This article is about a less known source of discomfort in the lower bowels.
Check the following list:
- flu like symptoms
- headaches, migraines
- tinnitus
- diarrhea, constipation
- bladder infection
- lower back pain
- right shoulder pain
- unexplained thirst
- nausea
- excessive gas
- dark rings under the eyes
- depression, low energy
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for any period of time, there is a chance that you are suffering from a dysfunction of your ileocecal valve, the intestinal valve that separates the small intestines from the colon.
This dysfunction is quite common, and is also dealt with under the name Ileocecal Valve Syndrome.
The ileocecal valve is a sphincter muscle in the lower right abdomen very close to the spot usually associated with the appendix. It separates the end of the small intestines – the ileum- from the first part of the large intestines – the cecum.
Acute painful stress of the ileocecal valve can sometimes be confused with an inflamed appendix.
The valve is controlled by three sources: the digestion process, the nervous system, and the hormone system.
Let’s look how the ileocecal valve works during digestion.
A healthy valve would stay closed to hold the food in the small intestines until the digestion and absorption of nutrients is completed. It will then open up and let the digested food remains enter into the large intestines, the colon. Afterwards, it will close again and prevent the stuff from the colon to reenter the small intestines. In its proper function, it is designed as a one-way valve.
The working of the ileocecal valve can be disrupted in two ways:
- first, it could stay open most of the time. As a result, the food to be digested would pass through the small intestines too fast, too few nutrients would be absorbed, and the mostly undigested food would enter the colon, where bacterial processes could cause a lot of gas; and you might experience diarrhea.
- Second, the ileocecal valve could be shut most of the time. Food would the stay for too long in the small intestines, and could start to rot and cause gas in the small intestines; toxins from the rotting food could be absorbed into you system and force the liver to work overtime; you could feel bloated, and experience constipation.
Contrary to common belief, more roughage and fibre could do more harm than good, because the raw fibres can be very abrasive to the gut lining and the ileocecal valve, so that an already stressed valve can get even more irritated.
This does by no means imply that you should stop eating foods with fibre (see later). It may sound contaradictionary – but fibre is still very important for your digestion. The fibre you should avoid comes from raw uncooked food.
Here is a summary of all the foods that can irritate an ileocecal valve and worsen its dysfunction:
- raw fruits and vegetables
- beans, lentils
- grains, seeds, nuts
- popcorn ! – the skins act like razor blades !
- fermented foods, like vinegar, pickles, soy sauce
- acidic fruits, like lemons, oranges
- onions, garlic, leeks
- hot spices, like chili powder, curry, cayenne, ginger, pepper, cinnamon
- caffeine, chocolate, green and black tea
If you experience ileocecal valve problems, it might be the best to avoid these foods for a period of at least two weeks. This will allow your ileocecal valve to relax, and the inflammation to heal.
To get enough fibre in this time you can eat soft cooked vegetables and fruits. Dark green leafy vegetables are the best for this diet.
The diet should consist out of five parts of cooked vegetables and fruits with two parts of protein. Meat, eggs, and dairy are OK. A few table spoons full of omega-3 rich oils are recommended (walnut oil, hemp oil, flax oil).
Ideally, you should see a trained practitioner who can readjust the working of the ileocecal valve, and give you advice how to reduce any situations that could trigger any new ileocecal valve dysfunctions.
Disclaimer: This article is not designed to provide medical advice or professional services. It is intended to be for educational use only. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem you should consult your doctor.
I am a bodyworker/ massage therapist, recently diagnosed and receieving treament for an ileocecal valve issue. I just startred reading A Pathway to Health written by a D.O. and Viseral Manipulator . Concerning the IC valve and the other valves in the Large Intestine Dr Barral, founder of Viseral Manipulation concidered the I C valve to be able to regulate the other valves once succesfully healed. I myself am looking for a Viseral Manipulator to help me. I have structure issues and know first hand that if an organ and a bone are compressing each other than there needs to be space between them to allow mobility and motility, optimal health. Anti Inflammintory food is important but this issue of bone, fascia, organ, emotion is imperative to the workings of the body and understanding the IC valve. Best to all and if anyone has had results with VM please respond. Thanks
I am on day two of this diet. Not easy, but I will do anything as I think it may be connected to my feet. I have been able to stand or walk for 2 years. Fell down the stairs and saw more doctors and therapists than I can count.
My therory is that the systemic inflammation from the toxin overload is stopping my feet from healing after a fall on my heals. The I-S valve is very painful. I massaged it Medium pressure but now it’s really sore. Is cabbage ok? Some sites say no fruit? Broccoli all cooked of course. Canned fish? Sardines? Oysters?
I’m 53 and active. Five foot two and hundred and 21 pounds. I miss walking so much, tough for a former triathlete.
