(NaturalHealth365)  A new study featured in PLOS Medicine has garnered attention by establishing a noteworthy link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and later-life arrhythmias.  While a definitive causal relationship remains unconfirmed, the study’s insights hold promise for shaping improved health outcomes following an IBD diagnosis.  This finding may open avenues for enhanced patient care and understanding.

Let’s take a quick look at the link between IBD and the heightened risk for ensuing arrhythmias.

Gut issues early in life may have far-reaching effects

The development of IBD in one’s youth, early adult years, or middle age may forge a surprising connection to heart problems in the form of arrhythmias.  The operative words are long-term, as the effects of IBD take some time to hike the risk for arrhythmias.

The study involved analysis of a nationwide histopathology group with IBD confirmed through biopsy.  The individuals who participated in the study were based in Sweden.  Analysis of study participants occurred between 1969 and 2017.  The researchers performed a follow-up at the median point of a decade.

The study revealed the following arrhythmia development rates among different forms of inflammatory bowel disease:

• Crohn’s Disease: 7.6%
• Ulcerative Colitis: 8.9%
• IBD-U (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unclassified): 8.2%

The significance of these heightened percentages lies in their surpassing those of reference individuals.  Even a quarter of a century post-diagnosis, the escalated risk persisted, translating to an additional occurrence of arrhythmia in each of 58 ulcerative colitis, 29 IBD-U, and 80 Crohn’s disease cases within the same timeframe.

If you’ve been diagnosed with IBD, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about the study’s key message: be aware of your elevated risk for arrhythmias.  Take a crucial step forward by undergoing a thorough risk assessment for cardiovascular disease.  While there’s no certainty of developing arrhythmias after an IBD diagnosis, actively staying vigilant and adopting a holistic approach to gut health boosts the chances of achieving better overall health outcomes.

Nourish your gut naturally

The natural approach to gut health centers on dietary modification.  The foods you eat partially determine your gut health.  Add organic yogurt, raw sauerkraut, and kimchi or a probiotic supplement to your daily food intake to promote gut health.

Integrate fiber-packed foods like organic apples and carrots into your diet to support the functionality and health of your excretory system, ensuring regularity.  Not only does fiber play a key role in keeping you “regular,” but it also contributes to overall gut health.  Enhance your diet with a variety of anti-inflammatory foods, such as organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and wild-caught fish, which actively maintain a balanced gut flora.

Amplify your gut-nourishing routine by introducing ginger, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits.  In addition, consider incorporating some homemade bone broth, a collagen-rich elixir that aids in the repair and maintenance of the gut lining, contributing to its overall integrity.

Complement strategic eating with herbal supplements known for promoting gut health.  For instance:

Peppermint oil:  Alleviates gas, bloating, and abdominal pain by relaxing the muscles along the gastrointestinal tract.

Turmeric:  Supports digestion by relaxing muscles along the stomach’s interior walls.

Aloe vera:  Aloe vera juice, containing anthraquinone glycosides, stimulates bowel movement, aiding in constipation and digestive issues.

This holistic approach nourishes your gut and ensures a healthy digestive system.  If you’re currently suffering with gut health issues, look for assistance from a holistic doctor and/or health coach to give you the support you deserve.

Editor’s note: Find out how to reduce the risk of heart arrhythmias and cardiovascular disease, own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

PLOS.org
Medicalxpress.com