Post by Okwes on Nov 27, 2006 11:57:33 GMT -5
Herbal Remedies Alleviate many Digestive Complaints
The number of people who suffer from heartburn is estimated at 100
million. By offering symptomatic relief to sufferers, the antacid
business has become a three billion-dollar industry.
Antacid medications are sold without offering consumers 'vital'
information concerning the 'causes' and 'complications' of heartburn
and digestive problems.
Over 25 million Americans take antacids twice a week. Even more take
prescription drugs on a daily basis to find relief for heartburn and
indigestion.
Dangers of antacids:
Using antacids may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus
(e.g., precancerous ulcers). Biochemists report that one of the long-
term side effects of blocking acid production is a compromised
immune system; "hydrochloric acid" is an essential component in the
complete digestion of food and "protects" the body from 'pathogenic
bacteria'.
Calcium-based antacids (e.g., Tums) may damage the kidneys if taken
over a long period of time.
Magnesium based products (e.g., Mylanta and Maalox) and aluminum-
based products (e.g., Rolaids) should not be taken by those
experiencing kidney problems.
Antacids do not 'heal' the tissue that has been inflamed or injured
by stomach acid.
Before treating acid reflux and indigestion with drugs, consumers
ought to ask their health professionals four questions:
What could be causing me to suffer from heartburn and indigestion?
Will the treatment that you are recommending heal my body or will it
simply provide "symptomatic" relief?
Will I experience side effects from the product(s) that you
recommend and will I be in any danger as a result of consuming the
product(s)?
Can you recommend any natural healing therapies that would resolve
my problems safely and effectively?
If your health professional is not able to recommend safe and
efficacious ways to treat acid reflux and chronic indigestion, you
may want to begin searching for one who can.
One way to find a medical doctor who is competent in recommending
natural therapies is by contacting the American College for
Advancement in Medicine www.acam.org. ACAM will provide a list of
licensed medical doctors in your location who have been trained in
prescribing natural therapies. Another source
of help is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(AANP) at 1-206-298-0125. Naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous
training in natural therapies.
----------------------------------------------------------
What are the main causes of acid reflux?
----------------------------------------------------------
The chief cause of digestive problems is a diet high in 'fat', low
in 'fiber', filled with chemicals, additives, simple sugars
and "refined" carbohydrates.
A diet of processed, refined, devitalized foods does not contain
sufficient "enzymes" necessary for digestion. Furthermore,suffic
minimal processing and heating 'destroys' the enzymes that are vital
for complete digestion.
Antacids actually "shut down" digestion. In order to build health and
avoid digestive problems, we need to 'optimize' digestion and heal
the 'inflammation' caused by acid reflux.
Coffee, (even decaf), alcohol, tobacco, carbonated beverages, and
chocolate further aggravate digestive problems. Tomatoes and citrus
fruits may also be problematic.
----------------------------------------------------------
PROBLEMS WITH ANTACIDS:
----------------------------------------------------------
CALCIUM CARBONATE AND ACID REBOUND-
Calcium carbonate is especially fast-acting. Within a few hours,
however, the body will "overcompensate" by producing an
extra "surge" of acid.
Highly acidic body chemistries (systemic alkalosis) are involved in
health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and mental
confusion.
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE AND BONE LOSS:
Antacids containing aluminum can contribute to phosphate deficiency
when used for long periods of time.This is because the 'phosphate'
in food 'reacts' with the 'aluminum' in the antacid to form a solid
material that is simply passed in the stool.
In order to keep enough phosphorus in the blood, the body will take
it "out" of bones.
Bone "demineralization" is especially a problem for the older people
who tend to use these products regularly.
ALUMINUM AND IMPAIRED MENTAL FUNCTION:
Although the FDA and manufacturers say that "aluminum" in 'antacids'
is not
"absorbed', studies since 1986 have shown that it IS, especially in
cases of kidney problems and in the presence of "acidic foods" such
as citrus fruits or soda pop. There is increasing evidence that
aluminum is involved in Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and some other nervous
system problems.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Stomach acid is "required" for good digestion. Poor digestion
produces heartburn.
People with heart-burn take antacids.
Antacids reduce stomach acid short term but may lead to even more
heartburn eventually.
Stomach acid is 'required' for good mineral absorption, especially
calcium & magnesium. "Calcium carbonate" antacids "neutralize" the
stomach acid "needed" for their absorption.
The stomach's job is to produce and hold digestive acid and enzymes.
When antacids are used regularly, the stomach senses this and, over
time, "increases" its acid 'production' "rate" set point.
Taking antacids to reduce acid can lead to the production of
*excessive* acid and even more discomfort.
