An ulcer is almost always preceded by a
period of gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach
mucosa, or lining. Symptoms of gastritis include a burning sensation,
nausea and sometimes vomiting. Alcohol, smoking and eating highly seasoned
foods can bring about an attack of gastritis, and should be avoided until
the problem has been resolved. Fruit and fruit juices, and sugar tend to
irritate the stomach lining, whilst proteins and fats tend to soothe it.
Vegetables do not affect gastritis or ulcers adversely, and can be eaten
without fear.
There are two main forms of ulcer:
-
Gastric (stomach, peptic) ulcer
in the organ of the stomach
-
Duodenal (upper region of small
intestine)
Symptoms of gastric
ulcers
include stomach pain 45-60 minutes after meals or during the night. These
pains are relieved by eating, taking antacids, drinking a large glass of
water, or vomiting. The pain can range from mild to severe, and is usually
described as gnawing, burning, cramp-like, aching or heartburn. Associated
symptoms can include lower back pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting and a
sensation of choking. With gastric ulcers the hydrochloric (gastric or
stomach) acid production may be normal or too low.
Duodenal ulcers
are more
common in men than in women and more common than gastric ulcers. With
duodenal ulcers there may be excessive or normal secretion of hydrochloric
acid.
In the case of gastric
ulcers the resistance of the stomach lining to acid may be reduced and this
may be caused by alcohol, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
tobacco or coffee.
Helicobacter
pylori
bacteria is
often present in people with ulcers and this will need to be eradicated with
mastika gum and perhaps specific antibiotics. After antibiotics,
always take probiotics (such as lactobacillus acidophilus) for a minimum
of one month, preferably several months.
For acute pain,
drink a large glass of water to dilute the stomach acid and flush it through
the system.
Take
BioCare Enteroplex capsules. These contain cabagin and
deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) particularly for ulcers. If possible,
remove from capsule and mix with a small amount of water, swish around
mouth, and swallow - 20 minutes before meals is ideal. This can soothe
and heal ulcers very effectively.
Alternatively
invest in a
juicer and three times a day prepare some freshly juiced cabbage and drink
immediately.
In severe situations,
temporarily
eat soft foods, such as organic baby food, liquidized vegetables and warm
vegetable soup. In the longer term, it will be important to have a high
fibre diet.
Consider the
following nutrition guidelines:
First of
all obtain a firm diagnosis from your medical Doctor. Distinguish between
indigestion and ulcer. When you are sure you are dealing with an ulcer, you
can follow the advice below.
-
Eat little and
often.
-
Generally, eat a
high-fibre diet, with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, other
vegetables, bananas, potatoes, root vegetables, millet, goats or sheeps
yoghurt, almond milk, white fish.
-
Avoid coffee, tea,
alcohol, salt, chocolate, soft drinks, sugar.
-
Avoid cow’s milk.
-
Avoid fried foods,
dairy produce and animal fat (except fish).
-
Avoid smoking.
-
Avoid taking pain
killers such as aspirin.
Identify and
eliminate or reduce all factors implicated in the development of the ulcer:
-
Food allergy
-
Helicobacter
pylori bacteria
-
Smoking
-
Stress
-
Aspirin
-
Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-
Other drugs
-
Alcohol
-
Coffee (including
decaffeinated)
Health Supplements for
Ulcers
Often, a combination of
supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may wish to consult
a nutritional therapist for personal advice. Supplements that may be helpful
in alleviating symptoms are shown below:
BioCare Enteroplex
Mastika Gum
Lamberts L-Glutamine
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