Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]† Now that we have gone over joint anatomy and lab work that is important for joint health, it is time to get deeper into our interesting topic. Today we are …
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Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND IBS
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
Many people are confused by the difference between Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While it sounds like the same issue, that is not the case. Both are digestive conditions involving irritation and symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. While that may imply they’re the same, that’s not the case. Irritable Bowel Disease has more destructive symptoms than Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Disease causes inflammation and in some cases permanent harm to the intestines. It’s diagnosed using tests such as a colonoscopy. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome is classified as a “syndrome”. In most cases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not cause permanent damage to the intestines. It’s diagnosed by excluding other causes of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Irritable Bowel Disease increases your risk for colon cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome doesn’t typically affect cancer risk. While both can have systemic symptoms, this is more associated with IBD. We’ll be focusing on the digestive issues that can arise from having these issues. (1)
ICYMI: DIGESTIVE HEALTH PART 6: DIARRHEA >> Read Now!
Irritable Bowel Disease, unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome is broken down into two sub-types, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Ulcerative Colitis involves ulcers and inflammation along the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Crohn’s Disease involves just the inflammation of the digestive tract in the small intestine but can extend to the large intestine. (2)
Symptoms of both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis include diarrhea, fatigue, blood in the stool as well as abdominal pain and cramping. Both forms of Irritable Bowel Disease can cause a decrease in hunger as well as weight loss. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome has similar symptoms, there are some differences. For example, in both Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome there is often cramping, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. However, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also cause constipation or rather than just constipation or diarrhea it can cause both. From a holistic prospective, we know that Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are associated with leaky gut syndrome. As mentioned earlier Irritable Bowel Disease is also associated with systemic symptoms such as joint pain. This is not typically seen in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (3)
Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome can both be triggered by similar conditions. While the exact cause’s for both isn’t known, there are some triggers. An immune system malfunction is an example of one possible trigger, especially in the case of Irritable Bowel Disease. This can be triggered because of a pathogen. Other possible triggers include dietary triggers such as food sensitivities. Stress is another trigger for both Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It’s well documented that stress can make Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome worse. It’s also well known that if you have one autoimmune disease, there is a propensity to develop other autoimmune issues. Certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can increase the risk of Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (4)
Both Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome can cause consequences if not properly treated. If there is long term inflammation with blood loss, it can lead to a person being anemic. If the inflammation extends through the intestinal wall, it can lead to things such as fistulas, fissures and toxic megacolon. Irritable Bowel Disease can affect other parts of the body including the joints, liver, gallbladder as well as the eyes. (5)
Because Irritable Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are so similar, unless you see a doctor, you won’t be properly diagnosed. A stool test, blood work and a colonoscopy will be performed to determine your diagnosis. If you are in remission or having an active flare up, there are certain things that can be helpful during a flare up and other things to avoid during.
Studies show that eliminating any food allergies, sensitivities or foods that just trigger your symptoms can be helpful.(6) Reducing your stress has also been found in studies to help with both IBD(7) and IBS.(8) Castor oil packs have been found to help abdominal cramps and constipation associated with digestive issues. (9)
Probiotics have been found in studies to lower inflammation in the digestive tract, thus helping both IBD and IBS. (15) There are several herbs that can be helpful in working with the symptoms of both IBD and IBS. Aloe Vera has been found to be protective of the digestive tract lining especially in the case of IBD. (16) Slippery Elm is helpful in addressing the symptoms both IBD and IBS in studies. (17) A surprising study finds marshmallow helps the irritated mucus layer of the digestive tract which we know is often seen in IBD and IBS. (18)
Invite Health’s G.I. Maintain, L Glutamine powder and G.I. Rebuild can help IBD and IBS symptoms. L-Glutamine has been found in studies to help modulate the digestive tract’s immune system and can protect our overall gut health. This makes it a great choice for both IBD and IBS (19) Zinc carnosine has been found to lower the amount of gastric inflammation and injury making it helpful for the damage and irritation in IBD and IBS. (20)
If there is no flare up, you can use these products to help with moderate inflammation. Studies show that turmeric is helpful in reducing the inflammatory markers found in IBD (10) while it can help alleviate the symptoms found in IBS too.(11) Invite Health’s Biocurcumin 5 Loxin, Curcumin blend and Turmeric with Ginger are good products to assist with inflammation. Green lipped muscle has been found in studies to help moderate the immune system in IBD.(12) Invite Health’s InflamMune can help with the immune system like Green Lipped Muscle. Omega 3’s have been found to lower the inflammation found in IBD.(13) In fact, a study from Taiwan indicated an Omega 3 deficiency may worsen the signs of IBS. (14) Invite Health’s Fish Oil, bi omega, Krill Oil and Flax seed powder are good sources of Omega-3’s.
For more information on this topic please contact an Invite Health nutritionist for a free consultation about your lifestyle. Next week we will be talking about the difference between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis.
Are you on your computer, playing Xbox, or watching TV? The Blue Blockers will help to enhance your brain and eye fatigue. Listen now to learn more!