----------------------------------------------------------
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTACIDS:
Use of antacids can cause bowel irregularities including
constipation, nausea and diarrhea with occasional vomiting.
They can lead to kidney stones, 'demineralization of bones', bone
pain and muscle weakness with cramping.
They can be counted on to produce "malabsorption' of' minerals'.
The list of diseases that have been associated with low gastric
acidity include, but are not limited to:
Anemia, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease,
dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gallbladder problems, hepatitis,
lupus, osteoporosis, psoriasis and problems with over- and under-
active thyroid glands.
To avoid these and other low stomach acidity problems, use
digestive enzymes with each meal.
----------------------------------------------------------
Various types of antacids interfere with the 'absorption' of
various minerals.
----------------------------------------------------------
Any antacid can "interfere" with the *absorption* of iron, zinc, and
possibly other minerals by neutralizing stomach acid.
Aluminum-containing antacids can bind with phosphorus and interfere
with its absorption, and this can further lead to
calcium "depletion".
Antacids that contain calcium may also compete for absorption with
iron. Calcium antacids may alter the *absorption* of magnesium.
Calcium-containing antacids, when taken with zinc supplements, might
substantially decrease 'zinc' absorption.
Finally, calcium antacids impair the absorption of manganese and
"chromium."
----------------------------------------------------------
Safe and effective relief from indigestion and acid reflux is
available.A dietary supplement containing digestive enzymes is
important for anyone who wants to optimize the digestion and
assimilation of cooked food.
Effective digestive formulas contain ingredients such as amylase,
invertase, glucoamylase, protease, malt diastase, cellulase,
peptidase, lipase, lactase and acid-stable protease.
Researchers have also discovered that dietary and supplementary
ingestion of Lactobacillus species (friendly bacteria) such as L.
acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. bifidus support the body
nutritionally and play a therapeutic role as well.
These Lactobacillus species produce enzymes that aid in the
digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
----------------------------------------------------------
If you have food allergies, sampling processed foods can seem a lot
like playing a game of Russian roulette and you're left wondering:
Which one will trigger a reaction this time?
The pancreas produces and secretes various enzymes (called
"proteolytic enzymes", including trypsin, chymotrypsin,
carboxypeptidase, and so on) that break down proteins into smaller
components called "amino acids".
These substances, in turn, help create other enzymes, hormones and
body tissue for growth and repair.
If the pancreas doesn't 'neutralize' the acid coming from the
stomach with "bicarbonates"stomach with "bicarbonates"<WBR>, the prot
break down food protein) are destroyed.
This can result in incomplete or "foreign" *protein* molecules being
absorbed into the "bloodstream" and circulating throughout the body.
Your body's immune system naturally attacks these molecules.
This series of events is the basis for your "allergic reaction."
Antibiotics and other drugs may also have this same effect.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Peyer's patches" are important as well.
----------------------------------------------------------
The *lymphatic* system has "representatives" in the digestive track
called Peyer's patches and they perform an important function.
These clumps of lymphatic tissue are spread throughout the small
intestine.
*Fat* molecules, unlike other nutrients, are generally too
"large" to be absorbed directly from the intestine. So they are
'absorbed' by these patches and transported along the lymphatic
system and then released into the blood stream where they can be
carried throughout the body.Between 80 to 90 percent of all
the 'fat' absorbed from the gut requires the help of the "lymphatic"
system.
----------------------------------------------------------
Contrary to the information emanating from the drug companies that
make antacids and H2 blocker drugs,
excessive 'acid' production is almost 'never' the
reason for heartburn, acid digestion or ulcers.
In fact, it is now estimated that up to one-third of all bleeding
ulcers are 'caused' by taking "NSAID" drugs such as aspirin and
ibuprofen.
Antacids and H2 blockers alleviate symptoms for a short while by
buffering acid and decreasing acid secretion, but can actually
'aggravate' the underlying problem;
too "little" acid in the stomach.
With 'chronic use' of these medications, digestion is 'compromised'
and ''decreased absorption' of important vitamins and minerals
inevitably result.
----------------------------------------------------------
A few years ago, if you asked your physician what causes ulcers,
he or she would promptly reply that too much stomach acid was to
blame. Now we know that a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter
pylori
(H. pylori for short) may be the primary culprit.
