Improve Ileocecal Valve Function With Fiber And Dietary Changes

The ileocecal valve, which is made up of sphincter muscles that close the ileum, prevents toxins and other materials that are released by the appendix from entering into the small intestine.  Additionally, the ileocecal valve helps to keep digested material in the small intestine until all of the nutrients have been absorbed.  When the food residue is ready for elimination, the small intestine mixes bile, mucus, and other excretions with the food residue and releases it systematically through the ileocecal valve into the large intestine.  This process prevents an overload of material in the intestine for the body to eliminate. 

When the toxic material of the colon is able to enter back into the intestine, where it becomes rapidly reabsorbed, ileocecal valve syndrome occurs, which can lead to infection and disease.  Symptoms of ileocecal valve syndrome include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irregular bowel movements, lower right bowel tenderness, acne, immune weakness, migraines, and duodenal ulcers. 

To avoid ileocecal valve syndrome one should eat a diet that is high in fiber and includes whole grains.  These whole grains should be soaked and cooked in order to avoid irritating the valve.  Foods that cause constipation such as diary products, meat, and bananas should be avoided.  Raisins, figs, and stewed prunes should be eaten for breakfast.  More fresh fruits and vegetables should be added to the diet.  Softer raw vegetables such as leaf lettuce, spinach, avocados, sprouts, and tomatoes should be used first. 

Additionally, one should reduce the amount of meat that they eat and take a fiber supplement in order to avoid constipation.  Fasting on juices two or three days a week will help to speed the healing process of the digestive tracts.  Grains that are thermos-cooked are healing on the digestive tract and rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and protein.  The slow cooking process protects the body from destruction of vital enzymes.   Milet, buckwheat, and basmati brown rice can also be eaten for breakfast, as they are easy for the body to digest and extremely nourishing.  Raw vegetables and fruits, steamed vegetables, yams, and avocados are all also extremely helpful in healing the digestive tract, so they are recommended. 

Nutritional supplements that can assist with ileocecal valve syndrome include antioxidants, vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, blue-green algae, acidophilus, and stomach enzymes.  Also, aloe vera juice, cat’s claw, grape seed extract, pau d’arco, licorice, goldenseal, slippery elm, and comfrey are great herbal aids for helping for ileocecal valve syndrome. 

Colon health is a lot more important than most people realize, as the digestive process is directly related to the health of the body, immune system function, and overall longevity.  When any disease occurs, the colon should be the first thing looked to for treatment.  By understanding what it means to have a healthy colon, adding natural fiber, nutritional supplements, herbal aids, and a change in diet, one can promote overall colon health.  Eating habits should be changed slowly and unhealthy, nutrition robbing foods should be eliminated from the diet and replaced with whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables.