Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
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 …
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. YOU’RE OLDER, THINK ABOUT TAKING THESE SUPPLEMENTS – INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 620 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our …
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Constipation
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
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.†
Canker Sores can be so painful, wouldn’t you love to learn how you can simply heal them. Well learn today by listening Melissa’s Podcast today!
Did you take a multivitamins when you were younger? Should we continue to take them as we age? Find out more from Allie Might, INHC.
Supplement
Written by Melissa Bistricer, RDN
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]
Just because you eat a well-balanced diet, doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from supplements. This is because our fruits and vegetables, aren’t grown with the same nutrient dense soil as in the past.†
Health at every age is extremely important. A healthy diet, lifestyle and supplement routine, helps support normal function in the body and anti-aging. This promotes a feeling of physical, mental and social well-being. You can learn more about diet and supplements that support wellness at InViteⓇ Health.† Adhering to a healthy diet is key! When you follow the general guidelines according to The My Plate Method, we should be consuming ½ a plate of non-starchy vegetables, ¼ of a plate of Carbohydrates, and ¼ of a plate of protein.†
Krill Oil Advanced is derived from shrimp-like crustaceans that provide important omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA). According to the American Heart Association omega-3, fatty acids help to protect against cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown krill oil has the ability to lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels.†
A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was done on krill oil effects on brain function. The results indicated a significant change in cognition in elderly adults. Krill oil, with mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), is effective in supporting brain health. It has also been seen to support blood vessel function, healthy circulation and blood pressure, heart health, cholesterol levels, and brain health. The astaxanthin in the Krill Oil Advanced formula at InViteⓇ Health is a powerful antioxidant that helps promote a healthy inflammatory response and heart health.†
Probiotic HxⓇ is formulated to provide “good” bacteria in your intestines, for proper digestion and overall health. The body naturally needs certain strains of healthy bacteria. This is needed to counteract the negative effects of unhealthy bacteria that often lead to digestive concerns; such as bloating and gas, improper immune system function, and skin concerns like acne.†
Probiotic supplements have had a positive impact on several health outcomes. The probiotic at InViteⓇ Health contains 600 million CFU (0.6 billion) of LactoSpore, a healthy bacteria stain colonizing into additional flora. LactoSpore has been proven in human clinical trials to be effective in supporting digestion and a healthy immune system.†
There have been new studies to support the use of probiotics on mental health disorders. Specifically, a clinical trial has studied that the strains to help the most with mental health are lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria.2 Probiotics have been seen to influence macrophages, signaling the pathways to affect the cytokines and apoptosis. Mental health disorders have been associated with the gut, dysbiosis, and digestion due to inflammation markers.2 The use of probiotics has been studied to help alleviate some mental health symptoms.†
SUGAR AND MENTAL HEALTH – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 429 >> Listen Now!
Core Multivitamin is essential to ensure you are getting a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals to support your overall health. This can help to combat any depleted nutrients that you are unaware of. The Core Multivitamin is beneficial; it has carotenoid pigments such as lutein and lycopene, and tocotrienols which support brain health, eye health, and circulatory systems.†
Vitamin D3 600 IU is generally known as the sunshine vitamin, is the number 1 common deficiency in the world. Vitamin D is naturally obtained by sunlight, in minimal concentration. You can find it in foods such as sardines, fatty fish, mushrooms, and egg yolks. Adequate levels of vitamin D are essential to promote bone health, immune response, metabolism, and overall health.†
Extensive studies have shown the importance of vitamin D for bone health in children and adults. They also show, Vitamin D helped to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, multiple cancers, and infectious diseases.†
Krill Oil Advanced supports cardiovascular, brain health and supplies EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and omega-3, phospholipids to support circulation and memory health †
Probiotic HxⓇ helps friendly bacteria to supply five different clinically studied, non-GMO strains of healthy bacteria, to support healthy digestion, immunity, and skin health †
Core Multivitamin formula provides antioxidants, phytonutrients and essential vitamins and minerals; specifically formulated to support energy while helping to combat nutrient depletions and supporting eye health †
Vitamin D3 600 IU supports bone and immune health, metabolism, and overall wellness. Natural cholecalciferol offers an active form of vitamin D to support adequate levels †
1. Konagai C, Yanagimoto K, Hayamizu K, Han L, Tsuji T, Koga Y. Effects of krill oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form on human brain function: a randomized controlled trial in healthy elderly volunteers. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1247-1257. doi:10.2147/CIA.S50349
2. Thomas CM, Versalovic J. Probiotics-host communication: Modulation of signaling pathways in the intestine. Gut Microbes. 2010;1(3):148-163. doi:10.4161/gmic.1.3.11712
3. Should I take a daily multivitamin? The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/multivitamin/. Published November 12, 2021. Accessed April 13, 2022.
4. Holick MF. Evidence-based D-bate on health benefits of vitamin D revisited. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(2):183-190. doi:10.4161/derm.20015
