The Hidden Heart Danger LURKING in Your Gut?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 13, 2024
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no walk in the park.
The cramping, the urgency, the endless trips to the bathroom—it’s a daily struggle that can leave you exhausted and frustrated.
And here’s the kicker: sometimes, IBD’s vague symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or even NO diagnosis at all. Doctors might shrug off your concerns, leaving you feeling unheard and uncared for.
But there are many reasons why you shouldn’t shrug off your symptoms.
And now, new research has uncovered a hidden danger that could be lurking in your gut. Trust me, you’re going to want to pay attention.
A recent Swedish study revealed a startling link between IBD and myocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart muscle.
And my friend, this isn’t just a slight uptick in risk. The numbers are downright alarming.
Patients with IBD were found to have a whopping 50 percent increased risk of developing myocarditis compared to the general population. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they were also 150 percent more likely to suffer from SEVERE myocarditis, which can lead to heart failure, hospitalization, or even death.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Dr. Olson, I was diagnosed with IBD years ago. Surely, I’m out of the woods by now, right?”
Well, not quite. The study found that this increased risk persisted for up to 20 years after diagnosis.
The researchers dug deeper and discovered that the type of IBD mattered, too. Patients with Crohn’s disease had a 48 percent increased risk for myocarditis and a 139 percent increased risk for severe myocarditis.
Those with ulcerative colitis? They were at a 58 percent and 182 percent increased risk, respectively.
And if you’ve been diagnosed with unclassified IBD—you could be at a staggering 214 percent increased risk for severe myocarditis.
Now, I don’t want you to panic.
The absolute risk is still relatively low. But that doesn’t mean you should brush off these findings. Your heart health is nothing to gamble with.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? First and foremost, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. Make sure they’re aware of this link between IBD and myocarditis. They may recommend extra monitoring or screening to keep your ticker in tip-top shape.
And don’t forget the power of prevention. The study authors noted that current guidelines already recommend vaccinations against viruses that can trigger myocarditis.
So, be sure to talk with your doctor about which shots are right for you.
P.S. New research has uncovered a secret IBD trigger that you may be exposed to DAILY.
Source:
Sun J, Yao J, et al., Long-term risk of myocarditis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study in Sweden. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Feb 5. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002701. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38315442.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...