Ulcers

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Peptic Ulcers

 

Are a group of ulcerative disorders that occur in the area of the

upper GI tract that are exposed to acid-pepsin secretion. There are

mainly two groups:

 

Gastric ulcers - pain present after taking food

Duodenal ulcers - pain present on an empty stomach

 

Causes to consider:

*Heliobacter pylori infection

*Use of NSAID and aspirin

*Increased acid secretion

*Decrease barrier lining

 

An ulcer is caused when the mucosal lining

of the stomach has deteriorated, allowing digestive acids

to eat away at the underlying tissue. They are painful and

can be very dangerous if left untreated. Other symptoms, other than

pain, can present as bleeding, obstruction or perforation.

Heliobacter pylori (H pylori) is an S-shaped bacterium that colonizes

in the mucus secreting epithelial cells of the stomach. Since it has

multiple flagella, the bacterium moves and produces urease, which

allows it to buffer the acid environment of the stomach and live

there. The barrier lining of the stomach often becomes avialable to

infection due to alcohol intake which can disrupt the lining. Too

much intake of NSAIDS such as aspirin also irritate the inner lining

of the stomach.

 

If you believe you have an ulcer, the first thing to do is visit your

doctor and have that confirmed. The doctor's diagnosis looks at your

history, barium meal X-ray or an endoscopy.

 

 

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

 

This is a rare condition with severe, recurrent and complicated

ulcer with or without diarrhea. The cause is a Gastric Secreting

Tumor, single or multiple that is mostly present in the pancreas.

2/3 of the tumor are often malignant. Treatment would include acid

reduction of secretion and often surgical removal of the tumor.

 

 

Stress Ulcers/Curling's Ulcer

 

GI ulceration that often develops in relation to major psychological

stess associated with burns, trauma, sepsis, acute respiratory

distress syndrome, severe liver failure or major surgeries. Since the

body is under extreme stress, it will secrete more HCL which is the

apparent cause.

 

 

Alternative Therapy

 

If you choose to go with a natural remedy, cabbage juice

has been researched for its quick healing of ulcers.

 

*Drinking one quart of cabbage juice per day can heal ulcers

in five to ten days in many patients. Eating a lot of

cabbage is also good for fending off a return of your

ulcer, although the cabbage itself was not as useful in

healing existing ulcers as the juice was.

 

The other item that works for me was licorice.

 

*Licorice soothes inflammation and stimulates the

production of mucin, which coats the stomach.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is what you

should use, since regular licorice root can raise blood

pressure. Take a 250-500 mg chewable tablets before meals

and a few hours before bed.

 

*Ginger contains 11 compounds with anti-ulcer activity. This aromatic

bitter stimulates the digestive system and helps improve sluggish

digestion.

 

*Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and

contains stomach soothing properites. It also includes Apigenin,

which is the known bioflavonoid shown to inhibit the growth of H

pylori bacteria.

 

*Other herbal suggestions include Yellowroot which is an herbal

antibiotic that may block the growth of H pylori. Garlic which

contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activites. Red

pepper/cayenne may protect against peptic ulcers because Capsicum has

been shown to prevent ulcers in labratory experiments. Marshmallow

Root and Turmeric are Mucilage rich and relieves irritated and

inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Calendula is an

immune stimulating herb with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties

that have shown to relieve chronic stomach irritation. Gentian is one

of the bitter herbs that help in digestion. Pineapple provides

Glutamine which has been proven effective against ulcers. Also with

bromelain which works wonders on the digestive system. Bilberry

contains 11 Anthocyanosides which have been shown to block ulcer

formations.

 

*Acid reduction is a major part of healing this disorder. Be aware of

the acidity of foods you eat.

 

*Cut down the intake of milk and eggs. Higher milk consumption

heightens the risk of peptic ulcers, since milk increase the

production of stomach acid.1

 

*Reduce intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates, such as

white flour. Sugar increase stomach acid.

 

*Reduce salt intake. The more salt consumed the higher the risk of

gastric ulcers.

 

*Coffee and tea (even decaf) increases stomach acid.

 

*Fiber intake is important. Fiber slows down the the movement of food

and stomach acids to the intestine (Gastric Emptying Time) which

helps those with duodenal ulcers. Consumption of legumes, whole

grains, vegetables and other high fiber foods should be eaten daily.2.

 

*Smoking delays ulcer healing. If your serious about healing your

ulcers,it's time to quit.

 

*Learn to cope with your stress in your life. Stress is known to

exacerbate ulcers.

 

 

 

References

 

1. Kumar N, Kumar A, Broor SL, et al, Effects of milk on patients

with duodenal ulcers, Brit Med Journal 293:666, 1998

 

2. Rydening A, Berstad A, Aadland E, Odeegard B: Prophylactic effects

of dietary fiber in duodenal ulcer disease. The Lancett ii: 736-739,

1982

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!