Nutritionists are medical professionals in food and nutrition and work one-on-one to develop an optimal nutrition plan for their body type, age, and health conditions. They explain the right foods to eat, how different foods impact the body, and what foods to avoid. Individuals can benefit from working with a nutritionist to help achieve a healthier lifestyle through education and healthy choices.
Working With A Nutritionist
Nutritionists work with individuals to enhance their knowledge about general nutrition, food, and health. Their focus is on food behavior, which includes developing and implementing meal plans to improve the individual’s or family’s nutrition. Nutritionists work in:
Clinical settings – hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, fitness and health, and chiropractic clinics.
Government – local health departments.
School districts – regarding school nutrition standards.
Private business – independent work in combination with other medical professionals.
Research – with various health and/or sports organizations.
Benefits
Working with a nutritionist will determine what factors are challenging an individual’s eating habits and triggers and find ways to overcome those barriers. Benefits include:
Nutrition plans are based on nutritional needs, current health, and lifestyle.
Nutrition plans cut down on grocery bills.
Shopping with a specific list cuts down on the extra foods being purchased.
Proper nutrition can help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, combined with a primary care doctor or specialist treatment.
Nutritionists can help individuals dealing with food allergies or who have been diagnosed could require a diet change.
Nutritionists can help motivate when struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Responsibilities and Daily Activities
Nutritionists help individuals reach various goals, like weight loss, healthier eating habits, and stress management, and can be responsible for the following:
Evaluating health needs.
Screening for nutritional risk.
Discussing nutrition and eating habits.
Providing educational resources.
Developing personalized nutrition plans.
Talking about nutritional issues with individual families.
Discussing nutrition plans with primary doctors and other healthcare teams.
Equipping individuals with food behavior modification tools.
Adjusting plans as needed.
Monitoring progress.
Treating conditions and disease management through nutrition.
Functional Nutrition
References
Carrard, Isabelle et al. “Un outil pour évaluer les comportements alimentaires: ESSCA” [A tool for assessing eating behaviors: ESSCA]. Revue medicale suisse vol. 12,511 (2016): 591-6.
Golan, M, and A Weizman. “Reliability and validity of the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire.” European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 52,10 (1998): 771-7. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600647
Greenwood, Jessica L J, et al. “Healthy eating vital sign: a new assessment tool for eating behaviors.” ISRN obesity vol. 2012 734682. 22 Jul. 2012, doi:10.5402/2012/734682
Kelley, Claire P et al. “Behavioral Modification for the Management of Obesity.” Primary care vol. 43,1 (2016): 159-75, x. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.10.004
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for nearly 2,000 years. It became popular in Europe in the early 20th century. It has the same health benefits as tea, is rich in probiotics, contains antioxidants, and can destroy harmful bacteria. Kombucha sales are growing at stores because of its health and energy benefits.
Kombucha
It is typically made with black or green tea, sugar, healthy bacteria, and yeast. It is flavored by adding spices or fruits into the tea while it ferments. It is fermented for about a week, when gases, 0.5 percent of alcohol, beneficial bacteria, and acetic acid are produced. The fermentation process makes the tea slightly effervescent. It contains B vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, but the nutritional content will vary depending on the brand and its preparation.
Benefits
The benefits include:
Improved digestion from the fact that fermentation makes probiotics.
Helps with diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome/IBS.
Toxin removal
Increased energy
Improved immune system health
Weight loss
Helps with high blood pressure
Heart disease
Kombucha, made from green tea, includes the benefits of:
Beneficial bacteria are known as probiotics. These same probiotics are found in other fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut. Probiotics help populate the gut with healthy bacteria that aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and produce essential vitamins B and K. The probiotics improve bowel movements and alleviate nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants and polyphenols benefits include:
Increased metabolic rate
Reduced blood pressure
Lowered cholesterol
Improved cognitive function
Decreased risk of chronic diseases – cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Anti-Bacterial Properties
The fermentation process produces acetic acid that destroys harmful pathogens like invasive bacteria and yeasts, preventing infection.
The anti-bacterial effect also preserves the beneficial bacteria.
