Ulcers are exceedingly common, open sores
that occur in the mucous membrane of the stomach (called a gastric ulcer) or
the intestine (called a duodenal ulcer). Duodenal ulcers are more common,
occurring in an estimated 6-12% of the adult population. Even though duodenal
and gastric ulcers occur at different locations, they appear to be the result
of similar mechanisms.
They often cause a very painful burning or
gnawing sensation in the upper abdomen. The pain of a duodenal ulcer is felt
when the stomach is empty. Waking at night and pain several hours after eating
are common symptoms. Food helps the pain to subside. With gastric or stomach
ulcers, the pain often develops while eating or soon after. It can also occur
independently of food.
Ulcers can cause serious complications if
left untreated. Individuals with peptic ulcers must be monitored by a
physician, even if they are following natural approaches.
An ulcer occurs when the protective mucus
lining the digestive tract which buffers the lining of the stomach and
intestine against hydrochloric acid and pepsin breaks down, allowing the acid
to erode the lining and causing an open sore to occur.
The role of the bacterium, Heliobacter
Pylori, in peptic ulcer disease has been extensively investigated. It has been
shown that 90%-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers have it and 70% with
gastric ulcers also have it, but it is also found in over 50% of the population
at large.
Although the bacterium can irritate certain
ulcers, a poor diet and lifestyle are the primary causes of peptic ulcers. An
overabundance of sugar and a lack of fibre are largely responsible for
provoking ulcers. Coffee, tea, alcohol and cigarettes increase the aggressive
substances that irritate the stomach and intestine.
Allergies to certain foods will cause
stomach problems. Aspirin, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are
known to increase secretion. However, poor eating habits contribute to the
development of most gastro-intestinal problems. Many people skip breakfast, but
tend to eat large, heavy meals for lunch and dinner.
Stress is universally believed to be an
important causative factor in peptic ulcers. The way that an individual deals
with stress seems the reason why certain individuals develop ulcers while
others don’t. As a group, ulcer patients have been characterised as tending to
repress emotions.
Raw cabbage juice is well documented as
having remarkable success in treating peptic ulcers. In one study, 1 litre of
the fresh juice (white cabbage) per day, taken in divided doses, resulted in
total ulcer healing in an average of only 10 days. Further research has shown
that the glutamine content of the juice is probably responsible for the
efficacy of cabbage in treating ulcers. 500mg of glutamine three times per day
over a few months has been shown to be highly effective for ulcers.
Manuka Honey has also been found to be very
effective in treating peptic ulcers. This is probably due to its anti-bacterial
properties and its wound-healing properties. Taking a couple of spoons each day
of this Honey from New Zealand can very quickly ease the pain of a peptic
ulcer.
Herbally, Liquorice Root is a very
effective healer of peptic ulcers. The long-term use of large amounts of
liquorice can elevate blood pressure in some susceptible individuals. The best
way to avoid this problem is to use deglycyrrizinated liquorice (DC-L).
Drink a cup of strong, warm Camomile Tea
every morning on an empty stomach. Camomile soothes and heals and has
anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
Eat small, frequent meals and choose
soothing, mucilaginous foods such as Linseeds in porridge. Well-cooked grains,
vegetables and fruits are best.
And finally, discover enjoyable outlets of
self-expression and emotions.
David
Foley
MNIMH,
MRCHM
Medical
Herbalist
