ULCERS
(Gastric and duodenal)
About UlcersSymptoms
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 UlcersConsider 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: | Food allergy | | Helicobacter pylori | | Smoking | | Stress | | Aspirin | | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | | Other drugs | | Alcohol | | Coffee (including decaffeinated) |
| | 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 UlcersThe following health supplements should be considered: (click on supplement to go there)
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