Liver Detoxification
It can help detoxify the liver, which:
Improves overall skin health
Improves liver function
Decreases abdominal bloating and pain
Improves digestion and bladder function
Pancreatic Support
It can improve pancreatic function, which can help protect the body from diseases and illnesses like:
Acid reflux
Abdominal spasms
Numbness
Pancreatic cancer
Joint Support
The tea contains compounds like glucosamines that have been shown to improve joint health and relieve joint pain.
Glucosamines increase hyaluronic acid, lubricating the joints, which helps protect and strengthen them.
Satisfy Soda Craving
The variety of flavors and natural carbonation can satisfy the craving for a soda or other unhealthy beverages.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic includes elements of integrative medicine and takes a different approach to health and wellness. Specialists take a comprehensive view of an individual’s health, recognizing the need for a personalized treatment plan to help identify what is needed to get healthy. The team will create a customized plan that fits an individual’s schedule and needs.
Dietitian Explains Kombucha
References
Cortesia, Claudia et al. “Acetic Acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant.” mBio vol. 5,2 e00013-14. 25 Feb. 2014, doi:10.1128/mBio.00013-14
Costa, Mirian Aparecida de Campos et al. “Effect of kombucha intake on the gut microbiota and obesity-related comorbidities: A systematic review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1-16. 26 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1995321
Gaggìa, Francesca, et al. “Kombucha Beverage from Green, Black and Rooibos Teas: A Comparative Study Looking at Microbiology, Chemistry and Antioxidant Activity.” Nutrients vol. 11,1 1. 20 Dec. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu11010001
Kapp, Julie M, and Walton Sumner. “Kombucha: a systematic review of the empirical evidence of human health benefit.” Annals of epidemiology vol. 30 (2019): 66-70. doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.11.001
Villarreal-Soto, Silvia Alejandra, et al. “Understanding Kombucha Tea Fermentation: A Review.” Journal of food science vol. 83,3 (2018): 580-588. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.14068
The gut-brain axis is fundamental to the body as it communicates bi-directional with the brain and the gut. Separately they provide different functions that are required of the body. The brain, part of the central nervous system, allows the neurons to travel to each overlapping nerve root while having a causal relationship with different muscles and organs connected to the spinal cord. While the gut, which is part of the gastrointestinal and digestive system, helps modulate the body’s homeostasis and regulates the immune system. The nerves, muscles, and organs correspond as the nerve pathways interconnect to the spinal cord. When injuries or traumatic events affect the body, it can lead the individual to suffer from pain affecting their body while increasing the risk associated within different locations. For example, chronic stress causing gut inflammation is associated with headaches or neck and back pain. Today’s article focuses on the gut-brain axis, what happens when chronic issues affect the gut-brain axis, and how somatovisceral pain affects the gut-brain axis. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in gastroenterology treatments that help those with issues that affect the gut-brain axis and overlapping problems impacting the body. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
How Does The Gut & Brain Work Together?
The way the gut and brain correlate together is quite remarkable. The gut allows food to be digested in the stomach to be bio-transformed into nutrients the body needs to function. While the brain sends neuron signals through the spinal cord, those signals help provide the sensory-motor functions to make the body move. Now, how do the brain and gut work together in the body? Well, studies reveal that the gut-brain axis correlates to the various systems like the autonomic nervous system, the HPA axis, and the nerves surrounding the gastrointestinal tract help the brain influence intestinal activity and regulate cognitive function. Each of these vital organs has a causal relationship where they:
Help with sleep regulation
Improve memory functionality
Helps coordinate physical and emotional well-being
Regulating inflammatory responses
When chronic issues affect the gut-brain axis, it can cause an overlap in risk profiles that rise in the body and not just in the brain or the gut. Studies reveal that issues that begin to affect the gut-brain axis can cause alteration within the bi-directional pathway and trigger other problems that correlate to the body.
