| A peptic ulcer is an area where the stomach, small
intestine, or the tissues beneath and sometimes part of the stomach muscle
have been worn away, creating an internal open wound. The surrounding
tissue is normally swollen and very irritated. Ulcers can occur anywhere
in the gastrointestinal tract, but are most common in the stomach called
"gastric ulcers" or duodenum "duodenal ulcers",
the portion of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Peptic ulcers
affect over 5 million Americans each year, and it is estimated that they
will affect over 10% of Americans at some time in their life.
The symptoms of a peptic ulcer include: chronic burning or gnawing stomach
pain that usually begins 45 to 60 minutes after eating or at
night, and may be helped by eating, taking antacids, vomiting, or
drinking a large glass of water. The pain can range from mild to really severe.
It may cause the person to wake up in the middle of the night. Other symptoms include: lower back pain,
headaches, a choking sensation, itching, and
possibly nausea and vomiting. An ulcer results when the lining of the
stomach fails to provide adequate protection against the effect of enzymes
and digestive acids, which, cause the stomach to digest itself. It was once believed that stress and anxiety
were the only major cause of ulcers. However, evidence has shown ulcers
to be also caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylon bacteria
combined with the presence of stomach acid. H. pylon can live on
the lining of the stomach and small intestine, where it can cause
damage to the lining and also to the mucous layer that protects
the lining from digestive acids. Many health care professionals
believe that the bacteria may be transmitted from person to person
through close personal contact. However, many health professionals
still consider stress to be a big risk factor for peptic ulcers, as it
causes an increase in stomach acid production. Certain drugs and supplements
also may increase acid production. Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, especially over a long period of time,
can increase stomach acidity and lead to ulcers. Steroids, such as
those taken for arthritis, can
contribute to stomach ulcers. Having a family history of peptic
ulcer disease also increases your risk, as does alcohol
consumption. Heavy smokers are more
vulnerable to getting ulcers, and have greater trouble getting
ulcers to heal. African-Americans and Latinos are twice as likely
as Caucasians to have ulcers. If left untreated, ulcers can cause
internal bleeding or puncture of the stomach or small intestine.
Nutritional supplementation can help greatly with both prevention
and healing of peptic ulcers and related health problems as well.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Acidophilus |
10 |
friendly bacteria needed for good stomach,
intestinal,
and colon health. Maybe combined with Lactobacillus rhanosus,
Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum in a combination
such as Botana Cleanse (see link below) |
| Aloe Vera |
10 |
herb that helps heal the stomach and
intestines and it also aides in lowering stress and its related
problems. |
| Passion
flower |
9 |
promotes good sleep and works with the
herb aloe vera |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi
enzyme, all serve to help people with peptic ulcers and related health
problems. The nutrients
contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and
well being. |
| Omega
fatty acids |
10 |
Protects the stomach and intestinal track
from ulcers. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and plant
sources of flax seed, and borage seed |
| Glutamine |
9 |
useful for healing of peptic ulcers |
| Holy
Basil |
9 |
herb that is anti-inflammatory and helps
to prevent peptic ulcers. |
| Grape
seed extract |
9 |
powerful free radical destroyer and is
anti inflammatory. It also serves to strengthen body tissues. |
| Licorice |
9 |
aids with healing of gastric and duodenal
ulcers |
| vitamin A |
9 |
vitamin A is an anti-oxidant protects the mucous membranes that become inflamed and it also helps in healing. |
| vitamin E |
10 |
vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing and has been shown to help
reduce stomach acid and help relieve pain. |
| Pyridoxine |
8 |
needed for enzyme production and it aids
in wound healing |
| vitamin B |
8 |
vitamin B complex is needed for breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well
as good digestion. |
| Garlic |
8 |
is an anti microbial and good for general
healing and it may help eradicate ulcers. |
| vitamin C |
8 |
vitamin C helps boost the immune system and
it promotes healing of mucous membranes and ulcer problems. It can
be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
form. |
| vitamin K |
8 |
for healing and prevention of bleeding |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
