The sphincter of Oddi is a central gate for many problems of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) is believed by many scientists to be the culprit in diseases of the pancreas and is the common source of chronic pain after gallbladder removal.
Surrounding the common bile duct, the pancreatic duct, and the wall of the duodenum is a muscular valve called the sphincter of Oddi. The sphincter of Oddi, named after Ruggero Oddi, an Italian anatomist who discovered this structure in 1887. The sphincter of Oddi controls the movement of bile from the liver and gallbladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas into the duodenum.
Normally, when semi-digestive food passes from the stomach to the duodenum, the sphincter of Oddi opens. A large amount of bile is released from the gallbladder and alkaline pancreatic juice to digest this food. When there is no food in the duodenum, the sphincter of Oddi closes so that bile from the liver is collected in the gallbladder.
The regulation of this complicated work is under the control of the nervous system and special blood messengers – digestive hormones. Stress, fasting, “hard” cleansing of the liver, removal of the gallbladder, poor eating habits, alcohol, some medications and recreational drugs negatively influence the proper regulation and functioning of the sphincter of Oddi.
Spasm or blockage of this muscular valve can cause pancreatic juice to back up, increasing pressure within the pancreatic duct. Digestive enzymes lock themselves inside the pancreas, begin to digest your own pancreas, initiate inflammation, pain, and ultimately death of pancreatic tissue. Therefore, chronic pancreatitis develops.
A tumor, gallbladder stone, or scar can cause an anatomical blockage of the sphincter of Oddi. It happens relatively rare. However, more often they may be functional temporary spasms of the sphincter of Oddi without any abnormality on tests. The common reason for the sphincter to be spasmodic is its irritation by “aggressive” bile and pancreatic juice.
What could make bile and pancreatic juice “aggressive”, corroded and irritated? Let’s explain that.
The most important functions of the liver are to produce and release bile and remove toxins from our body by breaking them down into water soluble and fat soluble wastes.
Water-soluble wastes pass into the blood and are removed from the body by the kidneys.
Bile serves to remove a variety of fat-soluble and toxic waste substances from the body. These substances include cholesterol, bile pigments, toxic chemicals, drugs, heavy metals, etc.
Hepatitis, fatty liver, Candida-yeast overgrowth, parasites, congestion, inflammation, gallbladder infection, high body acidity, poor eating habits, alcohol can make bile thick and acidic, therefore making it difficult to digest. movement through the ducts
When bile and pancreatic juice become acidic, they also become very “aggressive”, irritated and corroded by the ducts, the sphincter of Oddi and the small intestine, causing jerky movements; “traffic in the opposite direction” – refluxes of bile/pancreatic juice in the stomach, ulcers and even cancers.
Not surprisingly, it causes loss of appetite, nausea, gas, bloating, heartburn, bouts of pain, especially after “bad” meals or poor food combinations. The pain can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours and even take the person to the emergency room.
Therefore, the goal of treatment should be focused on the root of the problems, such as biochemical and acid changes in the bile and pancreatic juice. Under normal circumstances, bile and pancreatic juice are highly alkaline fluids. However, if the whole body becomes acidic, the bile and pancreatic juice also become acidic and “aggressive”.
Checking the pH of saliva and urine with litmus paper at home can show an acidic condition of the body, especially if the pH of saliva and urine is repeatedly below 6.6.
What can naturally normalize the alkaline condition of bile and pancreatic juice?
Only minerals and bicarbonate from food and water can naturally neutralize acidity throughout the body.
For this purpose, healing mineral water has long been used by European doctors. Treatment with healing mineral water (balneology) is part of the education in some European medical colleges. There are many healing mineral spas throughout Europe.
The most famous and researched mineral water is the hot spring water in the small Czech town of Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary’s healing mineral water has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. It was distributed by barrels and bottles many years ago. The demand for this water was so high that mineral salt had been made there by steaming the spring water in 1764. It was a good option for people who couldn’t visit Karlovy Vary or who wanted to follow the healing course at home.
Dissolving this salt in the water produces mineral water with the same curative value.
Karlovy Vary healing mineral water has been the subject of serious medical studies for hundreds of years. The first medical book that the water has a laxative effect dates from 1522. Subsequently, a large number of medical articles confirmed the curative action of this water in many digestive disorders.
European doctors proved that drinking mineral water makes bile and pancreatic juice less acidic, liquid and less “aggressive”. It naturally improves digestion, relieves aches and pains, and decreases gas and heartburn.
This water can dissolve gallbladder stones and expel them; it is also very beneficial for people with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic pancreatitis, and hepatitis.
What else can make bile and pancreatic juice less irritating to the sphincter of Oddi?
Herbal medicine is the oldest way to eliminate digestive problems. Chinese medicine, the Hindu system – Ayurveda, European herbology offer many healing herbs for digestive disorders. Some of them increase the amount of bile, favor its easy elimination, decrease spasms and pain. The simple example is mint tea. An experienced doctor can customize herbal remedies for any digestive problem.
There is no doubt, food is the important, safe and cheap medicine for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
Food should be alkaline and full of natural digestive enzymes. Some vegetable mixes or juices are good for these purposes. Hot vegetable soups are also helpful for many digestive problems. Some people with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction suffer from Candida yeast overgrowth, food sensitivities, and allergies. Appropriate diet changes are necessary to correct these conditions.
Stress can also trigger sphincter of Oddi spasms. Worsening of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction after mental or physical stress can be observed very frequently. Consulting, relaxation, meditation, medical hypnosis, listening to the personalized hypnosis CD at home, acupuncture, massage are some natural ways to relieve stress.
It would be wise to temporarily stop drinking alcohol for a few months to improve the condition because alcohol disrupts the normal function of this muscle valve. Upper abdominal pain after alcohol consumption is typical of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
Unfortunately, there is no simple and safe test to diagnose the early stage of SOD right now. Therefore, any type of pain in the upper stomach area after heavy meals can be the alarm signal of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
In the author’s opinion, the strategic position of the sphincter of Oddi involves it in many diseases and digestive disorders. On the other hand, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction alone leads to many digestive symptoms.
Early stage natural treatment can prevent serious problems in the future and improve quality of life.
It is important to work with a licensed and knowledgeable medical professional.
The information in this article is presented for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed professional.