Chronic Issues Affecting The Gut-Brain Axis
Have you been suffering from fatigue? How about reoccurring headaches that never seem to go away? Do digestive complaints like IBS, GERD, or gut inflammation affect more than your gut? These chronic issues can be various factors that impact the bi-directional connection of the gut-brain axis. Stress, gut inflammation, traumatic events, food allergens, autoimmunity, and metainflammation are some overlapping risk profiles associated with neck and back pain. Studies reveal that chronic stress in the brain can affect the gut’s composition and functionality by alternating intestinal permeability. When the gut microbiome is being affected, the harmful bacteria begin to overproduce and trigger the sympathetic branch of the nervous system to cause an imbalance of hormones to be released and be associated with stress-related muscle dysfunction in the body. So what does this implicates to the body? Let’s say, for example, that you have been experiencing pain in the cervical region of the spine, but your brain is telling the body that it is a headache. This is known as somato-visceral pain.
An Overview Of Somatosensory Tract-Video
Have you been suffering from cognitive and memory dysfunction? How about experiencing gastrointestinal issues that are affecting your gut? Or have you experienced any cramping, gnawing, or sharp pain that seems to be triggered by movement and appears in one area of the body? This is known as somato-visceral pain and is defined as soft tissues and muscles experiencing pain that can affect the internal organs. Somato-visceral pain is much easier to identify than viscero-somatic pain because visceral pain is caused by damaged internal organs associated with distress in different body locations. At the same time, somato-visceral pain is often associated with musculoskeletal pain. The video above explains the somatosensory tract that is in the body and how the body responds to the somatosensory system. The somatosensory system is located within the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is responsible for modulating the body’s sense of touch, vibration, temperature, and pain receptors that are located in the body. When traumatic events affect the somatic nerves, they can trigger changes in the gut-brain axis and cause alterations to the affected organs.
Somatovisceral Pain Affecting The Gut-Brain Axis
When dealing with chronic stress, the effects cause a dysfunctional gut-brain axis and cause issues affecting the two organs. Studies reveal that when chronic stress becomes an associated mediator for gut disturbances and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, it can cause an overlap in risk profiles in the body. So what does this mean, and how is the body affected by somato-visceral pain? First, let’s look at what happens when the body is affected by chronic stress. When stress affects the gut and the brain, it can cause issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or headaches. Studies reveal that IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that trigger visceral and somatic hypersensitivity on the sensory nerves. So the body experiencing sharp pain in the back or neck may be associated with IBS.
Now looking at headaches and their causes on the body, it is one example of somato-visceral pain. When a person is dealing with neck trauma due to an auto accident that causes whiplash can trigger cervicogenic headache. How do the two correlate with somato-visceral pain? Well, somato-visceral pain is when soft muscles and tissues are affected and can cause an impact on the internal organs. For cervicogenic headaches may trigger mechanical pain along the cervical spine to be aggravated by movement and be associated with musculoskeletal issues like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or muscle strain on the upper cervical spine. Many individuals go to available treatments that can help them better understand the issue that is causing them to be in pain and how to alleviate them.
Conclusion
The gut-brain axis is fundamental in the body as it communicates bi-directional with the brain and the gut. These two organs help keep the body functioning as the brain provides neuron signals while the gut regulates homeostasis. The gut-brain axis helps the body by correlating with the various systems that help influence intestinal activity and control cognitive function. When traumatic factors affect the body’s soft tissues and muscles and trigger organ issues, this is known as somato-visceral pain. Somato-visceral pain is when the muscles are affecting the organs, and an example is cervical muscle strain associated with headaches. Providing much-needed information on available treatments can help many individuals when being examined by their physicians.
References
Appleton, Jeremy. “The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Health Media Inc., Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/.
Carabotti, Marilia, et al. “The Gut-Brain Axis: Interactions between Enteric Microbiota, Central and Enteric Nervous Systems.” Annals of Gastroenterology, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/.
Martin, Clair R, et al. “The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis.” Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elsevier, 12 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6047317/.
Suslov, Andrey V, et al. “The Neuroimmune Role of Intestinal Microbiota in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, MDPI, 6 May 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8124579/.
Yuan, Yao-Zong, et al. “Functional Brain Imaging in Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Rectal Balloon-Distention by Using Fmri.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, June 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4611816/.
