Ulcers comprise a raw area with small (10-25mm across) pits, craters
or an eroded lesion in the lining of the esophagus (from where the
food enters the stomach), stomach or duodenum (the first section of
the intestine after the stomach). Usually, these ulcers occur in
stomach (called stomach or gastric ulcers) or in duodenum (duodenal
ulcers), and are together known as peptic ulcers. Although gastric
ulcers are less common these days, it is they who may end up
developing cancer in the patient.
They are termed peptic for two reasons – firstly, to differentiate
from other ulcers like diabetic leg ulcers and secondly, and more
pertinently, because these ulcers are basically due to the imbalance
between the hydrochloric acid and pepsin enzymes that digest food on
the one hand, and protein secretions and mucus that prevent the
stomach lining on the other. This imbalance makes the lining of the
digestive tract to break down, hence the occurrence of ulcers.
Remember, imbalance is the key word here as most theories suggest
that it is only the excess of acid and pepsin that causes these
ulcers. In fact, if you suffer from stomach ulcers then in all
probability, your acid secretion levels are normal or below normal
levels.
Sometimes, when the
sphincter between the stomach and duodenum isn’t
working properly, bile and pancreatic enzymes flow in the opposite
direction into the stomach and make the situation worse.
Duodenal ulcers, although different in their place of occurrence,
are clubbed with stomach ulcers because their root cause of
occurrence seems to be the same, i.e. irregularities in stomach
secretions. Mostly, young to middle aged men are at high risk of
suffering from them. As stated earlier, duodenal ulcers never lead
to a cancerous situation but perforation of the intestinal walls is
more common in such type of ulcers.
The pits and craters (perforations) caused in peptic ulcers cause
specific pain which differentiates itself from the pain due to the
superficial erosion present in gastritis.
In gastric ulcers, a severe pain below the breastbone,
deep inside the gut, usually 45-60 minutes after the
meals
·
In duodenal ulcers, the pain comes on empty stomach,
usually between two distantly spaced meals. These are
also called ‘hunger pangs’
·
A burning pain in the center of the chest or heartburn
·
Bloating, belching and flatulence
·
Nausea and vomiting
·
Weight loss
·
Black, tarry stools (due to digested blood)
·
Symptoms of nausea, stomach cramps, bloating and
particularly vomiting of undigested food are associated
with obstruction, another ulcer complication, in which
there is build up of scar tissue in the pyloric channel
(between the stomach and the duodenum)
·
In extreme cases (particularly when ulcers remain
untreated), blood comes out with vomiting or stools are
stained with bright red blood. This suggests that you
have a bleeding ulcer which is life threatening as it
may lower your blood pressure and you may ultimately
feel dizzy and pass out. It may also stop some your
vital organs from functioning. This condition is
normally seen in 10-15% of gastric ulcer sufferers. If
the patient vomits blood, it means, he has hemorrhaged
one of his veins due to the ulcer. This usually occurs
in people above 60.
Usually,
gastric endoscopy is used to detect ulcers accurately (tissue biopsy
is also possible this way) but X-rays can also be done.
The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori – Infection by the
bacterium Helicobacter Pylori is one of the causes of
ulcers. It is usually found in the stomach of the people
suffering from ulcers. The discovery of the association
of H. Pylori with ulcers was quite late, and since then,
treatments have taken a lot of change.
·
Overwork and
stress have long been associated with
ulcers, but strangely, some studies like the one done on
air traffic controllers (one of the most stressed out
people) have thrown some doubts on the issue as the
answer in this case was in negative. So, basically,
people who are over worked or over stressed have only as
much chance of getting ulcers as other people.
·
Similarly, emotional stress or tension is also attached
with ulcers. Actually, nervous agitation of any kind
doesn’t bode well for, or in, any disease including
ulcers.
·
Female hormone estrogen is supposed to play an important
preventive role in this disease as a lot of women start
developing gastric ulcers after menopause.
·
People belonging to blood group O have greater tendency
to develop peptic ulcers (both duodenal and gastric).
·
Smoking has not been established as a definite cause of
ulcers but it definitely aggravates the problem.
·
Spicy foods have long be linked to ulcers, but it is a
well established fact now that it has to be decided by
the sufferer as to what is causing discomfort to him as
different foods are irritants for different people.
·
Overeating and heavy meals are supposed to put too much
of pressure on the stomach and this may cause an
imbalance in the stomach secretions leading to ulcers.
·
Coffee (even decaf), tea and excessive alcohol
consumption are all associated with ulcer formations.
Too much alcohol definitely damages the lining of the
stomach, though moderate alcohol consumption is supposed
to prevent infections leading to ulcers.
Your
doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria and proton
pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to prevent the
stomach from producing too much acid. If H.pylori is
detected, then a course of antibiotics together with a drug that
protects the stomach lining and prevents too much acid
production is called triple therapy.
