The Importance of the Ileocecal Valve and How to Eat in Season

Written by: Dr Terrie Van Alstyne, ND

Have you ever wondered why traditional Asian diets, which typically lack high-calcium dairy products, are associated with lower rates of dental cavities and osteoporosis compared to Western diets rich in dairy? This might be due to dietary habits that include a lot of cooked foods, even in colder seasons, as opposed to the Western preference for fresh fruits, juices, and salads year-round.

What Is the Ileocecal Valve and Why Is It Important?

The ileocecal valve is a critical component of our digestive system, acting as a gateway between the small intestine and the large intestine. Its health is vital for preventing digestive issues like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition that arises when the “good” bacteria in the intestines grow out of control due to a weakened ileocecal valve. This can happen if your calcium levels are low for more than five days, as calcium plays a role in keeping this valve functioning properly. Yeast ("candida") will also propagate because the alkaline pH of the small intestine allows yeast to multiply profusely.

The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D

Absorbing calcium efficiently requires adequate levels of Vitamin D. Your skin synthesizes Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet rays (UV) through sunlight, which is then stored in an inactive form in the liver. The kidneys play a crucial role in converting this stored Vitamin D into its active form, enhancing calcium absorption by up to 1,000 times.

During winter, when we don't get enough sunlight to make Vitamin D, our bone density will be impacted if we aren't supplementing. Without sufficient active Vitamin D, calcium absorption drops, weakening the ileocecal valve and potentially leading to SIBO and osteoporosis.

How Seasonal Eating Affects Vitamin D Activation

Your kidneys are adept at sensing seasonal changes based on the foods you eat. They regulate calcium levels by deciding whether to activate Vitamin D for bone absorption. Eating out-of-season foods like tropical fruits and cold salads during winter can confuse your body's natural rhythm. Your kidneys might misinterpret these signals as summer, leading to a decrease in Vitamin D activation and subsequently, a calcium deficiency.

The Importance of Eating Seasonally

Eating seasonally aligns your body with the natural environment, supporting optimal kidney function and maintaining calcium balance. Here are some tips for eating in harmony with the seasons:

1. Winter: Focus on warm, cooked foods such as root vegetables, soups, and stews. Baking fruits and warming salad dressings can make cold foods more seasonally appropriate.

2. Summer: Enjoy fresh fruits and salads, taking advantage of the natural abundance of Vitamin D from sunlight exposure.

Supporting Bone Health Beyond Calcium

While calcium is essential for bone health, it’s not the only nutrient your body needs. Here are other crucial elements:

• Vitamin K: Helps deliver calcium from the blood to the bones.

• Magnesium, Boron, and Strontium: Vital minerals for building strong bones.

• Vitamin D3, Essential Fatty Acids (e.g., EPA and DHA): Help transport the minerals to the bones.

• Limit Acidic Foods: Reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, meat, dairy, and sugar to help keep your body alkaline, supporting better bone density.

Summary

Maintaining the health of your ileocecal valve and supporting bone density involves more than just consuming calcium-rich foods. By understanding the importance of Vitamin D and adopting seasonal eating habits, you can enhance your digestive health and prevent common issues like SIBO and osteoporosis. Embrace the rhythm of nature by choosing foods that align with each season, and support your overall well-being with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

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