The body relies on the gut system to help regulate its homeostasis and metabolize the nutrients for the immune system. The beneficial gut bacteria help maintain the intestinal walls from developing chronic issues and affecting the entire body. The gut system also provides information to the central nervous system through the spinal cord to the brain. The neuron signals help transport the information to all the corresponding muscles, tissues, and organs that require the gut system to stay healthy and functional. When the gut develops issues, the related muscles, tissues, nerves, and surrounding organs begin to feel the effects, causing the body to be dysfunctional. When this happens, many individuals will start to suffer pain and go to their physicians to find relief. Today’s article focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, how it affects the body, and how gut disorders can disruptively affect the sympathetic nerves in the surrounded torso area. We refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in gastrointestinal and chiropractic treatments that help those suffering from gut disorders and bodily pain. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Have you been feeling stressed throughout the entire day? Do symptoms of inflammation tend to flare around the abdominal area or the abdominal organs? Do your muscles seem to tense up more than they should, even in their relaxed state? All of these signs and symptoms that affect the abdominal region of the body are all connected to the sympathetic nervous system in the body. Research studies have defined the sympathetic nervous system as part of the autonomic nervous system, a central nervous system component. The best way to describe the sympathetic nervous system is that it activates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone adrenaline causing the body to be in a “fight or flight” mode. The sympathetic nerves also help regulate the alpha and beta receptor activity of the various corresponding organs that stimulate the blood vessels surrounding the body, causing a relationship of the organs to the muscles.
How Does It Affect The Body?
As part of the autonomic system, the sympathetic nervous and parasympathetic systems help the body achieve homeostasis by exerting influences over the organ systems. Research studies have shown that this causes the organ systems to upregulate and downregulate the various functions that each muscle needs. Some of the tasks that the sympathetic nervous system that activates these organs include:
An increased metabolism
Decreased GI motility
An increased heart rate
An increase in movement and strength
Suppression in the immune system
Constriction of the large arteries and veins
Increase glucose production
Additional studies have noticed that the neurons in the sympathetic nervous system help prepare the body for various physical activities that affect the organs. This causal relationship between the organs and muscles helps redirect the blood flow to different body parts. The sensory impulses of the somatic tissue will then correlate to the spinal cord’s thoracic and lumbar spinal regions. When these nerves become irritated, it can coincidently cause a direct overlap on the muscles and visceral organs surrounding the nerves, changing their functionality. This causes somatic dysfunction to create the impression of overlapping profiles affecting the internal organs.
An Overview Of The Sympathetic Nervous System-Video
Have you experienced knee pain while having issues in the pelvic region? How about feeling pain in the lower abdomen that triggers spinal stiffness in the lumbar parts of the back? Or have you noticed any pain from the testicular area is relieved after a spinal manipulation? These symptoms are mediators of the sympathetic nervous system when internal organs are damaged. The video above explains the sympathetic nervous system and how it functions in the body. When the body suffers from traumatic forces or ordinary factors, it can cause an increased risk of other associated problems that can also affect it. The afferent fibers from the sympathetic nervous system can carry the pain signals from the somatic and visceral tissues that converge at the common synaptic site that is within the spinal cord. Research has stated that the somatic nociceptive signals can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract due to stress from various locations in the gut system. When this happens, it can cause an overlap of risk profiles in the entire body.
How Do Gut Disorders Affect The Sympathetic Nerves?
The way the gut system works is that it provides homeostasis to the body by regulating the immune system. When the sympathetic nerves are intertwined with the gut system and the spinal cord, research studies show that the sympathetic innervation to the GI tract helps regulate the motility, secretion, and blood flow by correlating to the nervous system’s activity and modulating GI inflammation. When the guts system begins to suffer from disorders affecting the entire body, it can trigger alarm points to the meridians that closely associate with one or more internal organs in the gut system. These alarm points are coincidentally represented as the first instances of visceral pain or tenderness to the somatic structures. When this happens, many physicians will notice that visceral pain involvement overlaps with referred pain, correlating with the individual’s history and other signs of dysfunction. This is a technique called nerve tracing, where physicians follow the line of tenderness from a painful region of the body to the spine, like how GI issues can cause musculoskeletal pain and disturb the visceral tone.
