What is the Ileocecal Valve?
The ileocecal valve is a sphincter located in the last section of the small intestine (ileum), connecting to the first portion of the large intestine (cecum). It opens to allow digested food to pass downward and closes to prevent the backflow of colonic contents or waste into the small intestine (ileum). (1)
What is the connection between the Ileocecal Valve and SIBO?
In one of my previous blog posts, I wrote about SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth); a digestive disorder when an ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐. Generally, in the small intestine, there should be less amount of bacteria, but when an overpopulation happens, it leads to different symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea/ constipation, abdominal pain, skin issues, food intolerances, etc. (2)
To get diagnosed with SIBO, you need to perform a 3-hour lactulose /glucose breath test.
There are many root causes and risk factors that can cause SIBO. Your body has its own defense mechanism to prevent overgrowth; however, when structural problems (adhesions, blind loops), gut motility disorders (impaired migrating motor complex, medications), or biochemical abnormalities (poor bile flow, low stomach acid, low immunity, thyroid dysfunctions) occur then, it gives the green light to SIBO. An impaired Ileocecal valve function is one of the risk factors that fall under structural issues. (3)
What does it mean that the valve is impaired?
It means the valve opens for too long and allows waste to flow back into the small intestine, resulting in ileocecal valve syndrome (ICVS), which may predispose an individual to SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). (4)
Ileocecal valve syndrome occurs when theย valve becomesย stuck in an open or closed position. An open ileocecal valveย may lead to SIBO orย diarrhea, whereas a closed valve can causeย constipation. Besides, gas production by the bacteria may also put further pressure on the valve. (5)
Other symptoms of Ileocecal Valve Syndrome:
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Headache
- Right shoulder pain
- Low back pain
What causes the Ileocecal Valve Syndrome?
- Dehydration
- Irritant foods: popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, seeds, whole grains
- Stimulants: caffeine products (coffee, black tea), cocoa, chocolate
- Alcohol
- Strong spices: chili, black, and cayenne pepper, hot peppers
- Infections (parasitic, fungal, bacterial, viral) โ post-infectious IBS that occurs after a food poisoning event, and toxins are released by bacteria that interfere with MMC (migrating motor complex, which is a cleansing wave of the gut)
- Gut dysbiosis (low levels of beneficial bacteria that also have an effect on gut motility)
- Chronic stress, emotional trauma, and nervous system dysregulation are impacting the vagus nerve function
- Unhealthy eating habits (not chewing your food well, eating too fast, too frequently)
- Adrenal imbalances
- Medications(6)
A study has suggested that dysfunction of this valve can contribute to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhea, heart symptoms, insomnia, nerve pain, muscle pain, stiffness, etc. (5)
How to maintain a properly functioning ileocecal valve?
- Chiropractic or acupressure treatment
- Ileocecal valve massage
- Mindful eating habits (chewing well, eating slowly)
- Following an anti-inflammatory diet and eliminating the irritating foods from your diet (as mentioned above)
- Using natural supplements such as liquid chlorophyll, HCl with pepsin, choline, calcium, and adrenal support (7)
- Treating bacterial overgrowth and other possible infections
- Repopulating the gut with good bacteria using fermented foods or specific pre-and probiotics
This post is only for informational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. I recommend consulting with your healthcare practitioner always before trying any treatment or dietary changes.
Alexandra is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist specializing in IBS, SIBO, and Gut Health. She helps her clients identify the root causes of their chronic gut issues with functional testing, supporting their bodies holistically and implementing the necessary lifestyle changes long-term to regain control of their bodies and enjoy food freedom. Book your FREE SIBO Assessment call now >>>