It 'suppresses' acid 'production' and creates holes in the stomach's
protective mucous layer, allowing acid to seep through and burn
holes in the delicate tissue underneath. An H. pylori infection can
also cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
----------------------------------------------------------
Natural Alternatives to Drugs--
----------------------------------------------------------
Licorice extract (deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) -is a
wonderful herbal healing aid. It increases the production
of "protective mucus" in the stomach. Use 300 mg four to six times a
day. Also, if you have digestive problems, be sure to eliminate
gastrointestinal
irritants, such as tobacco, NSAIDS, coffee and alcohol
----------------------------------------------------------
Alternatives to Heartburn Drugs:
What isn't mentioned: add kefir and/or yogurt to your diet to promote "good"
bacteria.
Avoid diets high in sugar and fat.
Eating a balanced diet of unprocessed, organic whole foods is your
foundation for a healthy stomach. Eat an organic green salad, soup
or raw organic vegetables at least once a day.
To help increase stomach acid, drink a glass of room temperature
water a half-hour before eating. If that doesn't help, you can add a
tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
If neither of these solutions work, try taking a betaine
hydrochloride supplement (HCI) with your meal. Since stomach acid
production declines as we age, HCI supplementation
can be a good anti-aging strategy.
A glass of room temperature water, raw cabbage or potato juice
(organic) or herbal teas, (lukewarm, no lemon) can bring quick
relief.
Fresh organic pineapple, papaya or banana can help as well.
If you do need to lower your stomach 'acidity' you can use a form of
organic sulfur called MSM (methylsulfonylmethorganic sulfur calle
form, 1,000 mg daily.
Remember, your stomach "acid" is one of your front line defenses
against harmful bacteria.
Suppress it and the rest of your systems have to work "overtime" to
protect you.
----------------------------------------------------------
Digestive cocktail:
----------------------------------------------------------
Every one of the ingredients in this tasty dessert contains
significant amounts of stomach-soothing anti-ulcer compounds.
Pineapple
Blueberries
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Raw Honey (optional)
Unripe Bananas
Cut up the bananas and pineapple, the amount and proportions will
vary depending on how many people you're serving and which fruits
you like the best. Place them in a serving bowl and add the
blueberries.
Season to taste with the cinnamon, cloves and ginger (try to be
generous) and sweeten with honey (if using).
If you like, you can also make a between meal drink by
blending blueberry juice, pineapple juice, an unripe banana and the
spices
listed above. Garnish each serving with a peppermint sprig.
Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity, but its
considerably less known as an herbal treatment for Indigestion.
In fact, ginger contains 11 compounds that have demonstrated anti-
ulcer effects. These chemical compounds are a real mouthful, but I
think that you might find it interesting to know just how much
anti-ulcer chemistry can be concentrated in a single humble spice.
Here they are in order, from most to least abundant: 6 shogaol, 6
gingerol, 8shogaol,
8 gingerol, 10 gingerol, ar-curcumene, beta-bisalene, 6-gingediol,
betases quiphellan-drene, 6 gingerdione and 6 paradol.
Eating ginger root is a pleasant tasting treatment for
ulcers, according to Paul Schulick, New England herbalist and author
of
The combination of honey and ginger in particularly effective. In
addition to the antibacterial compounds, that are
available from ginger, honey has antibacterial action, and the two
together seem to produce synergistic effects.
----------------------------------------------------------
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) –
German physicians have always been more open to herbal medicine than
doctors in the United Sates, and they have researched herbal
alternative extensively.
Commission E, the body of scientists that advises the German
counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration,
approves licorice as a 'digestive aid'.
This recommendation is based on the medical traditions of Asia, the
middle east and Europe, plus literally dozens of scientific studies.
Licorice contains several compounds, including glycyrrhizin acid.
Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use
in moderate amounts, up to about three cups of tea a day.
It is better to use a slightly processed form of the herb called
deglycyrrhizated licorice (DGL). In one good study, DGL was at least
as effective in speeding healing as the newest class of
pharmaceutical drugs Called 'histamine' blocking agents that were
designed to do this.
DGL also seems to protect the digestive lining from aspirin's ulcer
promoting effects.
Commercial licorice preparations containing DGL are readily
available in natural food stores that sell herbs.
If you'd like to take licorice from time to time, as an ulcer
preventive. When you're brewing some other herbal
tea, add a little licorice. Licorice by itself makes a sweet,
pleasant tasting tea, and when added to other teas, it serves as a
sweetener.
H. pylori virus is linked to stomach *cancer*, so you must take
these conditions seriously.
Unripe Banana-
Bananas are an old folk remedy for many gastrointestinal problems
because they sooth the digestive tract. And studies with
experimental animals suggest that bananas do, in fact, have a
soothing effect on the stomach.
One researcher noted that "bananas may be another useful addition to
such well established anti-ulcer foods as raw cabbage, green tea,
garlic and legumes.
