Peptic Ulcers
Until quite recently ulcers were thought to be one of the crosses hard-working executives had to bear. They were the mark of a striving go-getter, who strode from power lunch to stock-market take-over bid, pausing only to swallow a packet of antacid tablets. Normally, so the theory went, the stomach doesn’t digest itself because a coating of mucus protects it from the hydrochloric acid which, together with an enzyme called pepsin, breaks down the food. But stress and anger can increase the amount of acid in the stomach while aspirin and other drugs can reduce the protective mucus and so the acids begin to eat away at the walls of the stomach or duodenum, creating crater-like sores which can be very swollen and tender. Classic symptoms include burning, intense pain in the mid-upper abdomen, and waking in the early morning, often with a sensation of abnormal hunger.
However, in the last few years a radical new explanation for stomach ulcers has made far more effective treatment possible. It now seems certain that about 80 percent of cases are caused by the action of a spiral-shaped bacterium called Helicohacter pylori which uses its whip-like tail to burrow into the stomach walls.
Most ulcers occur in the duodenum, where the stomach enters the small intestine. They are most common in middle age, though children can get them, too. Males are affected twice as often as females, and they tend to run in families.
THE ORTHODOX APPROACH
Before the pylori discovery, treatment consisted of antacids or a newer breed of histamine blockers containing cimetidine. Both sorts relieve the symptoms by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces, but achieve little in the way of a lasting cure. This approach is still widely used, but some centres claim an 80 percent success rate with a combination of drugs which eradicate pylori.
Once you have been diagnosed pylori positive with a blood test you are prescribed three drugs in large doses. There’s something to keep down the acid such as bismuth subsalicylate (better known as pepto-bismol); a drug such as metronidazole, which is especially effective against bacteria that don’t need oxygen; and a common antibiotic such as tetracycline or amoxicillin. The result is that you can end up taking 16 pills a day. The side-effects include temporary gray staining of the teeth, constipation or diarrhoea, and dizziness.
In a few severe cases surgery is necessary. This can range from total removal of the stomach to selective removal or severing of the nerves which stimulate acid secretion in the stomach.
THE HALE APPROACH
Any persistent or severe pain in the abdomen or persisting symptoms of heartburn, reflux or acidity should be brought to the attention of your physician. Once an accurate diagnosis of an ulcer has been made, complementary therapies and the Hale approach may be followed, bearing in mind that an ulcer may eat into an artery or perforate the stomach, allowing acid into the abdominal cavity. These are rare but serious complications, and therefore regular review by an orthodox practitioner is advisable.
The Hale Clinic approach to stomach ulcers is to address both the physical and mental causes. A nutritionist/naturopath can advise on adjusting diet and investigating whether any allergies are aggravating the condition. Eliminating allergies will also calm the mind. Alternatively, a patient can practice the Buteyko Method, which will 1) improve the production of gastric juices to promote better digestion and absorption of food; 2) balance the acid/alkaline ratio within the digestive system; and 3) have a calming effect on the mind.
Ayurveda, acupuncture and homeopathy are very effective in the treatment of the mental and physical imbalances which cause stomach ulcers. Various support therapies have an important role in relaxing the mind and improving digestion and absorption of food. Chi Kung and self-hypnosis are self-care tools to be used at home to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences.
HOMEOPATHY
Over-acidity is one of the causes of ulcers, and coffee, especially decaffeinated, increases acid production, as does smoking. There are many remedies for various forms of indigestion, which may be related to an ulcer, such as:
• A lot of belching, especially after sweet foods, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, fluttery feeling in stomach, suspected peptic ulcer – Argentum Nitricum.
• Burning sensation in the chest, craving for ice-cold water, which is vomited up as soon as it becomes warm in the stomach, likely peptic ulcer – Lycopodium.
• Burning hunger pangs relieved by food or hot drinks (especially milk), but soon followed by indigestion, person nauseated by sweet things, suspected peptic ulcer – Graphites.
In general ulcers can be helped by eating only small quantities of food at a time. Slippery Elm Food, which can be taken as a drink every two hours, is especially recommended. More about homeopathy...
NATUROPATHY/ALLERGY TREATMENT
The problem with taking antacids is that they disrupt normal digestive processes by lowering the acid in the stomach, which in itself can cause problems, explains a naturopath. They alter the structure and function of the cells that line the digestive tract and can cause kidney problems and a loss of the essential minerals calcium and phosphorus.
The nutritional approach aims at restoring the integrity of the lining of the stomach and duodenum.
Food allergies are a major cause of ulcers and so patients are tested for allergens – ironically mil, often taken by sufferers, is a prime candidate. A high-fibre diet may help because it slows down the rapid movement of food into the duodenum which often occurs in ulcer patients, but it may itself be allergy-inducing.
There are a number of herbal approaches, the most powerful being liquorice which, rather than reducing acid production, stimulates the body’s defence mechanisms against ulceration. It does this by increasing both the number and the effectiveness of the mucus-secreting cells in the lining of the stomach. Raw cabbage juice, 1Q (1l) a day, is also very effective. More about allergy testing... More about naturopathy...
ACUPUNCTURE
Chinese medicine sees stomach ulcers as arising form an imbalance of yin and yang in the body, and treatment would aim to restore the balance, concentrating on the meridians associated with the stomach and intestines. The therapist would also address the root cause of the problem. More about acupuncture...
AYURVEDA
According to Ayurvedic principles, stomach ulcers are created more by the mind. When the mind is not in harmony with the body, the stomach functions badly. The person with ulcers is preoccupied and tense and not having meals at the right times – when you eat and what type of food is eaten are very important for the digestion.
Treatment would involve mediation to help with relaxation and rebalance the mind, encouragement to eat the right foods – not acidic ones – and to eat the right time. An Ayurvedic physician would also give herbs to cool the digestive tract and detoxification using enemas but not laxatives. Preparations with a cooling effect help to heal ulcers. More about ayurveda...
SELF-CARE
Indian Medicine
Diet: Eat only steamed food, vegetables or meat. Also eat a mixture of rice and lentils – known as kicherie – every evening.
SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS
Healing
This can provide complete relaxation and then reduce the acid in the stomach. It can also clear up associated problems with the liver and gall bladder. Healers recommended sticking to a bland diet.
Shiatsu
This is especially good for ulcers. Massage concentrates on the stomach meridian as well as on those of the kidneys, the liver, and the small intestine. According to one practitioner, patients always have a big knot on the upper part of the spine, so their spinal alignment needs to be organized. They should avoid coffee, alcohol, or fizzy drinks. The character of people with ulcers is warring and that can be changed with massage to make them more peaceful.
Chi Kung
A few of the many exercises of this system will be right for each individual. Once you have learned them you can concentrate energy and direct it to the stomach area where it will restore the balance.
Reflexology
Massage will concentrate on the stomach reflex, which covers quite a large area from the inside edge to the middle, just below the ball of both feet. The duodenum reflex is in the same region on the right foot, but covers a much smaller area.
Hypnotherapy
As one hypnotherapist puts it, “In the language of the body an ulcer is saying, “Something is eating me”. Hypnosis can help people comes to terms with the unresolved issues causing the problem. At the bottom there are usually questions of self-respect and self-confidence. To realize that an ulcer is not just a physical matter can be a great leap for a client. Stress is a major contributory factor in ulcers and stress management techniques are therefore a pre-requisite towards alleviation.
Remedial Yoga
Through body work and breathing practise yoga can help us concentrate on unrelieved tension, anxiety and worry – feelings which affect the flow of acid in the stomach.