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"Healing Ulcers Naturally"

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, said, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food". It is amazing how far we have drifted form this sound advice. Frequently, I hear of doctors telling patients that there is no evidence that a natural therapy such as cabbage juice for an ulcer will work in place of a drug. They obviously haven't studied the literature lately.

The fact is fresh cabbage juice has been well documented in the medical literature as having remarkable success in treating ulcers. In one study, the majority of patients experience complete healing in as little as seven days. Cabbage juice increases the amount of protective substances that line the intestine. A breakdown in the integrity of this lining is what causes most ulcers.

Another disturbing situation is the constant recommendation of Tagament and Zantac by both physicians and veterinarians. Both of these drugs work by blocking the natural production of stomach acid. Each year these two drugs fight it out to see which is going to be the most widely prescribed drug in the US. The two drugs have a combined sales of over $4 billion worldwide.

The companies that produce Tagamet and Zantac consider them to be "perfect drugs" because they are expensive ( a full therapeutic dose usually costs about $150 per month), and they have the highest relapse rate (92 percent) of any anti- ulcer treatment. The result? A person becomes dependent on a very expensive drug, because without it, the ulcer may come back. The perfect drug!

Are these really the perfect drugs? The obvious answer is no. Tagamet and Zantac are associated with a number of side effects including digestive disturbances, nutritional imbalances, liver dysfunction, disruption of bone metabolism and breast development in men.

The other medical treatment for ulcers is antacids, however, many popular antacids have serious side effects. The calcium carbonate antacids (Tums, Alka-2, etc.) actually produce a "rebound" effect on gastric acid secretion and may cause kidney stones. The sodium bicarbonate antacids (Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Bromo-Seltzer etc.) tend to cause systemic alkalosis and interfere with heart and kidney function.

The type of antacids used most often in the treatment of ulcers are aluminum-magnesium compounds (Maalox, Mylanta, Di-gel,etc.) which may cause calcium and phosphorus depletion as well as possible aluminum toxicity or the accumulation of aluminum in the brain.

Natural approach to ulcers
Obviously, a more rational and effective approach is necessary. The natural approach to healing ulcers is to first identify and then eliminate or reduce all factors that can contribute to their development: food allergy, a low fiber diet, cigarette smoking, stress, and drugs such as aspirin and other non steroidal analgesics. Once these factors have been controlled or eliminated, the focus is directed at healing the ulcers and promoting tissue resistance. This includes drinking cabbage juice, eating a healthful diet high in fiber and low in allergenic foods and incorporating an effective stress reduction plan.

The natural approach may also involve herbs, especially a unique licorice extract known as deglycyrrhizinated
licorice. Like cabbage, deglycyrrhizinated licorice helps reestablish a healthy intestinal lining.

Licorice extract
Glycyrrhizinic acid, a constituent of licorice, was the first compound proven to promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers in a clinical setting. However, due to the known side effects of glycyrrhizinic acid (it can raise blood pressure in susceptible individuals), a procedure was developed to remove it from the plant, thereby creating deglycyrrhizinated licorice. The result is a beneficial compound with no known side effects.

Instead of blocking stomach acid, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) stimulates the body's natural defense mechanisms that protect against ulcer formation. This includes increasing the quantity of and quality of mucosal cells in the protective lining of the gut, increasing the life span of surface intestinal cells and enhancing the blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract lining.

Numerous studies indicate DGL is more effective when chewed and mixed with saliva. DGL may promote the release of salivary compounds such as urogastrone or epithelial cell growth factors which stimulate the growth and regeneration of stomach and intestinal cells. The recommended dosage of DGL is two to four 380 mg tablets chewed between meals or 20 minutes before eating. This dosage should continue 8-16 weeks for optimum benefit.

Other herbs that may help soothe intestinal distress include American cranes bill (Geranium maculatum), marshmallow (Althaea officianalis), slippery elm (Ulmus fulva), okra (Hibiscus esculentus) , echinacea or purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia), and golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis.) Many of these plants have a high content of mucilage, which is very soothing to the mucous membranes, including those lining the gastrointestinal tract.

Note: Patients with symptoms of an ulcer need competent medical care. Ulcers are usually associated with upper abdominal pain 45-60 minutes after meals or during the night. The pain is typically described as gnawing, burning, aching or cramping, and is relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting. Ulcer complications such as hemorrhage, perforation and obstruction are medical emergencies that require immediate hospitalization and care. Patients with ulcers should be monitored by a physician, even when following the natural approaches discussed here.

Dr. Judy Stolz is a naturopathic physician and a veterinarian practicing in Casa Grande, AZ.