Ileocecal Valve Issues
"The ileocecal valve is a sphincter muscle situated at the junction of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine. Its critical function is to limit the reflux of colonic contents into the ileum.[1]
The ileocecal valve is distinctive because it is the only site in the GI tract which is used for Vitamin B12 and bile acid absorption.[citation needed]
Functionally, roughly two litres of fluid enters the colon daily through the ileocecal valve."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ileocecal_valve
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REMEDIES NEEDED
06/03/2011: Patti from Toledo, Ohio, Usa: "I've sucessfully utilized a number of the posting on earthclinic but I still have a problem that I'm not sure how to correct. Frequently my ileocecal valve sticks shut. This valve is located between the small and large intestine and it serves two purposes. First, it acts as a block that prevents the toxic contents of the large intestine from backing up into the small intestine. Second, it keeps the food products in the small intestine from passing into the large intestine before the digestive processes have been completed. When this valve sticks shut, feces stays in the small intestine unable to move any further. This backup causes constipation.
I know that spicy or roughage type foods can irritate the valve and cause it to get stuck as can emotional trauma and stress. But mine seems to get stuck almost every day at least once.
I've modified my diet, eliminating caffeinated foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and popcorn, all with minimal effect. I massage the site (right abdomen just in front of the large pelvic bone), and drink lots of water. I've tried taking chlorophyll, 2 tabs two hours apart for a total of 3 times. When nothing seemed to be happening, and I felt somewhat constipated, I also drank a herbal tea before bedtime that in the past has promoted gentle evacuation. Wow, this led the next day to tremendous diaharrea, inflamation, bleeding etc. Obviously too much "cure". Any suggestions you've found that worked?"
Replies06/12/2011: Kaitlin from Fairfield County, Ct replies: "Hi Patty,I have these very same issues that you do, as does my sister in law! I think it may be more common than people realize, especially in perimenopausal women. The best advice I can give you is to avoid eating too much bread. If I eat bread (or another dense food) more than once a day, or even 2 days in a row, it causes my ileosecal valve to stick. I also make sure to drink water with meals. I have also discovered that if I eat a certain type of bread the day before my period starts, it can trigger a very painful gas attack and incredible stomach pain that can last up to 12 hours.
The most important supplement for me has been enzymes. I am now experimenting with different brands. I bought an expensive raw food supplement that contained 22 enzymes last month and can't tell if it is any better than some of the enzyme products that are much cheaper. I do know that taking enzymes have helped enormously. I have heard that it is better to take enzymes between meals on an empty stomach, but in our case, it might be good to do both (at the start of a meal and in between). Hope this helps."
04/21/2012: Deb from Sandy, Utah replies: "Oregano oil works for everything and has helped me alot! but I recently read that peppermint plus oregano alows the oregano to be absorbed into the intestines. Staying away from dense food such as bread and taking enzymes helps."
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