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:
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
The following health supplements
should be considered:
(click on supplement to go there)
|
