIBO?
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Pulled Back Muscles or Muscle Strain Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Experiencing a pulled muscle or muscle strain is probably one of the causes of back pain that almost everyone has heard of. Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or know someone who has experienced it a …
Healing After Dental Work Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to dental health one of the most frequent questions, I get asked is what should I take after I get dental work? In this blog I will be reviewing supplements that promote dental health …
How Osteo-Lube™ Supports your Health!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to take the time to talk about a product that in my mind just does not get nearly enough attention! This product is called Osteo-Lube™. I bet you are thinking Osteo-Lube™ what the heck is that? Well simply put it is a powder that is full of natural anti-inflammatories. So, let us get into it, shall we?
Osteo-Lube™ is a powder which is important for a few reasons. Being in a powdered form means it’s easy to use. First, you can mix it into water or juice. You can even mix a scoop of the powder into yogurt or applesauce. But you can also get creative and mix the formula into a menthol rub for a natural anti-inflammatory cream! You can even mix it into a warm bath to enhance the pain reducing and muscle relaxing effects of the warm water. Being in a powder has other benefits. If you read my blog on Beets Hx, another Invite Health powder, I will go into detail on just why being a powered formula has advantages over tablets or capsules. But all this is about the delivery system. What is in the actual formula itself that is so good for our overall health? Well to start with there’s ginger.
Studies have found that ginger helps to reduce inflammation. In a 12-week study those who had RA found a significant decrease in inflammatory markers. In another study those with RA reported a reduction in C-reactive protein, which is a well-known inflammation marker. In fact, in a 2020 study when ginger was combined with curcumin and black pepper it was as effective as naproxen in reducing inflammation and pain. (1) Osteo-Lube™ contains both curcumin and ginger! This is important for any inflammation-based illness. For example, inflammation plays a role in the pain associated with TMJ disease. For more information on this topic please see my blog on TMJ.
In addition to ginger Osteo-Lube™ contains curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric! Studies have found that it is both a powerful antioxidant as well as a potent anti-inflammatory. (2) Studies have also found that curcumin can help to reduce the symptoms of different forms of arthritis. (3)
Boswellia, shown to be helpful as well as curcumin. In fact, studies have found that boswellia can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. (4)
Osteo-Lube™ also contains Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) complex. Studies have found that this has beneficial effects for those who have arthritis pain. (5) Studies have also found it to be helpful in reducing pain from an autoimmune illness such as psoriatic arthritis. (6)
Something that may surprise you is the proteolytic enzyme blend. Studies have found numerous benefits for enzymes including being helpful for the digestive tract, immunity and even for reducing the inflammation that causes pain. (7)Osteo-Lube™also contains DMG. While more studies are needed recent studies have found evidence that DMG may help to reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions such as lupus. (8)
Quercetin is another nutrient that may surprise you. Studies have found a number of benefits for quercetin including reducing inflammation. It is also a strong antioxidant. Interestingly, quercetin has been shown to help with normalizing both blood pressure and blood sugar. (9) For information on how quercetin helps respiratory health please check out my blog series on that topic!
Rutin, shown to have multiple health benefits. It is antiulcer, vaso-protective, an antioxidant, antibacterial and even anti-inflammatory. (10) Luteolin from perilla leaf, shown to be a strong anti-inflammatory as well as antidiabetic formula. (11) Lastly cayenne has benefits for our digestive health, pain relief and even is helpful in reducing congestion. It is well known that creams made with capsaicin help to reduce pain. (12)
Now before I wrap this up, I just wanted to remind everyone that ginger, and turmeric have more benefits than what I have listed. Ginger, shown to help with nausea (including morning sickness!). In a recent study ginger showed help with weight loss. Ginger, shown to help reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Ginger can even reduce certain heart disease markers. Ginger can even help with indigestion. Lastly studies have found it can help fight infections. (13) Studies have found that turmeric, in addition to helping with pain can help with reducing depression. It has also been found to have benefits for memory loss, including potentially helping in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric, found to help against heart disease. (14)
As you can see the nutrients in Osteo-Lube™ have numerous benefits. Speak to an Invite nutritionist to see if it is right for you!
Our next topic will be Dry Mouth.
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