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New research links chronic constipation and diarrhea to organ failure
Constipation and diarrhea are problems in themselves.
However, there is a new study links chronic versions of those ailments to organ failure.
Dr. Dutch Vanderveldt, a gastroenterologist at Texas Health Dallas and Texas Health Frisco, explains how this is possible.
The authors emphasize that gut function in general is associated with many health outcomes.
A direct link could be that someone suffers from severe constipation, but in the long term it could also lead to diverticulosis or a direct bowel disease.
Indirectly, the effect that the microbes in the intestines have on humans in general would be. And there is a lot of research into that.
In this particular article, the authors emphasize that in patients with constipation, a certain blood metabolite called 3-IS associated with renal impairment or chronic kidney disease.
How is that possible? Gut microbes produce a metabolite and digest proteins, and that metabolite then goes into the blood. And that blood level is a toxic level and can cause problems with the kidneys.
This gives us another insight into what we might call the gut-brain-body connection.
I think the real message here is that it adds to the general literature and research that shows that healthy gut flora is incredibly important to the overall health of the body.
Well, this article simply points to an association, not a causal or non-causal problem. The importance is that it adds to this work that says that when gut health is not good – as evidenced by constipation or diarrhea – it can have consequences for the person as a whole.
What is the best way to deal with such problems?
I think that when people experience changes in their bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation, the first step is always a change in their lifestyle:
- sleep well
- get some good exercise
- drink enough water
- dietary changes
- reducing the amount of alcohol you drink,
- Make sure you get enough fiber through your diet.
We are talking about medicines from there. And then we are talking about more, unique treatments.
In very specific cases, for example, there are treatments that fecal transplant where fecal microbiota from another person are injected into that person to help him or her rid themselves of specific bacteria.
Research is being conducted into probiotics, symbiotics and prebiotics, specifically for people with certain medical conditions or immune problems or for young people.
Research is also now being done into a person's microbiota and into probiotics and prebiotics that are specifically tailored to that person, in order to stimulate the good bacteria.
So it's easier to take care of yourself?
I know this almost sounds cliché at this point, right? Because it’s the first thing we always hear: diet and exercise, taking care of yourself, eating a good diet, making sure you’re hydrated. But it’s so important. And it’s the foundation for treating a lot of GI disorders. It’s the first thing we talk about when we talk to our patients.
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