Conclusion
The body requires the gut to maintain homeostasis and help regulate the immune system. The gut system also provides information to the central nervous system by letting the neuron signals transport the sensory-motor functions through the sympathetic nervous system to make the body functional. The sympathetic nerves help provide organ activation to the body that can help prepare the body for various activities. When the sympathetic nerves become irritated, it can cause the muscles and organs to be triggered and change their functionality. This can make the surrounding organs and muscles have an increased risk associated with other disorders that affect the body and correlate to different symptoms. When individuals inform their primary physicians about these symptoms, it gives them a better understanding of these disorders’ causation.
References
Alshask, Mark N, and Joe M Das. “Neuroanatomy, Sympathetic Nervous System.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 14 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542195/.
Boezaart, Andre P, et al. “Visceral versus Somatic Pain: An Educational Review of Anatomy and Clinical Implications.” Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34145074/.
Cervi, Andrea L, et al. “Neural Regulation of Gastrointestinal Inflammation: Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System.” Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24412637/.
LeBouef, Tyler, et al. “Physiology, Autonomic Nervous System.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 8 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538516/.
Waxenbaum, Joshua A, et al. “Anatomy, Autonomic Nervous System – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 June 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/.
The gastrointestinal or gut system helps modulate the body’s homeostasis and metabolize the immune system. With its connection to the brain, the gut can help transport the nutrients and additional information to the corresponding muscles, tissues, and organs to function. These muscles, tissues, and organs all have a job to do and help the body stay healthy from internal and external factors that can harm the gut system. When internal factors disrupt the gut system, it can lead to various symptoms affecting the gut and the internal organs and muscles surrounding the gut system. Today’s article looks at one of the gut disorders known as irritable bowel syndrome and its effect on the lumbar back, and how gut issues in the body cause visceral hypersensitivity. We refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in gastrointestinal and chiropractic treatments that help those suffering from gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome and back pain. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Affecting The Body
Have you experienced chronic inflammation in your gut? Have you been feeling overly stressed and constantly affecting your gut? Has your favorite food been causing issues in your gut? Experiencing these symptoms are signs that you might have IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. Research studies have defined IBS as one of the most common diagnoses of gastrointestinal diseases. When a person starts to develop IBS in their gut system, many factors can come into play that can cause the development. IBS is usually formed when there are altercations in the intestinal walls. This causes the gut bacteria to leak out and causes the immune system to attack the intestinal wall linings. Other research studies have mentioned that inflammatory effects can cause visceral hypersensitivity to affect the body by increasing high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in the enteric nerves and having a high mast cell count.
Many factors like food sensitivities, bacterial overgrowth, visceral hypersensitivity, and intestinal inflammation are some of the various implications of the pathology of IBS. Research studies have found that when lifestyle changes alter the gut system, it can be associated with discomfort in the abdominal regions while affecting the biochemical integrity. Additional research studies have mentioned that when an individual suffers from IBS, the stressful impact can cause visceral pains to rise in extremities causing the surrounding organs in the gut system to become hypersensitive. IBS associated with visceral pain can also affect the pelvic region and the lower back, causing another set of issues that affect the body.
An Overview Of Abdominal Pain-Video
Have you been feeling inflammation in your gut? Does your lower back or pelvic region begin to ache or make you feel uncomfortable? Have you been experiencing IBS or other gut issues? Many of these symptoms are common in individuals with IBS and abdominal pain. The video above gives an excellent explanation of the three different problems that can affect the abdominal region of the body. Research studies have mentioned that visceral pain is a highly complex disorder that can affect a person who either haves or hasn’t had any structural changes or biochemical abnormalities affecting their gut. When a person’s gut becomes hypersensitive to visceral pain, it can affect the different afferents to arise when the lumbosacral spinal cord aggravates.
Visceral Hypersensitivity Caused By Gut Issues
When the visceral reflexes become hypersensitive, research studies have found that visceral hypersensitivity has become a clinical marker for individuals that suffer from IBS. Some of the symptoms can include:
Frequent bowel movements
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Another indication of visceral hypersensitivity due to IBS is when it is nociceptive input from the colon that can lead the gut system to have hypersensitivity and this can increase the intestinal permeability that alters the gastrointestinal tissues. When this happens it can cause the blood microvessels to make the other targeted organs become hypersensitive as well. Additional research studies have found that when there is abdominal pain in the gut system it can cause other disorders like noncardiac chest pain and other conditions that can develop in the peripheral tissues in the body. When individuals begin to make small changes in their lifestyle habits, it can be beneficial to the other systems and the muscles that have been affected.
