ULCERS
(Gastric and duodenal)
About Ulcers
Symptoms
of peptic ulcers include stomach pain 45-60 minutes after meals or during the
night, which is 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.
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
gastric acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl), whereas with gastric ulcers the
hydrochloric acid production may be normal or too low.
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 specific antibiotics. After antibiotics take probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus
and bifidus) for at least one month, preferably longer.
Nutrition Facts &
Diet Advice for Ulcers
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.
-
Identify
and eliminate or reduce all factors implicated in the development of the
ulcer:
-
For
acute pain, drink a large glass of water to dilute the stomach acid and
flush it through the system.
-
Invest
in a juicer and three times a day prepare some freshly juiced cabbage and
drink immediately. Alternatively
take Enteroplex capsules, available from BioCare.
This can soothe and heal ulcers very effectively.
For a top of the range Champion Juicer as used
by the Gerson Institute,
click
here.
-
In
severe situations, temporarily eat soft foods, such as organic baby food,
liquidized vegetables and warm vegetable soup.
-
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.
-
Avoid
cow’s milk. Although this
is the usual remedy suggested and it does neutralise existing stomach
acid, the calcium and protein contents stimulate the production of more
acid, setting up problems a few hours later.
-
Avoid
fried foods, dairy produce and animal fat (except fish).
-
Avoid
smoking.
-
Avoid
taking pain killers such as aspirin.
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:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement
medical claims)
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