However, these medications can bring about some harsh side
effects such as diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, nausea and
interfere with liver function. In men, certain side effects of
medication may lead to breast enlargement and impotence.
In some cases, surgery may also be required.
Fortunately,
herbal and homeopathic remedies can safely and
effectively prevent the recurrence of ulcers and other digestive
disorders. A well known herb for digestive health is Matricaria
recutita, (German Chamomile) which contains anti-inflammatory,
anti-spasmodic and calming properties.
Other herbal ingredients such as Filipendula ulmaria and Ulmus
fulva are extremely effective in reducing pain and irritation
while also protecting the digestive tract and reducing stomach
acid secretions. In addition, Sutherlandia frutescens has been
used for thousands of years to treat chronic and acute digestive
complaints and also acts as a potent tonic.
·
Sutherlandia frutescens ('Cancer Bush'
or 'Kankerbossie')
is a medicinal herb exclusively found in Southern Africa
and has been used by indigenous people for thousands of
years to treat chronic and acute digestive complaints,
internal cancers and as a powerful tonic. Recent
research has confirmed its adaptogenic properties.
Sutherlandia contains a number of highly active
compounds, including pinitol, L-canavanine and the amino
acid, GABA. L-canavanine is a strong L-argine antagonist
that has documented anti-cancer and anti-viral activity.
·
Pelargoneum graveolens ('maagpyn bossie' or
stomach pain bush) is a traditional medicinal herb used by
indigenous people of South Africa. It has a wide variety
of uses and is an effective calmative and anti-spasmodic
herb, reducing stomach cramps and pain.
·
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) - With its
daisy like flowers throwing aromatic scents everywhere,
this wild herb is found throughout Europe. The essential
oil of German chamomile flower contains bisabols,
flavonoids and azulenes that give this herb its
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and muscle relaxing
properties. This makes it an excellent remedy for
digestive disorders. Bisabol which gives German
chamomile anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve
inflammation on the mucous membranes and promotes
healing. It’s a good remedy for stomach pains and
flatulence.
·
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) was a favorite herb
in medieval times and was used to stop stomach rumbles
and colic. It was commonly used after meals to prevent
flatulence, indigestion, colic and other digestive
problems. Fennel has strong calmative and
anti-inflammatory properties.
·
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) is an
anti-inflammatory, soothing digestive remedy which helps
to protect the digestive tract and reduce stomach acid
secretions. It is also effective in reducing the pain of
digestive disorders and ulcers and is similar in
structure to the synthetic drug called acetylsalicylate,
or aspirin - without the side effects commonly
associated with aspirin.
·
Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) is one of the most
effective herbs used in reducing digestive pain and
irritation, and also protects and soothes the lining of
the stomach and digestive tract due to its high mucilage
content. Only bark from top quality Slippery Elm is used
in our
Gastronic Dr.
·
Calcium phosphate (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt
that assists the body in its natural function of
creating new cells. Effective blood cell production is
important to ensure good blood circulation. The cells in
our body are continually dying and being replaced every
day. As we grow older, it is important to keep cellular
production happening as fast as cellular deterioration.
Calcium phosphate (also called Calc. phos.) promotes
nutritional health; it is a vital component for
effective digestion, cell growth and energy levels. It
is an excellent general tonic for people of all ages.
·
Natrium phosphate (D6) is known as the ‘biochemic
antacid’, Nat. phos. is widely used to address digestive
comfort, especially after meals and is of great benefit
for people who tend to suffer from common indigestion
First things first- There is no such thing as bland diet
for ulcers. This age old notion of giving a low-fiber
diet based on bland foods such as milk, toast, crackers,
poached white fish etc. has long been since discredited
as no therapeutic benefits from it were reported.
Instead, now the emphasis is on letting people with
ulcers eat a normal diet and judge for themselves if
certain specific foods cause them trouble. These then
could be isolated form the diet and rest continued. In
fact, very general and continued alteration of the diet
will obviously lead to many deficiencies (of essential
nutrients) as it is only a well balance diet that
provides your body not only with proteins, fats,
carbohydrates but also nearly all the essential
nutrients (minerals and vitamins) so badly needed by you
for the efficient functioning of all the vital organs.
·
Although there are a lot of plant based non-antibiotics
that help fight the bacterium H. Pylori, certain
herbs
that are particularly helpful and easily and widely used
even for culinary purposes are garlic, marigold,
cinnamon, mint and caraway. These plants are supposed to
inhibit this bacterium which is one of the major reasons
for developing peptic ulcers.
·
Foods rich in vitamin A & C such as dark green leafy
vegetables (spinach, coriander, drumsticks) and
orange-yellow fruits such as papaya, mango and pumpkin,
carrots, red and green peppers, kale, apricots, kiwi
fruit, citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables
(broccoli, potatoes), red capsicums, strawberry,
kiwifruit and rock melon are ideal for ulcer patients. Of
course, you should check out for any allergies from
these foods. Self check as well as help from your doctor
is recommended. Vitamin A heals the lining (mucus
membranes) of the stomach and intestines and its
deficiency has also been associated with iron deficiency
type of anemia. It is present in the form of beta
carotene in these foods. Also, the free radicals that
are released due to H.pylori get curbed by eating
vitamin C and beta carotene rich food (both are
antioxidants that kill free radical molecules). Zinc too
helps immensely in rebuilding tissues and fast healing.
