Stomach ulcers are troublesome and common as they affect up to 15 per cent of persons at least once in their lives.
An ulcer is an open sore that may occur on the skin or on any of the mucous membranes of the body. An ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum is called a peptic ulcer.
CAUSES OF STOMACH ULCERS
Lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy eating habits, alcohol abuse and smoking, may cause peptic ulcers, as well as gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach).
Physical and emotional stress can produce peptic ulcers. Researchers reported recently in World Journal of Gastroenterology that even adults who had a stressful childhood would have an increased risk of developing a stomach ulcer.
Another major cause is medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and all the other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, plus steroids themselves. About 10 per cent of people taking low-dose aspirin to lower their risk of a heart attack will develop peptic ulcers.
However, in recent years, the popular medical view is that peptic ulcers and gastritis may be caused by an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that can live in the stomach. This is the basis for the modern use of potent antibiotics and acid-suppression drugs to "treat" ulcers.
This theory is, however, strongly questioned. Dr Martin Blaser, professor of internal medicine at New York University thinks that Helicobacter pylori may actually be protective against stomach problems like acid reflux disease (GERD) and some forms of cancer of the stomach and oesophagus.
DANGERS OF MODERN DRUG THERAPY
Antacid medicines: These drugs neutralise acid, but because acid is not the real problem, they may give temporary relief, but create other problems. The aluminum in most antacids increases the level in the brain and bone tissue. This increases risk of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. They also interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
Acid suppressant drugs: These block the stomach's ability to secrete hydrochloric acid. The side effects include hormonal imbalance and immune system dysfunction.
Antibiotics: The standard drug regimen for H. pylori positive peptic ulcer disease is 'triple therapy': a combination of two strong antibiotics and an acid-suppressant drug. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dark stools, metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, headache and yeast infections in women. There is an increased risk of infection of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, inflammatory bowel disease and a serious infection of the colon.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES FOR PEPTIC ULCERS
Change your diet: Eat small, frequent meals with an emphasis on vegetables, fruit and healthy protein. The protein shakes from the Cellular Nutrition Programme is an excellent way to assure optimal nutrition while your stomach heals. Avoid alcohol and coffee. Green tea has been found to promote the healing of ulcers.
Rest and Relax: Get more rest and learn to manage stress better. Relaxation techniques and practices, like yoga, are wonderful aids.
Use Probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria such as Acidophilus, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They correct the bacterial imbalance (called dysbiosis), that I believe to be at the root of the problem, and can be taken as tablets. I recommend a supplement called Flora Fiber, that combines these healthy bacteria with fibre, as the healthy bacteria feed on fibre. Natural yoghurt is a good source of probiotics.
Have Aloe Vera: This herb contains powerful substances that heal the inflamed or ulcerated lining of the stomach. I use a patented aloe vera concentrate as special care is needed in preparing and effectively using this herb.
Take Cabbage: Fresh cabbage juice is an excellent ulcer treatment. Traditionally, raw cabbage juice has been used for stomach ulcers.
Honey: Raw honey is another effective treatment for ulcers. For hundreds of years, practitioners have used honey as a topical preparation to sores and injuries to promote healing. When taken by mouth, it kills harmful bacteria with its known antibiotic action while healing, and strengthens the stomach lining.
You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on Power 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m. The programme streams live on the Internet.