Conclusion
The gut or gastrointestinal system helps the body regulate its homeostasis and metabolize the immune system to keep the muscles and surrounding organs functional. When internal or external factors cause problems in the gut system, it can develop into IBS and be associated with visceral hypersensitivity to the corresponding organs and muscles, causing various issues that can make the body dysfunctional. The lumbosacral spinal cord and its nerves become aggravated and cause pelvic and low back pain in the lower half of the body. When this happens, a person will become miserable and affect their quality of life. By making small habit changes in relieving IBS from the gut, the rest of the body will begin to heal naturally.
Greenwood-Van Meerveld, Beverley, and Anthony C Johnson. “Stress-Induced Chronic Visceral Pain of Gastrointestinal Origin.” Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, Frontiers Media S.A., 22 Nov. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5702626/.
Hadjivasilis, Alexandros, et al. “New Insights into Irritable Bowel Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Treatment.” Annals of Gastroenterology, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826071/.
Mayer, E A, and G F Gebhart. “Basic and Clinical Aspects of Visceral Hyperalgesia.” Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 1994, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8020671/.
Patel, Nicolas, and Karen Shackelford. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 10 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534810/.
Saha, Lekha. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Evidence-Based Medicine.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 14 June 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4051916/.
Zhou, QiQi, and G Nicholas Verne. “New Insights into Visceral Hypersensitivity–Clinical Implications in IBS.” Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3437337/.
The body is held up by skeletal joints that keep the body upright and provide everyday movements for the body to go anywhere at any time. The musculoskeletal system provides the muscles, tissues, and ligaments that encase the skeletal joints protecting them from unknown factors that can cause harm to the body. The internal organs also have a purpose in the body as they help provide the nutrients and necessary hormones to the muscles and joints that need these nutrients to function. When environmental factors affect the body, either internal or external, it can cause the body to become dysfunctional and even cause unwanted symptoms that affect the internal organs that correspond to the muscles suffering. Today’s article looks at pelvic pain, how gut disorders are associated with pelvic pain, and how viscerosomatic pain affects the pelvis. We refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in osteopathic and gut treatments that help those with gut disorders and pelvic pain issues. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Have you been experiencing gut issues that are affecting your pelvic region? Has your gut been feeling inflammatory effects? Have you noticed that you need to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual? Many of these symptoms are some of the signs that are associated with pelvic pain. Research studies have defined pelvic pain as disabling, chronic, and persistent pain that commonly affects women. Pelvic pain can range from acute to chronic depending on how severe the pain affects the pelvic region of the body. Additional research studies have mentioned that pelvic pain in its chronic form can become a multifactorial disorder that can cause pain in the gastrointestinal, pelvic musculoskeletal, or nervous system, making the immune, neurological, and endocrine metabolism dysfunctional. When pelvic pain begins to affect the gastrointestinal system, it can lead to various gut disorders that can cause the pain to become worse if it is not treated.
How Do Gut Disorders Associate Pelvic Pain?
Research studies have mentioned that since pelvic pain is a multifactorial disorder, it can cause pain to arise in the internal organs in the gastrointestinal system. When pelvic pain starts to affect the gastrointestinal system, it can cause the development of gut disorders to affect the body further. When gut disorders co-exist with pelvic pain, it can cause an enhancement to the overall pain symptoms that are becoming the result of viscerosomatic dysfunction through the cross-organ sensitization mechanisms. Additional information studies have mentioned that gut disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can cause changes in thermal/visceral pain sensitivity that overlap in the lower body’s pelvic region, further enhancing rectal/thermal pain. This can cause a person to become miserable and even affect their quality of life since they are suffering from so much pain.
