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 …
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 …
Kidney Health Part 3
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In this blog on kidney health, I will be reviewing polycystic kidney disease (PKD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and even kidney failure. The reason I have for putting these 3 disorders in one blog is that all 3 place you at an increased risk of needing dialysis. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys. Now how are these cysts different from the common kidney cysts I mentioned in part 2 of kidney health? Well, PKD forms cysts that usually affect kidney function whereas common kidney cysts are usually harmless. PKD is due to a specific gene mutation, which can be inherited. In contrast common kidney cysts occur when the tube of a nephron begins to swell and fill with fluid. While the exact causes of common kidney cysts are not yet known it is known that they do not form because of an inherited condition. (1, 2) Please see the picture of common kidney cysts (3) vs. PKD. (1)
There are 2 forms of PKD. The first form is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This often does not present symptoms until adulthood. Symptoms can include flank pain, high blood pressure, headaches, UTI, kidney stone and blood in your urine. The second form of PKD is autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). In this case symptoms start soon after birth or in early childhood. In fact, during pregnancy cysts may be detected on the fetus’s kidneys during a prenatal ultrasound. Symptoms can include low birth weight, high blood pressure at birth, breathing problems and a swollen abdomen. Other symptoms can include growth failure, frequent UTIs, pain and even high blood pressure. (1) Now what symptoms might you expect with simple kidneys cysts? While they usually don’t cause symptoms, they may cause pain, fever, frequent urination and bloody/dark urine. In some cases, they may lead to an increase in blood pressure. (2)
PKD can have severe complications. In fact, ARPD can be fatal in babies with severe diseases. Other complications can include UTIs, kidneys stones and high blood pressure that can be hard to control. PKD can increase the risk of brain aneurysms, heart valve problems, colon issues, preeclampsia, and liver/pancreatic cysts. PKD can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis. (1) Complications of simple cysts can include infections; urine blockage and the cyst may burst or bleed. (2)
Moving on to chronic kidney disease (CKD). What is CKD? Well CKD basically mean’s that there is damage to the kidneys, and they aren’t working as well as they should. CKD gets worse over time and gradually the kidneys will be less and less able to do all their jobs. Eventually as the kidneys begin to fail dialysis may become necessary. There are 5 stages of CKD. Please see the attached chart. (4)
| stage | GFR (mL/min) | What It Means |
| Stage 1 | 90 and higher | Your kidneys are working well but you have signs of mild kidney damage. |
| Stage 2 | 60 to 89 | Your kidneys are working well but you have more signs of mild kidney damage. |
| Stage 3a | 45 to 59 | Your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should and show mild to moderate damage. This is the most common stage. You may notice symptoms at this stage. |
| Stage 3b | 30 to 44 | Your kidneys show moderate damage and don’t work as well as they should. With the right treatment, many people can stay in this stage and never advance to stage 4. |
| Stage 4 | 15 to 29 | You have very poor kidney function; your kidneys are severely damaged and close to not working. |
| Stage 5 | Less than 15 | Your kidneys are very close to failing or have stopped working. You may need kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant at this stage. |
CKD can be inherited and run in families. There are a number of disorders that can lead to CKD. These can include autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and other disorders such as diabetes related nephropathy. Polycystic kidney disease is also a risk factor. Other conditions that can lead to CKD include glomerulonephritis, membranous nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, vesicoureteral reflux, and any urinary tract obstructions. Certain medicine can also lead to CKD. Having a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and abnormal kidney structure/size, and being over age 60 can all increase the risk of developing CKD. Complications include high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve damage, infections, fluid buildup and metabolic acidosis. You may become anemic, have high potassium or high phosphorus. You may develop gout and even brittle bones. Over time you may need dialysis. (4)
Finally, there is Kidney failure. Kidney failure is exactly what it sounds like. One or both of your kidneys can no longer function well on their own. This can either be temporary or chronic. (5) Just like with CKD there are 5 stages. Please see the above chart for staging. Kidney failure is more common than you might expect. It affects 750,000 people in the US every year and 2 million worldwide. What can cause our kidneys to fail? Well common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes are lupus, PKD glomerular disease and untreated systemic diseases. Also, any urinary tract obstruction, severe dehydration, and even certain medications. Signs that your kidneys may be failing can include fatigue, nausea/vomiting, swelling, cramps, change in appetite and even confusion or trouble concentrating. There may be frequent urination and dry skin. Advanced kidney failure will require dialysis, and you may need a kidney transplant.
In our next and final blog, I will be reviewing dialysis and supplements that you can use both before and during dialysis.
Sources
