Definition:
This condition is continual erosion of the mucosa membrane of the stomach and/or
duodenum. It involves the membranes that are exposed to gastric
digestive secretions, mainly hydrochloric acid. Left untreated it
can penetrate the tissue leaving holes that will require surgical
repair. There are two causes of gastric ulcers. The first is bacterial
infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. This organism can be detected
by direct biopsy, blood test, or by a breath test. Blood test is
the most common test used. Once detected and eliminated the symptoms
will disappear. H. pylori, left untreated can lead to stomach cancer.
The second is stress related. H. pylori is the most common cause
of gastric ulcers.
Symptoms:
Chronic burning or gnawing stomach pain that usually occurs on an empty stomach,
or during the night. Symptoms can awakening even the deepest sleeper.
Eating, taking antacids, or drinking a large glass of water relieves
these symptoms.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
Providing healing substances for the inflamed tissue, while at
the same time providing natural and safe anti-biotic substances
to kill off the H. pylori will eliminate this condition. It is believed
that low levels of hydrochloric acid leads to the growth of H. pylori
in the stomach, since this bacteria does not like an acid environment.
In fact to survive in the stomach H. pylori surrounds itself with
a bubble of ammonia that maintains it in an alkaline environment,
that it prefers.
References:
Glick, L., ADeglycrrhizinated liquorice in peptic ulcer@, Lancet, 1982 ii p.
817
Peters, M. et al, "Fungal infections association with gastroduodenal
ulceration: endoscopic and pathologic appearances", Gastroenterology,
1980
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
