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.

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