Iron is very important for brain function so to learn more listen to Jerry Hickey, Ph podcast discussing supplements that are beneficial for brain health.
back and neck pain
Written by Melissa Bistricer, RDN
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]
Did you know that the spine has over 120 muscles, about 220 ligaments, and 100 joints. That is just the spine alone. Imagine if it is damaged or you’re in pain how many muscles, ligaments, and joints are affected too. We don’t want to continuously be in discomfort and pain. Let us go into some details about clinically-studied nutrients that have been shown to fend off discomfort throughout the body.†
We can simply define pain as “physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury” but does everyone feel the same type of pain? No, because back and neck pain can vary from mild aches to persistent severe pain where it can be disabling. This can occur from overuse, strenuous activity, fractures, trauma, infection, obesity, osteoporosis, muscle tension, poor bone density, and joint problems.†
According to Hopkins Medicine, factors that contribute to back and neck pain can be aging, lack of exercise, medical conditions, smoking, physiological conditions, or obesity. Some symptoms to be aware of if you feel you are experiencing back and neck pain are leg numbness, persistent pain, sharp/shooting pain, loss of bladder and bowel control, and weakness in the legs.†
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Will help to relieve some of the back and neck pain. The diet will help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is bound to happen to most individuals, whether you know or not. Our immune systems create inflammation to help protect the body from infection, injury or diseases. We want to make sure we are not causing any harmful inflammation from consuming a diet rich in processed foods, sugary foods, or pre-packed items. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are part of practicing an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce inflammation. The best foods to start to consume are tomatoes, avocado, olive oil, green leafy vegetables; spinach, kale, collards, fatty fish; salmon, tuna, mackerel, and fruits; strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges.†
Nutrition is where it starts to improve and get rid of inflammation in the body. Given the proper recommendations for vitamins and minerals the body has the optimal potential to regenerate. These nutrients will help to play a critical role in helping reduce inflammation, discomfort, back, and neck pain.†
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, also commonly known as turmeric. The effects of curcumin are limited due to its low bioavailability. Research has suggested the use of bio-curcumin rather than curcumin due to the relatively higher bioavailability and absorption rates. In a clinical study published in the Indian Journal to study the bioavailability of curcuminoids, the bioavailability of BMC-95 was approximately 6.93 fold compared to just curcumin and about 6.3 fold compared to curcumin-lecithin-piperine formula.† 1
5-loxin is derived from Boswellia serrata extract enriched with “30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA).” This has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.2 A double blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was completed to assess the efficacy and safety of 5-loxin for treatments of osteoarthritis of the knee. 2 At the end of the study, results showed significant improvements in discomfort in osteoarthritis patients. 5-loxin has been shown to help reduce discomfort, reduce inflammatory modulators, improve physical function and joint health.† 2
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body’s fluids in the eyes and joints. Hyaluronic acid acts as a protective cushion to the joints and other tissues. It helps the body respond to injury or decrease swelling. When the body is lacking hyaluronic acid, this can cause joint pain and inflammation. Recent research suggests the benefits of hyaluronic acid therapy for osteoarthritis patients.† 3
Devil’s claw was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s, where the dried root was used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, and reduce pain and inflammation. Evidence suggests that devils claw is beneficial to fend off back and neck discomfort. In a large research study of 197 men and women with chronic back pain, taking devils claw daily for a month had significant results with less discomfort and taking fewer painkillers than those of the placebo group.† 4
Strontium is a metal and the same group of periodic elements as calcium. It has been recognized that strontium in high concentrations may be displaced and replaced by calcium in the bones. 5 There is evidence that states a low dose of strontium can increase bone formation rate and trabecular bone density related to strontium-induced stimulation of osteoblastic activity.† 5
Bio-Curcumin 5-Loxin is highly absorbable that supports the body’s inflammatory response and helps with discomfort in the joint, back and neck†
Hyaluronic Acid with Devils Claw supports joint lubrication and overall connective tissue needs†
Strontium is a mineral that offers support for bone and back health, as 99% of strontium’s supply is stored in the bones†
For further questions or concerns related to dietary and nutritional supplement recommendations email me at [email protected]
Sources
1) Antony B, Merina B, Iyer VS, Judy N, Lennertz K, Joyal S. A Pilot Cross-Over Study to Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailability of BCM-95CG (Biocurcumax), A Novel Bioenhanced Preparation of Curcumin. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008;70(4):445-449. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.44591
2) Sengupta, Krishanu & Alluri, Kr & Satish, Andey & Mishra, Simanchala & Golakoti, Trimurtulu & Sarma, Kadainti & Dey, Dipak & Raychaudhuri, Siba. (2008). A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin (R) for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis research & therapy. 10. 10.1186/ar2461.
3) Bowman S, Awad ME, Hamrick MW, Hunter M, Fulzele S. Recent advances in hyaluronic acid based therapy for osteoarthritis. Clin Transl Med. 2018;7(1):6. Published 2018 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s40169-017-0180-3
4) Devil’s Claw. Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/devils-claw. Accessed March 18, 2022.
5) Genuis SJ, Bouchard TP. Combination of Micronutrients for Bone (COMB) Study: bone density after micronutrient intervention. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:354151. doi:10.1155/2012/354151
