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Ulcer - Article

 
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PostPosted: Dec Thu 14, 2006 1:03 pm    Post subject: Ulcer - Article Reply with quote

Ulcer - Article

The Burning Question.......
Do I have an ulcer? by David Skousen

Medications for indigestion and stomach pain are among the top seller of all drugs on the market today, and ulcers alone afflict 25 million Americans.

What's an ulcer? Before discussing the latest theory of ulcer prevention and cure, let's define an ulcer. Any open sore or lesion either of the skin or mucus membrane (which includes the lining of the stomach and intestines) can be considered an ulcer. Ulcer symptoms include spasmodic and gnawing pains in the pit of the stomach, which sometimes radiate to other areas like the back or between the shoulder blades, gas, bloating, and/or nausea. Other symptoms can include lower back pain, headaches, itching and a choking sensation. Stomach pain of this sort may be relieved by eating, but heavy or spicy foods may make you feel very uncomfortable, and the stomach seems sensitive to pressure applied from the outside. If the ulcer deepens, it may reach blood vessels and cause serious bleeding. At this point, it may be life-threatening. Ulcers of the stomach (gastric) or duodenum (duodenal) are both called peptic. The most common theory used to be-and still is in some circles-that ulcers are caused by stress. High amounts of stress increase hydrochloric acid production. This acid is classically perceived as so strong that it eats away a portion of the stomach's protective mucus lining, causing an ulcer. While aspirin and chronic stress can be important factors in ulcer formation, recent research reveals the most common cause is Helicobacter pylori bacteria that burrow into the stomach's mucus layer and produce inflammation. Many people host this bacteria, which can get into the blood and circulate throughout the body. When is gains a foothold in the small intestine near the stomach, it can cause inflammation in the duodenum. That could be the main reason for duodenal ulcers. It's still a mystery why some people appear unharmed by H. pylori while others develop infection. It is known, however, that it can easily be transmitted from one person to another through saliva. To avoid getting or giving this bacteria to others, do not share drinks, silverware, or dips with other people. H. pylori is suspected in other health problems, like some forms of heart disease and cancer (New Scientist, Oct. 15, 1994, p.12).

In 1982, Australian physician Barry Marshall was the first to discover H. pylori as a cause of gastric ulceration. His fellow doctors wouldn't believe his discovery because it differed from established views. So in 1984, this pioneering M.D. experimented on himself by drinking a solution of H. pylori, and eight days later became ill. Biopsies (small pieces of tissue cut from his stomach) and endoscopies (optical examination from a tube down his throat) showed a definite infection had begun. Dr. Marshall's experiment proved to be one of the greatest medical breakthroughs in decades. By this means he impressed his colleagues enough to generate more studies, several of which have confirmed Dr. Marshall's theory. Once established in the stomach lining, H. pylori bacteria can defend themselves against hydrochloric acid, (HC1) and the body's immune system by excreting an enzyme called urease, which reacts to produce ammonia in the stomach, which then neutralizes HC1. In response to this attack, the stomach produces more acid and caustic oxidants that irritate the stomach lining. Taking antacids or acid-blocking drugs does not address the H. pylori problem. Even worse, these drugs have adverse side-effects, and allow H. pylori more freedom to grow! In addition, by artificially lowering HC1 in the stomach, antacids prevent important nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12, and folic acid from being properly absorbed, weakening the immune system and the rest of the body. In older people, this is even more serious, especially for the brain and nervous system. The conclusion is that ulcers are not caused directly by the effects of chronic stress on the digestive system, but from its secondary effect of weakening the body's defenses, eventually decreasing HC1 production and allowing H. pylori to proliferate.

The importance of stomach acid Since stomach acid gets most of the blame for ulcers, we need to understand what this powerful substance is. Gastric juice is made by 35 million tiny glands located in the innermost layer of the stomach. This Ajuice@ contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin and lipase. HC1 and pepsin act on proteins, while lipase helps break down fats. Those with stomach pain often conclude that they're producing too much HC1. This may or may not be the case. Eating something or taking antacids may bring temporary relief, but the stomach will simply have to make more acid in order to properly digest food in the stomach. A burning feeling may be caused by too much acid, or, according to some experts, by too little. Certain emotions like fear and depression, as well as offensive odors and repulsive scents, tend to slow production of gastric juice. On the other hand, anger or hostility may increase production. Chronic over stimulation may eventually deplete the body's ability to make acid, thereby increasing nutritional shortages and slowing the healing of wounds, like stomach ulceration.

Why is HC1 so important? It not only dissolves collagen and nucleoproteins, aids in the absorption of minerals, but it also inhibits bacteria from causing food poisoning. These bacteria produce poisonous by-products and degrade your health. By controlling bacteria, HC1 also prevents putrefactive lactic acid fermentation. And it may help to prevent ulcers!

Potential Causes of Ulcers

! Aspirin can cause breaks in the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach and small intestine, resulting in acute gastritis. ! Alcohol consumption also damages the mucosal protection, but neither aspirin nor alcohol cause a deep, penetrating crater as H. pylori does. ! Corticosteriod drugs do not cause peptic ulcers, but may hide the symptoms while an existing ulcer worsens. ! Some antibiotic drugs (like doxycycline and tetracycline) have been reported to cause severe ulceration in the esophagus if they become lodged there. ! Indomethacin and other anti-inflammatory drugs have been implicated in ulcer formation, but the data are inconclusive. ! Some types of disease, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus, are associated with a higher incidence of ulcers, whether drugs are administered or not.