Visceral Afferent Nerves Being Affected By Pelvic Pain-Video
Have you experienced gut issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), inflammation, or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)? Have you felt pain in your pelvic region constantly? Has the pain-affected certain areas in your body, not just your pelvis? If you have these symptoms, it might be due to your visceral nerves being involved. The video above explains what the visceral afferent nerves from the pelvic region are doing to keep the body functioning in the lower extremities. The visceral afferent nerves become aggravated by environmental factors affecting the body, including the gut system. Symptoms of inflammation and gut disorders from persistent aspects of many forms of stress or trauma can cause visceral pain to affect the body, thus causing pelvic pain, gut issues, lower back pain, and other body pains.
How Viscerosomatic Pain Affects The Pelvis
The body’s viscerosomatic pain can be complex since the organs also affect the corresponding muscles. The way the pain is described in the body from viscerosomatic pain ranges from dull to excruciating pain. Research studies have mentioned that the burden of viscerosomatic pain emanates from the internal thoracic, pelvic, and abdominal organs associated with the muscles. For visceral pain to affect the pelvic region, research studies have shown that the nociceptive pain from the pelvic area is usually visceral from the results from the pelvic organs that are poorly localized and can overlap with the somatic sensory tracts that are located in the spinal cord. When this happens, it can cause significant discomfort to the pelvic organs in the body and affect the individual with excruciating painful symptoms.
Conclusion
The body provides everyday movements held by the skeletal joints that help the body go anywhere. While the musculoskeletal system and the internal organs help give the muscles, tissues, ligaments, and nutrients the body needs to function. When environmental factors affect the body, it can lead to various issues that cause gut disorders and even pain in the pelvic region, known as visceral pain. Visceral pain is a complex disorder since the affected organs also affect the corresponding muscles. For visceral pain to affect the pelvic area, it can lead to dull excruciating pain in the pelvic organs and affect the individual. Visceral pain can also overlap the sensory somatic tracts in the spinal cord, causing unbearable painful symptoms to the body while inflammatory issues in the gut system are developing. When people realize that the pain is affecting them, they can start to find treatments from their specialized providers to help alleviate their pain.
References
Dydyk, Alexander M, and Nishant Gupta. “Chronic Pelvic Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554585/.
Grinberg, Keren, et al. “New Insights about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS).” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 26 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246747/.
Origoni, Massimo, et al. “Neurobiological Mechanisms of Pelvic Pain.” BioMed Research International, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119661.
Udoji, Mercy A, and Timothy J Ness. “New Directions in the Treatment of Pelvic Pain.” Pain Management, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3979473/.
Verne, G Nicholas, et al. “Viscerosomatic Facilitation in a Subset of IBS Patients, an Effect Mediated by N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors.” The Journal of Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3489925/.
Yuan, Tian, and Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld. “Abdominal and Pelvic Pain: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities.” Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne, Switzerland), Frontiers Media S.A., 4 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8915637/.
The body works by ensuring that the brain in the central nervous system and the gut in the gut system are metabolizing homeostasis and regulating the immune system for optimal functionality. With the gut-brain axis having a bi-directional partnership in relaying the information back and forth, the body can function normally without any disturbances that can harm the body. However, various factors can affect the brain, and the gut as disorders like inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, and food sensitivities can affect the intestinal walls. When gut disorders affect the body, the corresponding muscles and tissues also become affected through visceral pain. Today’s article looks at the gut microbiota’s role in the body, how visceral pain affects the gut microbiota, and how pelvic pain with abdominal bloating is associated with gut disorders. We refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in osteopathic and chiropractic treatments. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How The Gut Microbiome Helps The Body
Have you experienced inflammatory effects located in your gut? Have you felt muscle stiffness around the pelvic region of your body? Have you experienced bloating or other abdominal issues that are affecting your body? These could be signs that could be affecting your gut microbiota. Research studies have mentioned that the gut microbiota in the body plays a vital role in influencing beneficial bacteria in the intestines while supporting the body’s homeostasis and regulating metabolism. The gut system is sustainable from environmental factors that cause dysbiosis and numerous gut disorders affecting the host’s body structure. Additional research also mentioned that when various ecological factors do affect the gut system, it can alter the gut’s composition and threaten to impose on the gut’s integrity. When the gut system begins to be involved, the rest of the body starts to be dysfunctional. Corresponding muscles, tissues, and organs will experience pain and other disorders that can make people feel like something is off with their bodies. At the same time, their gut system is being affected.