It is richly found in seafood, particularly oysters, and
whole grains.
·
Essential fatty acids, such as those found in fish oils
and seed oils are also supposed to help in ulcers by
increasing the production of prostaglandins, a group of
compounds, which perform a vital function of protecting
the lining of the alimentary canal.
·
Spicy foods – Try avoiding spicy (those containing lot
of peppers like chili peppers, turmeric, black pepper, mustard
and others usually used in curries) foods for a week or
so before reintroducing them. If you find your condition
worsening, you know what you have to do. Same holds true
for certain highly acidic raw fruits and salads like
grapefruits, oranges, tomatoes etc. Remember, if you
cannot thrive without spicy foods, then it is better to
take spices in powdered form rather than in raw form as
fresh spices are more irritating to the stomach lining.
·
Caffeine - Caffeine and the resins in the coffee beans
might brew trouble for you. In effect, coffee usually
causes more trouble in ulcers and is better avoided,
even if it is decaffeinated. Same holds true for tea and
carbonated beverages as well.
·
Only moderate consumption of salt and sugar are advised to
people with ulcers. Sugars are hard to digest and also
acidic in nature and high salt doses could actually
initiate the formation of gastric ulcers (specifically
at the entrance of the duodenum). In fact, salt and soya
sauce together, in large quantities have been found to
be responsible for such ulcers in many a cases.
·
Regular meals – It is normally seen that people with
peptic ulcers, again as is any other gastrointestinal
disease, cannot digest food properly if taken in large
amounts. Large meals also force the body to increase
acid secretions. Therefore, meals should comprise less
quantity and should be strictly regular. Regular meals
basically help in mopping up excess acid.
·
Eat properly – Proper mastication of food is extremely
important. It has been seen that improper mastication
often gives a whole lot of more trouble in ulcers, as
told by its sufferers. This practice becomes even more
important if you are eating raw food.
·
Yoghurt – Live yoghurt, in very good quantities, is
essential to maintain high concentration of good
bacteria in the stomach. Yoghurt is especially helpful
when an antibiotic course kills these beneficial
bacteria.
·
Avoid milk – Long thought as a great ulcer symptoms
reliever, milk has eventually been proved to have a
rebound effect on ulcers. Although, in the short term,
it helps by neutralizing stomach acids, it essentially
stimulates more acid secretion in the stomach.
·
Stop iron supplements if you have ulcers. They cause a
lot of trouble for peptic ulcer patients.
·
Some wonderful home remedies for ulcers exist too.
They
include:
›Bananas, unsweetened banana chips or dried raw banana
powder capsules (quite famous in Ayurvedic treatment).
›
Equal quantities of carrot and raw cabbage juice (it
is the cabbage juice which does the trick).
›Fenugreek: tea made from fenugreek seeds is yet
another useful remedy for peptic ulcers. The seeds, when
moistened with water, get slightly mucilaginous and make
a protective shell for the ulcers as they pass through
the stomach and intestines. You may also boil a cup of
fenugreek leaves and eat with honey, twice daily.
›Bael – Bael leaves (2-3) soaked in a cup of water for
a night and drunk in the morning give immense relief as
the tannins present in them reduce inflammation and heal
up the ulcers fast.
It is believed that domestic cats may pass on the
bacterium H. Pylori, which they carry on them, to humans
also. So, if your problem is severe and because of this
bacterium, you know what to do.
·
Antacids are OK – Although they may not cure your ulcer,
but over-the-counter antacids are a good treatment for
your ulcers. They also prevent pepsin to become active.
Many herbal antacids are available with minimal side
effects.
·
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS – nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, as they are pretty hard on your
stomach lining.
·
Avoid smoking – Although smoking in itself is not a
cause of ulcers, it is definitive that it slows the
progress in healing.
·
De-stress – Better said done, but you have no choice. As
such, no proof exists in favor of the argument that
stress causes ulcers. But, yes! Stress definitely
worsens your condition. So, better take care of your
stress by trying out different things like mild
exercises, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation,
listening relaxation tapes and off course, thinking good
about yourself and your life. Didn’t we say, better said
than done.
·
If you are going through a particularly tough patch, go
and get yourself treated to a weekly massage session
to relax and melt away stress.
·
Colloidal-bismuth (De-Nol) coats the ulcer with a
protective coating, allowing the ulcer to heal
(Pepto-Bismol is one such product). Bismuth contained in
these products kills the bacteria responsible for your
ulcer. But remember, these drugs cannot and should not
be used for longer durations as there are chances of
bismuth toxicity.
