Peptic Ulcers

[Guest guest]

Peptic Ulcers

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

 

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 - gnawing, burning pain present, usually after taking

food

 

Duodenal ulcers - pain present on an empty stomach, relieved by

eating.

 

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 available 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 can often develop in relation to major psychological

stress 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 Therapies

 

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.

 

Bilberry contains 11 Anthocyanosides, which have been shown to block

ulcer formations.

 

Calendula is an immune stimulating herb with anti-bacterial and anti-

viral properties that have shown to relieve chronic stomach

irritation.

 

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.

 

Garlic, which contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

activities.

 

Gentian is one of the bitter herbs that help in digestion.

 

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

bitter stimulates the digestive system and helps improve sluggish

digestion.

 

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. Consider licorice root tea, twice a day or licorice in

tincture form.

 

Marshmallow Root and Turmeric are mucilage rich and relieves

irritated and inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

 

Pineapple provides glutamine which has been proven effective against

ulcers. Also with bromelain, which works wonders on the digestive

system.

 

Red pepper/cayenne may protect against peptic ulcers because Capsicum

has been shown to prevent ulcers in labratory experiments.

 

Yellow dock root, which is an herbal antibiotic that may block the

growth of H pylori.

 

Top 10 Tips To Reduce Ulcers

 

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

of the acidity of foods you eat.

 

2. 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

 

3. Reduce intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates, such as

white flour. Sugar increase stomach acid. Use stevia instead.

 

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

gastric ulcers.

 

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

 

6. 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.

 

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

ulcers,it's time to quit.

 

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

exacerbate ulcers.

 

9. Use the power of Aromatherapy. Essential oils such as chamomile,

frankincense, geranium and marjoram can be blended into a carrier oil

and slowly massaged into the abdomen.

 

10. Eat plenty of dark green, leafy vegetables. They contain Vitamin

K, which helps in healing ulcers. Most people with digestive

disorders are deficient in Vitamin K.

 

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