During normal digestion, food moves from the mouth down the esophagus into the stomach.
The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food.
From the stomach, food passes into the upper part of the small intestine, called the
duodenum, where digestion and nutrient absorption continue.
An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or duodenum where
acid and pepsin are present. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric or stomach ulcers.
Those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. In general, ulcers in the stomach and
duodenum are referred to as peptic ulcers. Ulcers rarely occur in the esophagus or in the
first portion of the duodenum, the duodenal bulb.
About 20 million Americans develop at least one ulcer during their lifetime. Ulcers can
develop at any age, but they are rare among teenagers and even more uncommon in children.
Duodenal ulcers occur for the first time usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Duodenal
ulcers occur more frequently in men than women.
For almost a century, doctors believed lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused
ulcers. Later, researchers discovered that an imbalance between digestive fluids
(hydrochloric acid and pepsin) and the stomach's ability to defend itself against these
powerful substances resulted in ulcers. Today, research shows that most ulcers develop as
a result of infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). While all
three of these factors--lifestyle, acid and pepsin, and H. pylori--play a role in ulcer
development, H. pylori is now considered the primary cause.
While scientific evidence refutes the old belief that stress and diet cause ulcers,
several lifestyle factors continue to be suspected of playing a role. These factors
include cigarettes, foods and beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, and physical
stress.
Coffee, tea, colas, and foods that contain caffeine seem to stimulate acid secretion in
the stomach, aggravating the pain of an existing ulcer. However, the amount of acid
secretion that occurs after drinking decaffeinated coffee is the same as that produced
after drinking regular coffee. Thus, the stimulation of stomach acid cannot be attributed
solely to caffeine.
Researchers believe that the stomach's inability to defend itself against the powerful
digestive fluids, acid and pepsin, contributes to ulcer formation. The stomach defends
itself from these fluids in several ways. One way is by producing mucus--a lubricant-like
coating that shields stomach tissues. Another way is by producing a chemical called
bicarbonate. This chemical neutralizes and breaks down digestive fluids into substances
less harmful to stomach tissue. Finally, blood circulation to the stomach lining, cell
renewal, and cell repair also help protect the stomach.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) make the stomach vulnerable to the
harmful effects of acid and pepsin. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
are present in many non-prescription medications used to treat fever, headaches, and minor
aches and pains. These, as well as prescription NSAIDs used to treat a variety of
arthritic conditions, interfere with the stomach's ability to produce mucus and
bicarbonate and affect blood flow to the stomach and cell repair. They can all cause the
stomach's defense mechanisms to fail, resulting in an increased chance of developing
stomach ulcers. In most cases, these ulcers disappear once the person stops taking
NSAIDs.
The most common ulcer symptom is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the
breastbone and the navel. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early hours of
the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours and may be relieved by eating
or by taking antacids.
In the past, doctors advised people with ulcers to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
However, a bland diet is now known to be ineffective for treating or avoiding ulcers. No
particular diet is helpful for most ulcer patients. People who find that certain foods
cause irritation should discuss this problem with their doctor. Smoking has been shown to
delay ulcer healing and has been linked to ulcer recurrence; therefore, persons with
ulcers should not smoke.
Doctors treat stomach and duodenal ulcers with several types of medicines including
H1-blockers, acid pump inhibitors, and mucosal protective agents. When treating H. pylori,
these medications are used in combination with antibiotics.
People with ulcers may experience serious complications if they do not get treatment.
The most common problems include bleeding, perforation of the organ walls, and narrowing
and obstruction of digestive tract passages.
Sometimes an ulcer eats a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Bacteria and
partially digested food can spill through the opening into the sterile abdominal cavity
(peritoneum). This causes peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity and wall. A
perforated ulcer that can cause sudden, sharp, severe pain usually requires immediate
hospitalization and surgery.
- L-Glutamine, 500 mg daily on an empty stomach, is important in the healing of peptic
ulcers. - Pectin, taken as directed on the label, may have good results on a duodenal ulcer.
- Vitamin E, 400 IU per day, aids in reducing stomach acids and in relieving pain.
- Iron (chelated form), taken as directed on the label, helps prevent anemia (which may
result from bleeding ulcers). - Vitamin A emulsion or capsules, 25,000 IU daily for one month, is needed for healing. It
protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. - Vitamin K, 100 mg. per day.
- Zinc, 50-80 mg. per day, promotes quicker healing.
Try the following tea:
Comfrey (2 parts)
Calendula (1 part)
Knotgrass (1 part)
Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 1/2 to 2 cups a day, unsweetened, in
mouthful doses.
The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.
