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digestive system
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. The major symptom is a burning pain in the stomach, which is usually relieved by eating or antacids. Flare-ups may occur on and off over time.
People with peptic ulcers tend to produce an excessive amount of acid and digestive enzymes in
the stomach. This tendency is probably hereditary. Some people may have a defect in the lining of the stomach and intestinal tissues, which causes them to be susceptible to ulcers. Alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, cortisone steroids, and other drugs may bring on an ulcer or aggravate an already existing one. A peptic ulcer may come as the result of major surgery, physical stress, or the trauma associated with burns and multiple injuries. If you suspect the ulcer is related to medication or physical or emotional injury, discuss this with your physician.
Cigarette smoking doubles the chance of developing peptic ulcers. It also slows down the healing process considerably. Caffeine makes the problem worse by stimulating stomach acid production. Even decaffeinated coffee may irritate the stomach and intestinal linings.
Complete healing from an ulcer may take 2 to 6 weeks. If there is no relief, or if blood appears in the stools, making them appear black or tarry, see your physician. If you start experiencing intense, steady pain that worsens with the slightest movement, see a doctor immediately, even if the pain subsides.
REGARDING THE PROPER DIET FOR ULCERS:
1. Raw cabbage juice has been shown clinically to be successful for healing ulcers. One quart of the fresh juice per day, taken in divided doses may heal the ulcer completely in an aver-age of 10 days. It is necessary to purchase or borrow an electric fruit and vegetable juicer to extract the fresh cabbage juice. It can be mixed with carrot and beet juices.
2. Eliminate caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.
3. There should be an ample intake of fiber. Include in the diet at least 2 of the following daily: 1 salad, 1 cup of cooked leafy green vegetables, or 2 tablespoons of oat bran.
4. Maintain an overall healthy diet Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat.
Avoid sugars (such as pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR A PEPTIC ULCER AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Beta-carotene 50,000 Units, twice per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of beta-carotene per day.
5. Vitamin E 800 Units per day.
6. Zinc 15 milligrams per day.
7. Vitamin C Use the less acidic type or buffered vitamin C, 1,000 milligrams twice a day.
8. Vitamin B-complex 50 milligrams, 2 or 3 times a day.
HERBS USED FOR ULCERS:
1. Licorice stimulates the body's defense mechanisms against ulcer formation. Two to four 380 milligram tablets are taken 20 minutes before meals. If possible use the deglycerrhizinated type of licorice. This dosage is continued for 4 months.
2. Combine equal parts of the following herbs: powdered Licorice root, Slippery Elm bark, and Marshmallow bark. Fill a "00" gelatin capsule with the mixture. (Gelatin capsules are available in most health food or vitamin stores.) Two capsules 3 times per day are taken before meals.
3. Robert's Formula is an excellent herbal preparation that contains most of the previously mentioned herbs and additional useful ones 2 capsules, 3 to 4 times per day.
HOMEOPATHY
From the following homeopathic remedies, the one that best matches the symptoms is chosen. Dissovle 3 pellets under the tongue every 3 hours while the symptoms persist.
Kali Bich 6C: For burning pains, limited to a small area, that are worse after eating.
Argentum Nitricum 6C: For a painful spot on the stomach that radiates to other parts of the Abdomen. There is much belching and anxiety when anticipating events.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with peptic ulcers. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES:
1. Eliminate or cut down on smoking.
2. Stress Reduction is essential for healing the ulcer You may not be able to eliminate stressful situations in your life (such as a busy schedule or a stressful relationship), but you can learn to cope better with the stress by following these guidelines:
Regular physical exercises at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week
Relaxation exercises for 20 minutes once a day Tapes can be bought at most local book stores. Yoga, practiced on regular basis, can serve the same purpose.
Deep breathing most of us tend to hold our breath or breathe shallow breaths during stressful situations. This can cut down the amount of oxygen available to the body with every breath. Try to do a few 1 minute intervals of breathing and relaxation during the day At these times, pay special attention to relaxing your shoulder muscles and breathing deeply.
If you need specific directions or meditations or relaxation exercises, refer to the article on stress reduction.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.