Source: Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, American Pharmaceutical Association: Washington DC, 9th edition, 1990, 249-250.

Nature's Sunshine Products to the Rescue

NSP has developed a patented, natural herbal product specifically for H. pylori bacteria. Gastro Health, is designed to both inhibit the growth of dangerous H. pylori bacteria and help the body soothe the stomach irritation and discomfort H. pylori causes. Gastro Health combines four herbs that may help support the digestive system during times of stomach distress, strain and discomfort. Scientific studies have shown three of these herbs-pau d'arco extract, cloves powder extract and Inula racemosa powder-actually inhibit the activity of H. pylori bacteria. These same herbs have been shown not to inhibit other friendly bacteria that exist in the digestive and intestinal tracts. This ground-breaking formula, for which NSP has a patent, also contains deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (DGLE). Clinical studies show DGLE to be capable of helping soothe stomach irritations and associated discomfort. Gastro Health. . . an NSP quality product designed to make a world of difference in one of the most pressing health concerns of today.

Recommended Protocol:

** 2 capsules Intestinal Soothe & Build per meal until __2__ bottles are gone ____ 2 capsules of Aloe _____ 2 oz. of Aloe juice _____ 1 oz. of Whole leaf Aloe juice ** Gastro Health - follow bottle directions for 3 bottles. The second and third months, drop the bedtime dosages, taking 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with dinner. (You will need 3 bottles the first month and 2 bottles each month thereafter.) ____ 2 capsules of Proactzyme for improved digestion ____ PDA ____Immediately ____After Two Weeks ** Food Enzymes ______Immediately ** After Two Weeks ** 2 tablets Stomach Comfort, chewed, for relief of heartburn, acid, reflux, etc. as needed

6/04 GASTRO HEALTH Fights the bacteria which may cause stomach distress, gas, & possibly ulcers

For a long time it was believed that ulcers were caused by excess acid in the stomach usually brought on by stress, but in 1979 J. Robin Warren discovered a spiral bacteria, helicobater pylori, which researchers now believe to be the real cause of ulcers. H. pylori are able to survive the strong stomach acids by living in the protective lining and producing an enzyme, urease, which makes ammonia and neutralizes the stomach acids. These bacteria are only present in inflamed tissues of the stomach. In 1987 a young, healthy male volunteer swallowed H. pylori and began a three year battle with inflammation, infection and ulcers, proving that H. pylori was a cause of ulcers. As studies have continued, it has been found that nearly all ulcer patients have H. pylori bacteria. In June of 1994, the International Agency for Research in Cancer announced that H. pylori bacteria was a very dangerous carcinogen. Studies with gastric cancer show that H. pylori could be the first step in the process of changes that leads to cancer. More research is required. Gastro Health has been designed as a natural agent to relieve inflamed stomach tissues or ulcers developing from the H. pylori bacteria. Gastro Health won't destroy the Agood@ bacteria in the body as antibiotic treatments will. The following are herbs included in this combination. Capsicum is hot chili pepper long used as a condiment to aid digestion. For years, doctors warned against the use of spicy foods like capsicum in ulcer patients. while herbalists used this hot seasoning to relieve ulcers. We now know that capsicum relieves the inflammation caused by H. pylori bacteria. It also stops the bleeding often occurring in ulcers. It is an antibacterial and antispasmodic agent and may have an anti-carcinogenic effect. It also increases the flow of stomach acid which is needed for proper digestion in ulcer patients. Cloves were so popular in early Europe that wars were actually fought over the control of its trade. Cloves are a stimulating spice with a mild anesthetic property. The oil in cloves numbs tissue and reduces pain. Cloves are also an excellent antibacterial agent.

Inula racemosa is a cousin in Inula helenium also known as elecampane. Traditionally Inula has been used as diuretic and an expectorant, to aid colds, induce sweating, and clear and strengthen the lungs and skin. Experiments show that in extract form, Inula has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-yeast and antiulcer properties. Recent studies show it is effective against H. pylori bacteria. Licorice has long been valued for it's medicinal effects. Traditionally it has been used for colds, cough, arthritis, infection, cancer and ulcers. Studies show that licorice has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Studies show that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (the type included in this formula) is 75-80% effective in healing ulcers and produces no side effects. Pau d'Arco is a tree from the rain forests. Despite the wet area and humid air, fungus will not grow on this tree. The native people have used pau d'arco to treat arthritis, diabetes, malaria, tumors, and ulcers. Studies show this herb to be effective against candidiasis and that it may reduce tumors. Current research shows that pau d'arco is effective against H. pylori bacteria. It is recommended to take two capsules of Gastro Health with a meal twice daily, plus two capsules at bedtime with a glass of water for the first month. For two more months, take two capsules twice daily to prevent a reoccurrence.

Sources: Martin J. Blaser, AThe Bacteria behind Ulcers,@ Scientifc American, February 1996, p. 104-107 David Skousen, AThe Burning Question...@ Sunshine Horizons, April 1996, pp 1-3 Holly Nicholes, AHerbal H-p Fighter,@ Handout, R&D Research Services Terry Willard, Ph.D., The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal (Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd., 1991) p. 68-73 Michael A. Weiner, Ph.D. and Janet Weiner, Herbs that Heal (Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994) p. 107-109, 125-126, 258-259 Dr. A. B. Howard, Herbal Extracts (Berkley, Michigan: The Blue Goose Press, 1983) Mark Pedersen, Nutritional Herbology (Warsaw, IN: Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1994) p. 85-86, 135. Michael Castleman, The Healing Herbs (Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1991) p. 236-240
-Kay Lubecke
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