Peptic Ulcer (Also observe Gastritis)

Overview

A peptic ulcer is characterized by persistent inflammation of the stomach and/or the intestines. It is also referred to as gastritis or gastroenteritis, and is among the most common types of gastrointestinal problems.

Types of Peptic Ulcers

Over 93% of all peptic ulcers are caused or exacerbated by a bacterial infection, especially Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which accounts for nearly all cases of peptic ulcers.

To a far lesser extent, peptic ulcers can also be iatrogenic, meaning they can result from taking various over the counter and prescription drugs, especially aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and steroids.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

The primary characteristic of a peptic ulcer is a burning sensation in the upper abdomen that is most pronounced on an empty stomach or about an hour after eating. Peptic ulcers also commonly flare up throughout the night. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, inability to determine if one is hungry, and feelings of extreme hunger without warrant.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

In addition to bacterial and viral infections, peptic ulcers can also be caused by poor diet, food allergies, alcohol, cigarette smoking, and persistent stress. As stated above, various commonly used medications can also cause problems, particularly aspirin. In addition to aspirin, other NSAIDs associated with peptic ulcers include Advil, Clinoril, Feldene, Ibuprofen, Nalfon, Nuprin, Orudis, Oruvail, Relafen, and Tolectin. In serious ulcer cases, internal bleeding can occur as a result of thinning of the coating lining the digestive system.

Caution: If you experience internal bleeding and/or experience blood in your stool, seek immediate professional medical advice.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: The essential oils of chamomile and geranium help relieve peptic ulcer symptoms. Lemon oil can also be used.

Ayurveda: A common Ayurvedic remedy for peptic ulcers is licorice natural powder. Take ½ a tsp. 3 times daily. The Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha is also an effective aid. Combine cinnamon, cardamom, and garlic gloves, and crush into a powder to supply relief from peptic ulcer signs and symptoms. Take ¼ a tsp. of this mixture 3 times daily.

Diet: A healthy diet is a very important weapon in the fight against peptic ulcers. Drink plenty of pure filtered water, increase your intake of clean, organic fruits and vegetables, complex whole grains, and free-range poultry and wild-caught fish.

Avoid all industrial, processed, fried, and nonorganic food, alcohol, coffee, sugar, sugar substitutes, preservatives, meals dyes, dairy, wheat products and refined carbohydrates. Do not consume saturated, trans- hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated fats and oils. Instead choose virgin coconut butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flaxseed oil, and unrefined hemp seed, walnut, and sunflower oils. Minimize your intake of citrus fruits and spicy foods, both of which can aggravate peptic ulcers.

To reduce symptoms, eat small meals throughout the day, rather than eating 3 large meals.

Additionally, get screened for potential food allergies and steer clear of those foods for which you test positive.

For the complete whole foods eating plan to heal and eliminate all imbalances and disease, read the full article: Whole Foods Diet plan. In many cases, a raw foods eating plan can be hugely beneficial. For more information, read Raw Food Diet.

Herbal Medicine: Both Echinacea and goldenseal are useful for treating peptic ulcers not only because of their ability to improve immune performance but also because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help repair the lining of the intestines and stomach. These herbs also have strong natural antibiotic properties, making them useful for dealing with bacterial infections that usually cause peptic ulcers. Shiitake mushrooms can be helpful because of their antiviral properties, as can be aloe vera, cayenne, chamomile, licorice root, as well as slippery elm.

Other helpful herbs include calendula, linden flower, marshmallow, meadowsweet, and valerian. Soothing herbal infusions include 1 part lavender and 2 parts marshmallow root, or 1 part chamomile and 1 part linden flower or even valerian (take 1 tsp. three times each day).

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include, Arsen alb., Acidum nit., Belladonna, Calendula, Hamamelis, Lachesis, Nux vomica, as well as Silicea.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and alternating hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Remedies include full body emersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatment. We recommend several at-home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies for purifying water include clear instructions and recommendations.

Liquid Therapy: Helpful juice treatments include uncooked cabbage juice by itself, or mixed with carrot or celery juice; raw potato juice; wheatgrass juice; carrot, and spinach juice; carrot juice by itself; carrot, beet cucumber.

Lifestyle: If you smoke, stop, and avoid contact with secondhand cigarette smoke. In addition, learn how to effectively deal with and manage stress.

If you’re currently taking aspirin other NSAIDs, consider switching them to safer, more effective natural treatments.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutritional supplements include vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, and zinc oxide, taken with a multivitamin/multimineral . Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 oils, are recommended, as are bismuth and the protein L-glutamine. Linseed oil can also be effective and can be added to salads or poured over steamed veggies.

Stress Reduction: Learning how to reduce and properly manage stress is essential for healing and avoiding ulcers. Stress reduction techniques are also very helpful for dealing with feelings such as anger, depression, and hopelessness that can exacerbate signs and symptoms. Holistic doctors help sufferers accomplish stress reduction through the use of various mind/body techniques, such as biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and relaxation workouts. Meditation is yet another form of tension relief that can be highly effective. There are many ways to meditate. One of the easiest methods is simply to sit comfortably in a chair with your eyes shut as you focus on inhaling and exhaling. Do this for 5-10 minutes, twice per day for 20-30 minutes each time. To improve your efforts, focus on mentally repeating a tranquil phrase each time that you catch your breath, allowing other thoughts to arise and pass without becoming involved with them. At first, this can seem complicated, but with committed practice you will eventually find yourself able to do this while experiencing greater levels of calm and peace.

Alternative Professional Treatment

The following treatments can also help to prevent and relieve ulcers: Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training, Neurotherapy, Bodywork (Feldenkrais Method, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Therapeutic Touch), Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Environment Medicine, Enzyme Therapy, fasting, Guided Imagery, Hypnotherapy, Mind/Entire body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Nerve Therapy, Osteopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapy, Qigong, Tai Chi, traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)