What is the Ileocecal Valve?
The ileocecal valve is located between the ileum, which is the last portion of your small intestine, and the cecum, which is the first portion of your large intestine. Its function is to allow digested food materials to pass from the small intestine into your large intestine.
The ileocecal valve also blocks these waste materials from going back into your small intestine. It is intended to be a one-way valve, only opening up to allow processed foods to pass through.
The ileocecal valve is located between the ileum, which is the last portion of your small intestine, and the cecum, which is the first portion of your large intestine. Its function is to allow digested food materials to pass from the small intestine into your large intestine.
The ileocecal valve also blocks these waste materials from going back into your small intestine. It is intended to be a one-way valve, only opening up to allow processed foods to pass through.
What is Ileocecal Valve Syndrome?
When the ileocecal valve is stuck open waste products can back up into the small intestine, which is much like a backed up kitchen sink drain, disturbing your digestion and creating unhealthy toxins that are absorbed into the body. Also, if the ileocecal valve is stuck closed, waste products are prevented or constricted from passing into the large intestine. Unfortunately, this disorder is often overlooked by the medical profession. A dysfunctional ileocecal valve can result in a combination of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Ileocecal Valve Syndrome?
Symptoms of Ileocal Valve Syndrome can vary widely, and include:
Flu symptoms Tinnitus, or ringing in ears Nausea Headache | Right shoulder pain Right side pelvic pain Low back pain Chest pain/pain around heart | Bad breath Dizziness Bowel disturbances (diarrhea/constipation/bloating) |
What causes Ileocecal Valve Syndrome?
Your emotions and dietary habits both play a role in this intestinal disorder. Poor dietary choices, such as too much crunchy food, and poor eating habits, such as not chewing well, can contribute to Ileocecal Valve Disorder. Caffeine and other food sensitivities can also play a role in disrupting the proper function of the Ileocecal Valve. Overall, the most common causes of Ileocecal Valve Disorder are diet, allergies, food sensitivities, bacterial overgrowth, and stress.
Other physical imbalances related to Ileocecal Valve Disorder are stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, and colon diseases.
How is Ileocecal Valve Syndrome treated?
Treatment for Ileocecal Valve Syndrome requires a holistic approach. A thorough treatment plan will include:
Dietary changes are also necessary in order to fully alleviate symptoms of Ileocecal Valve Syndrome. Some foods to avoid for 2 to 3 weeks include:
Things to consider if you have Ileocecal Valve Syndrome:
Your emotions and dietary habits both play a role in this intestinal disorder. Poor dietary choices, such as too much crunchy food, and poor eating habits, such as not chewing well, can contribute to Ileocecal Valve Disorder. Caffeine and other food sensitivities can also play a role in disrupting the proper function of the Ileocecal Valve. Overall, the most common causes of Ileocecal Valve Disorder are diet, allergies, food sensitivities, bacterial overgrowth, and stress.
Other physical imbalances related to Ileocecal Valve Disorder are stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, and colon diseases.
How is Ileocecal Valve Syndrome treated?
Treatment for Ileocecal Valve Syndrome requires a holistic approach. A thorough treatment plan will include:
- Visceral manipulations with one of our trained physical therapists
- Establishing proper eating habits; for example only eating when sitting down, eating slowly, and fully chewing food before swallowing
- Supplements for chronic cases
Dietary changes are also necessary in order to fully alleviate symptoms of Ileocecal Valve Syndrome. Some foods to avoid for 2 to 3 weeks include:
- Roughage foods: popcorn, nuts, potato chips, pretzels, seeds, whole grains
- Raw fruits and vegetables: celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes
- Spicy foods: chili powder, hot peppers, salsas, black and cayenne pepper, paprika, cloves, cinnamon
- Stimulants: liquors, alcoholic drinks, cocoa, chocolate, caffeine products
Things to consider if you have Ileocecal Valve Syndrome:
- Are you hydrated? Dehydration is a precursor to a stuck ileocecal valve. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Are you keeping your emotions in check? Emotions can make us sick to our stomachs and some people are especially susceptible to these stressors.
- What are you eating? Limit or eliminate these foods from your diet: carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, raw foods, and hot spicy foods.
- How do you eat? In addition to what you eat, keep a watch on what your consumption habits are. Are you overeating, eating too frequently, eating too quickly, eating foods you are sensitive to, under-chewing your food?