Hope I’m on the right track…
Need help!
my more recent personal experience – and this is by no means any advice to copy this – is that the ileocecal valve problems are an expression of emotional issues, and not caused by any food groups or any particular food preparation. I changed from a ‘normal’ cooked food diet to a virtualy all-raw food vegetarian diet a few weeks ago, and my tension haedaches, which I partly connected to ileocecal valve problems, have all gone; I also lost nearly 30 pounds in weight within 6 weeks, and am now 172 pounds at 6ft tall.
it is not about what we eat, but about how we feel after we have eaten; and about to get aware why we eat.
I wish you all the best
20+ yrs ago I had an appendectomy which turned into an exploratory lap because my appendix was just fine. What was found was tons of adhesions. We have no idea where they come from and some speculated it is scar tissue left from having polio. At any rate, my ICV has been quiet for a long time but is now in a proper rage. I know there is a mess of adhesions in that area. I am also almost constantly backed up due to medication for nerve damage in my spine. I have read several articles (wow that was nice as I couldn’t find any 10-15 yrs ago) and have been trying to figure out what has triggered this. I don’t eat often, and usually small meals, but have no teeth so I am guessing it’s a combination of that and spicy foods. I have to ask if it can be triggered by constipation? I get sharp, shooting pains that sometimes go down my rt leg. Emotionally there really isn’t anything that has set me off. I don’t know what to do now.
Thank you for your Ileocecal Valve Syndrome | TransformationPowerTools | for personal growth and transformation post. You have included some very useful migraines causes tips and information in this post. Thanks for sharing, Helen
The improper function of the ileocecal valve is due the fact that people today deffecate in sitting position. The ileocecal (IC) valve is designed to prevent toxic “backflow” to the small intestine – but only in the squatting position. The IC valve needs to be supported by the right thigh in order to withstand the pressure built up during elimination. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation, contaminating the small intestine.
Read more: How to Open and Close an Ileocecal Valve | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5153450_open-close-ileocecal-valve.html#ixzz19YBQxyty
the chiropractors on our area are quite good, i love to learn their trade secret`;:
omega3 really helps in preventing clogged arteries and cardiovascular diseases::*
thanks for mentioning this.
omega faty acids from natural sources, such as seeds, nuts, and fish, are an important part of a healthy diet.
however, the omega oil science is really quite complex, and just focussing on one member of the omegas is not enough. the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is also very important.
and do remember that not all omega 3 are the same.
if you are deper interested in these facts, read the book by udo erasmus.
Omega 3 oil can really help your heart and arteries so take a sip of it regularly.;.-
i personally consider hemp oil to be the best source of dietary omega fatty acids – if you can get it in your local health food store …
It is important that you move your bowel regularly, fiber rich diet helps prevent constipation.
Whenever i have diarrhea, i just take some Diatabs or Imodium tablets and it gives me some relief after a few minutes.`-,
I agree with Betty … as this problem can be a direct consequence of the controlling nerve of the Illeocecal valve from the spine.
My Chiropractor is great not only is he the only one that has been able to diagnose it quickly but is also able to assist with a treatment and also assist with a suspected allergy that I have (wheat, yeast or Gluten).
See a Chiropractor !!!
BettyBlersch,
I am certainly biased because I am a chiropractor and applied kinesiologist; however, it was first brought to the attention of practitioners and patients by Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor and founder of applied kinesiology. So that’s who I would go to if I was in your situation. Good luck!
I’ve had great success correcting my illeocecal valve by taking about 1000mg of calcium and magnesium (helps valve relax), and about 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil (source of omega 3, vitamin A and D) a day. I recommend anyone suffering from this problem avoid the foods mentioned in this article for two weeks, and take these supplements… i also find a good probiotic supplement helps, since this problem creates bacterial overgrowth. Anyways, I tried this method and it works!
I definetely have Ileocecal Valve malfunction and have had for some time. What kind of professional do I need for a more permanent adjustment? My acupuncturist has adjusted me for that but it does not last. The condition is making me quite upset. Thanks for the diet suggestions. I will try them.
Hi Betty!
I am like you… i get VERY upset with the pain and discomfort I experience when my I-S valve is agrovated. It is right now actually…. I’m so over it =(
It’s been about 3 years now… it’s better now that I’ve been on a gut healing diet, though it’s not fixed up.
I have had chiros, kinesiolgists, acupuncturists, osteopaths and holistic naturopaths look at it and work on it…. temporary relief, but nothing permenant. All of them say “Ileosecal Valve”…. not sure/cannot remember if it’s open or closed…. i think it is one and then the other actually!!!
Have you had any relief yet??
What has worked??
I am officially going off green tea for 2 weeks to see what happens … boo… i love love love my green tea!!
Love and light to you
Fiona =)