GASTRIC AND DUODENAL ULCERS

by Lawrence Wilson, MD

Ó February 2010, The Center For Development

An ulcer is an open sore that will not heal on its own. Commonly these occur in the stomach or the duodenum, which is the upper or first part of the small intestine. If the ulcer is very small, it may give no symptoms at all. As it grows larger, it causes pain in most instances.

The pain of a gastric or stomach ulcer is usually worst just before a meal, and then it goes away when one eats. Certain foods, such as milk, often make the pain better while spicy or acidy foods can make the pain worse. The pain of a duodenal ulcer is more variable and may not correlate as well with eating or not eating.

CAUSES FOR GASTRIC AND DUODENAL ULCERS

Within the last 20 years, doctors have realized that an infection with H. Pylori causes stomach ulcers. The treatment is antibiotics. This treatment appears to work, but leaves the patient more toxic due to the antibiotic.

An improper diet of spicy or irritating foods, improper eating habits and weakness of the stomach wall can contribute to ulcers. Too much or the wrong type of in the stomach can also be a factor. Stress of a particular type can also be a contributor. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is commonly a factor today. These are pain killers such as aspirin, Tylenol, Aleve, ibuprophen and others that irritate the stomach.

On hair mineral analyses, patterns associated with ulcers include low zinc and/or a low sodium/potassium ratio.

CORRECTION OF ULCERS

Most ulcers will heal without the use of antibiotics or surgery if underlying causes are addressed. This means correcting the diet and the eating habits. Do not overeat, eliminate spicy foods, irritating foods, acidic foods such as tomatoes, and eliminate wheat and too much beef that can also irritate the stomach.

Stress reduction is very helpful, along with techniques such as relaxation and meditation. Stopping some types of medication may also be necessary, if the drugs are irritating to the stomach. Finally, balancing and strengthening the body chemistry is extremely helpful as well to correct weaknesses in the body that may contribute to ulcers.

Natural ulcer remedies. Aloe vera juice or gel, or DAG Solution have been used by many people to control ulcer pain and even correct an ulcer. Certain herbs such as slippery elm may also be helpful. These, however, should always be used along with a complete nutritional balancing program for the best results.

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