Visceral Reflexes Overview- Video
Have you felt gut disorders affecting your joints or muscles? Have you been feeling dysfunctional in your urinary tract? Or what about cardiovascular issues that seem to cause problems in your arms or legs? Many of these symptoms are caused by visceral pain where the visceral reflexes are damaged and affect the corresponding muscles in the body. The video above explains how visceral reflexes work in the body and how they send information to the brain when changes affect the connected components in the body. Research shows that when gut issues impact visceral pain, it can affect the mechanics mediating visceral nociception. Whenever gut issues move the visceral reflexes, it can cause nerve termination to the spinal cord, and gastrointestinal factors like inflammation and oxidative stress will begin to rise in the body.
Visceral Pain & The Gut Microbiome
Whenever environmental factors affect the gut microbiota, it can cause the body to become dysfunctional and correspond with the affected muscles, tissues, joints, and organs suffering from gut disorders. Research studies have found that the gastrointestinal tract receives a dual innervation from the spinal neuron and the vagus nerve. When the gastrointestinal system becomes dysfunctional and starts promoting inflammatory markers that affect the viscerosomatic nerves, these nerves can become hypersensitive. Research studies have defined visceral pain as one of the most prevalent pains associated with gut disorders. When it comes to visceral pain and the gut impacting the body, many people experience the pain coming from their internal organs and hurting their quality of life. Additional research studies have noticed that hypersensitive visceral pain can cause functional and morphological alteration in the gut and nervous systems. This will cause other disorders that become affected by gut issues caused by visceral pain.
Pelvic Pain & Abdominal Bloating Associated With Gut Disorders
Research studies have mentioned that when the viscerosomatic nerves become hypersensitive due to gut disorders, it can affect the lower gastrointestinal organs and joints like the vagal, pelvic, and splanchnic afferents. When the gut system is experiencing issues like inflammation and stress, which causes the visceral nerves to be hypersensitive, many people will begin to experience pelvic pain and abdominal bloating associated with gut disorders. For pelvic pain, research studies found that pelvic pain occurs when there are peripheral somatic neuropathies start to mimic inner organs pathology. At the same time, the visceral pathology can change the peripheral somatic nerves to cause more pain in the pelvic region in the lower abdomen. As for abdominal bloating, research studies have concluded that alterations in the viscerosomatic reflexes cause abdominal wall protrusion. This causes the gut intestinal walls to be bloated and cause discomfort to the individual, and eventually causes pelvic pain as both are associated with gut disorders affecting the viscerosomatic nerves.
Conclusion
The gut system helps the body by regulating the body’s homeostasis and metabolizing the immune system. When environmental factors affect the gut system, they can also affect the corresponding muscles, tissues, joints, and organs. This is known as visceral pain, where the viscerosomatic nerves are damaged due to gut issues like stress or inflammation that are the products of gut disorders. When alternations in the viscerosomatic nerves or the intestinal walls, it can cause dysfunction in the body, like pelvic pain and abdominal bloating that can cause discomfort to the individual. By figuring out what is causing these issues affecting the gut, the body will begin to heal itself.
References
Azpiroz, Fernando, and Juan-R Malagelada. “Abdominal Bloating.” Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2005, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16143143/.
Lucarini, Elena, et al. “Deepening the Mechanisms of Visceral Pain Persistence: An Evaluation of the Gut-Spinal Cord Relationship.” Cells, MDPI, 24 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464824/.
Perry, C P. “Peripheral Neuropathies Causing Chronic Pelvic Pain.” The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2000, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10806280/.
Pusceddu, Matteo M, and Melanie G Gareau. “Visceral Pain: Gut Microbiota, a New Hope?” Journal of Biomedical Science, BioMed Central, 11 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182804/.
Sikandar, Shafaq, and Anthony H Dickenson. “Visceral Pain: The Ins and Outs, the Ups and Downs.” Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3272481/.
Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the Human Gut Microbiota.” The Biochemical Journal, Portland Press Ltd., 16 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/.
Vermeulen, Wim, et al. “Neuroanatomy of Lower Gastrointestinal Pain Disorders.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited, 28 Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921524/.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
