ULCERS
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ULCERS, SOMETIMES REFERRED to as peptic ulcers, are ulcerations of the lining of the upper digestive tract. When they occur in the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine that connects to the stomach, they are known as duodenal ulcers. When in the stomach wall itself, they are known as gastric ulcers. Ulcers are caused when the mucous lining of the stomach or duodenum is not sufficient to protect them against the corrosive action of stomach acid and the digestive enzyme called pepsin.
Ulcers are very common, and one in ten men and one in twenty women may expect to have one in their lifetime. Fortunately we've learned a great deal about them in the recent past and there's very good news about their cause and cure.
The common symptom of peptic ulcers is burning and discomfort in the upper gastric area at the base of the sternum before meals, sometimes after meals, or at night. The pain can radiate to the back or the chest. This pain can sometimes be relieved by more food or an antacid. But many people don't have any symptoms at all until they have a bleeding or perforated ulcer. The most common traditional treatments for ulcers are antacids and histamine-Z (H-Z) receptor blockers. These medications may help heal the ulcer but do not alter the conditions that caused it in the first place, so the medications have to be taken over long periods-sometimes for life. Since long-term use of H-2 receptor blockers has been associated with increased risk of stomach cancer, the "cure" may be worse than the disease.
At one time, ulcers were thought to be caused solely by stress and a related increase in stomach acid. New research suggests that the majority of both duodenal and gastric ulcers are also related to a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which can be wiped out by a two-week regimen of antibiotics. This is exciting news for people who have suffered from chronic ulcers without hope of a cure. Patients treated for this bacterial infection had a remarkable rate of recovery, and stayed free of ulcers without additional medication. Over 70 percent of ulcer patients are believed to be infected with the bacterium. In one study, 95 percent of the patients with gastric ulcers who were treated for H. pylori had no recurrence in the next two years while only 12 percent of the patients who had standard treatment had no recurrence. If you have had repeated bouts of peptic ulcers, ask your doctor to test your blood for antibodies to the Helicobacter bacterium to determine if you would benefit from the antibiotic treatment. If you do need treatment, you'll need to take acidophilus capsules for the course of your treatment.
Ulcers are also aggravated by irritants that damage the stomach's protective lining, or by an increase in the production of stomach acid. The key culprits are:
- Spicy and acidic foods.
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are gastric irritants when taken regularly, as for arthritis.
- Smoking, which increases the production of bile salts, highly irritating to the stomach. The combination of smoking and aspirin has a particularly damaging effect on peptic ulcers.
- Alcohol, which stimulates acid secretion and aggravates existing ulcers.
- A diet high in sugar, which also stimulates acid secretion.
- Food allergies, which can irritate the stomach. If you have recurring ulcers with no other recognized cause you should investigate the possibility of a food allergy.
While too much sugar in the diet or a simple food allergy might not be the single cause of an ulcer, they are, in my experience, conditions that encourage the development of ulcers. If you do have an ulcer that won't clear up, investigate food allergies. If you have recurring ulcers, be sure that your sugar intake is cut down; this measure has helped many of my ulcer patients.
At one time ulcer patients were told to drink milk and eat a bland diet. We know now this was bad advice. If you have an ulcer, don't depend on milk for relief. While a glass of milk may temporarily soothe your ulcer, it will ultimately make it worse by causing a rebound in stomach acid. (Antacids, made with calcium carbonate [Tums, Alka-2] will make you feel better temporarily, but they might have a rebound effect on the production of stomach acid.) Diets that are high in fiber have been found to be much more effective in healing ulcers and preventing their occurrence than soft diets. Gradually increase your fiber intake.
Linoleic acid, found in unprocessed grains such as maize, also contributes to the healing and prevention of ulcers. It can be supplemented by taking evening primrose oil.
Another natural compound used in ulcer therapy is a derivative of licorice known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which stimulates the production of mucus that coats and protects the digestive tract. One study involving DGL focused on forty patients who had been referred for surgery because of acute and persistent pain, in spite of prolonged treatment with conventional drugs. Half the patients received 3 g. of DGL daily for eight weeks, the other half received 4.5 g. daily for sixteen weeks. Though the higher dosage was more effective, they all showed significant improvement, and none required surgery within the next year. I suggest you take DGL, which you can get in health food stores.
Supplements of vitamins A, E, and C are also helpful in the therapy and prevention of ulcers.
Raw cabbage juice has a remarkable track record in helping people with peptic ulcers. One quart daily of fresh cabbage juice, taken in divided doses, can be enormously effective. In one study, patients taking this amount had total healing of their ulcers in ten days.
Though stress is no longer considered the only cause of peptic ulcers, it's clear that stress, or the way we react to it, does play a role. Regular exercise is a good antidote for stress, as are breathing exercises and various relaxation techniques.
NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR ULCERS
- If you have recurring ulcers, you should discuss the possibility of Helicobacter pylori infection, known as H. pylori, with your doctor. Treatment with antibiotics can make a dramatic difference in your cure.
- Eliminate the use of aspirins and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and antacids made with calcium carbonate.
- Eat a high-fiber diet unless your symptoms are acute, in which case you should avoid roughage and raw vegetables.
- Eat regular meals at regular times: Avoid large meals and remember that small, frequent meals are best.
- Eliminate the sugar in your diet.
- Do not rely on milk to soothe your ulcer,
- Adopt in exercise program.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, TAKE:
- DEL: 1,000 to 1,500 m& twenty minutes before meals. You should continue to take it for two to four months depending on the results you get.
- Evening primrose oil: S00 mg. three times daily.
- Vitamin A: 10,000 I.U. daily.
- Vitamin C: 500 mg. two times a day. Be sure to take the buffered form.
- Vitamin E: 400 I.U. daily.
- Raw cabbage juice: 1 quart daily in divided doses. Continue for two weeks. If no results, discontinue.
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