The strong and highly concentrated acid produced by the
stomach is capable of burning a hole in the both the stomach and duodenum
(part of your small intestine). The ulcer pain is caused by stomach acid
coming into contact with unprotected tissue. Eating generally decreases
ulcer pain temporarily because food can neutralize the acid. But as soon
as the food begins to be digested, the pain will return. Conventional
medical treatment for ulcers has gone through a slow change. A few decades
ago, the prescribed response to ulcers was a bland diet, one low in spices
and high in dairy type products, that were believed to coat the and
protect the stomach. However, it was discovered that spicy foods are
innocent and that milk is ulcer forming! The only other choice at that time
was to have surgery. Next came antacids containing magnesium and aluminum
(like Maalox). However, these type solutions/products were seldom strong
enough to allow the ulcer to fully heal. Ulcer treatment took a big step
forward with the development of Tagamet (cimetidine) then Zantac
(ranitidine) and Pepcid (famotidine), and many more. These drugs
dramatically lower the stomach's production of acid. Then a new class of
even more potent acid suppressors appeared, such as Prilosec (omeprazole).
When stomach acid is suppressed, ulcer pain goes away quickly, and the
ulcer heals. For a time, these drugs were regarded as the best answer to
ulcers. This early enthusiasm began to fade when it became clear that
ulcers frequently returned after the drugs were stopped. In the late
1980s, a new explanation for this problem began to surface. First thought
of as a stupid theory; it has now become the accepted explanation. It is
now believed that ulcers are caused by the bacteria known as "Helicobacter
pyiori". This previously ignored bacterial organism has the
ability to infect the stomach and weaken the stomach lining. With proper
nutrition and body maintenance this bacteria becomes less of a problem.
Stress reduction may also play a role as stress
will weaken the body's immune system. (see also Colitis)
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Colon cleansing |
10 |
will cleanse the colon and intestines
which can become breeding grounds for bad bacteria as well as
collection areas for toxins. A cleansing product should also include
the ability to rebuild and create an environment where "good
bacteria" can grow. Look for these to be included in the formula:
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhanosus, Bifidobacterium
longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum. (see BotanaCleanse link below) |
Aloe Vera |
10 |
herb that helps heal the colon and also aides in lowering stress. |
Myrrh resin |
9 |
promotes healing and it works well with
frankincense and aloe vera |
Shepherd's
Purse |
8 |
herb that works with aloe vera and myrrh |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi
enzyme, all serve to help people with ulcers and ulcerative colitis. The nutrients
contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and
well being. |
vitamin A |
9 |
vitamin A is an anti-oxidant protects the mucous membranes that become inflamed with
colitis and it also helps in healing. |
vitamin E |
9 |
vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing and has been shown to help prevent
bowel cancer. |
vitamin B |
8 |
vitamin B complex is needed for breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well
as good digestion. The B vitamin family is also needed to prevent anemia
which ulcer sufferers often have. |
Omega Fatty Acids |
8 |
important for protecting the lining of the colon and anti-inflammation associated with
colitis. Essential fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and plant
sources of flax seed, and borage seed |
Magnesium |
7 |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to colitis and a good source of magnesium is a
quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement especially one
that also includes calcium, chromium, and zinc. |
Calcium |
7 |
important for proper functioning of the cardiac (heart) muscle and is a companion to
magnesium ( see above) |
Vitamin C |
7 |
vitamin C helps boost the immune system and
it promotes healing of mucous membranes. It can
be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
form. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|