Ailments and Situations - Ulcer - Remedies - Peptic Ulcer |
 |
|
Page 21 of 26
Conventional Approaches Common approaches to dealing with ulcers focus on the symptom, i.e. an ulcer, and not the source of the problem that initially aggravated this condition. Approaches include the use of antacids, acid blockers, sulcrafates, and antibiotic combinations. Antacids neutralize excess acidity. Acid blockers block acid secretion. Sulcrafates form a protective layer over the ulcer crater. Antibiotic combinations are given in addition to one of the other three methods listed above. Success rate is typically eighty percent. One strategy is to administer two types of antibiotics in combination with an acid blocker. Another strategy is to administer two weeks of bismuth in addition to two types of antibiotics, plus an acid blocker. However, beneficial bacteria are also destroyed in the process and must be restored before harmful bacteria successfully re-establish themselves.
Amino Acids Glutamine helps strengthen the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Take 500mg 3 times daily. Aromatherapy Lemon oil, chamomile, and geranium have been used to help treat peptic ulcers. Foods Drink 1 litre of cabbage juice daily in divided doses. It can be combined with carrot or celery juice. The high glutamine content is probably responsible for its high efficacy in the treatment of peptic ulcers Raw potato juice is also recommended for stomach (gastic) ulcers. Use flaxseed oil on salads daily. Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily before meals, preferably in the morning. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs Aloe vera juice can be used to help treat gastrointestinal bleeding. Drink 1 litre daily in divided doses, 20 minutes before each meal. Use until bleeding stops. Licorice root extract is commonly used in Europe as a preventative. It helps stimulate the normal defense mechanisms of the stomach lining, helps prevent ulcer formation, and inhibits H. pylori bacteria growth. It has shown to be more effective and less costly than pharmaceutical treatments, and without side effects (when taken in DGL form). Take a DGL licorice preparation that is free of glycyrrhizin -- licorice's sweetener that can also raise blood pressure. DGL can also reduce gastric bleeding caused by long-term NSAID use and thus is recommended for the prevention of gastric ulcers in patients requiring such use of NSAIDs. Treatment with DGL should continue 8 to 16 weeks after a full therapeutic response is achieved. Thoroughly chew 2 380mg tablets 20 minutes before each meal. The capsule form is not recommended for the treatment of ulcers because the DGL must mix with saliva to be effective. Rhubarb has astringent properties that are useful with active intestinal bleeding. One study showed that 90% of patients using rhubarb tablets stopped bleeding within 60 hours. Use alcohol-extracted rhubarb tablets and take as directed on the label. You can also try an infusion of marshmallow, calendula, meadowsweet, chamomile, and goldenseal taken 3 times per day. These herbs have demucelent, antacid, astringent, and vulnerary properties. Lifestyle It is very important to isolate the root cause(s) of your ulcer. While the alternative remedies listed throughout this section will help deal with an existing ulcer, prevention is the preferred approach. Reduce stress and anxiety levels, which commonly irritate ulcers. Analyze your lifestyle and determine those elements that should be changed and/or removed to reduce the resulting physical/emotional/psychological strain placed upon yourself. Yoga, meditation, and biofeedback are all great ways to reduce stress. A high fibre diet will help reduce the incidence and prevent recurrence of ulcers. It is best to obtain your fibre by consuming a greater portion of plant foods. Avoid fats, alcohol, caffeine, milk, smoking, and sugar, all of which can either promote ulcer formation of exacerbate existing symptoms. Food allergy testing (see Therapies, Healing Aids, & More, below) should be performed and these foods should be eliminated from the diet. Minerals Bismuth is a naturally occurring mineral with antibacterial properties and proves useful against H. pylori. Bacteria also do not develop a resistance to the mineral, improving its effectiveness. The most common form is bismuth subsalicylate (eg. Pepto-Bismol). Take 500mg 4 times daily. This form should not be taken by children recovering from viral infections (flu, chicken pox, et cetera) as it can mask nausea/vomiting associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but very serious illness. Bismuth subcitrate is the most ideal form, yet more difficult to find. It is more effective against H. pylori and the treatment of peptic ulcers. Take 240mg twice daily before meals. This form may cause a temporary darkening of the tongue or stool, however, these changes are harmless. Zinc increases mucin production, resulting in greater protection of the gastrointestinal lining. Take 20 to 30mg daily. Therapies, Healing Aids, & More Allergy testing should be performed to indicate sensitive foods that can also irritate your ulcer. These foods should be eliminated from the diet. Common food allergies include cow's milk, wheat, corn, and soy. Remember that the foods we are the most allergic to are also the ones we most crave and most frequently consume. Skin tests or positive IgE RAST testing can help isolate specific allergens. Acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, and fasting have also been helpful for treating peptic ulcers. Vitamins Studies show that flavonoids can inhibit H. pylori and have significant anti-ulcer properties. Take 500mg 3 times daily. Animal studies show that vitamin A inhibits the development of stress ulcers and helps maintain the integrity of the mucosal lining. Take 5,000 IU daily in divided doses. Vitamin E has similar anti-ulcer properties as vitamin A. Take 100 IU three times daily. |
