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
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...