Raw Cabbage juice is a hallowed folk remedy for ulcers. It turns out
that cabbage and
its juice contain considerable amounts of two compounds with anti-
ulcer activity, glutamine and S-Methyl-methionineul
Melvin Werbach, M.D. assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at
the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine and
author to the excellent nutritional influences on illness, cites a
study of people with digestive ailments who were given raw cabbage
juice as a treatment.
Ninety-two percent showed significant improvement within three weeks
compared with 37 percent of those taking a placebo without cabbage
juice. In studies of just the active compound glutamine, daily doses
of 1,600 mgs proved more effective than conventional antacids in
treating ulcers.
The folk recommendations for digestive problems is to drink one
quart of raw cabbage juice a day.
Calendula--
Calendula, sometimes known as pot marigold, has antibacterial,
antivirus and immune stimulating properties.
Calendula has been shown to
alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation which doctors
call "hypersecretory gastritis.
Clinical trials in Europe have proven its effectiveness.
You can make a tea with the dried herb or take a tincture. I
personally enjoy a cup or two of tea made with about five teaspoons
of fresh calendula flowers.
It is especially good with lemon balm
It is wise to avoid alcohol if you have an ulcer.Finnish researchers
have discovered that alcohol abuse increase the risk of
H. pylori infection by 500 percent.
Fennel tea would also be fine -- as would anise, chamomile,
coriander or caraway tea. There are other herbs that have a
reputation as carminatives for the intestinal tract --
but fennel is the one I recommend most frequently.
Chamomile— several herbalists I admire recommend chamomile tea,
notably Rudolf Fritz Wiess, M.D. the dean of German medical
herbalists, and author of Herbal Medicine.He writes that`the remedy
of choice for digestive ailments is chamomile.
…there can be no other remedy more tailor-made, including all
synthetic products. Widely used as a digestive aid in Europe,
chamomile is uniquely suited to treating digestive ailments,
including ulcers. This is because it combines
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and stomach soothing
properties.
Pineapple--
Like cabbage, pineapple is fairly well endowed with "glutamine", a
compound useful for digestion. Pineapple also contains bromelain, a
most effective digestive aid.
The number of people who suffer from heartburn is estimated at 100
million. By offering symptomatic relief to sufferers, the antacid
business has become a three billion-dollar industry.
Antacid medications are sold without offering consumers 'vital'
information concerning the 'causes' and 'complications' of heartburn
and digestive problems.
Over 25 million Americans take antacids twice a week. Even more take
prescription drugs on a daily basis to find relief for heartburn and
indigestion.
Dangers of antacids:
Using antacids may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus
(e.g., precancerous ulcers). Biochemists report that one of the long-
term side effects of blocking acid production is a compromised
immune system; "hydrochloric acid" is an essential component in the
complete digestion of food and "protects" the body from 'pathogenic
bacteria'.
Calcium-based antacids (e.g., Tums) may damage the kidneys if taken
over a long period of time.
Magnesium based products (e.g., Mylanta and Maalox) and aluminum-
based products (e.g., Rolaids) should not be taken by those
experiencing kidney problems.
Antacids do not 'heal' the tissue that has been inflamed or injured
by stomach acid.
Before treating acid reflux and indigestion with drugs, consumers
ought to ask their health professionals four questions:
What could be causing me to suffer from heartburn and indigestion?
Will the treatment that you are recommending heal my body or will it
simply provide "symptomatic" relief?
Will I experience side effects from the product(s) that you
recommend and will I be in any danger as a result of consuming the
product(s)?
Can you recommend any natural healing therapies that would resolve
my problems safely and effectively?
If your health professional is not able to recommend safe and
efficacious ways to treat acid reflux and chronic indigestion, you
may want to begin searching for one who can.
One way to find a medical doctor who is competent in recommending
natural therapies is by contacting the American College for
Advancement in Medicine www.acam.org. ACAM will provide a list of
licensed medical doctors in your location who have been trained in
prescribing natural therapies. Another source
of help is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(AANP) at 1-206-298-0125. Naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous
training in natural therapies.
----------------------------------------------------------
What are the main causes of acid reflux?
----------------------------------------------------------
The chief cause of digestive problems is a diet high in 'fat', low
in 'fiber', filled with chemicals, additives, simple sugars
and "refined" carbohydrates.
A diet of processed, refined, devitalized foods does not contain
sufficient "enzymes" necessary for digestion. Furthermore,suffic
minimal processing and heating 'destroys' the enzymes that are vital
for complete digestion.
Antacids actually "shut down" digestion. In order to build health and
avoid digestive problems, we need to 'optimize' digestion and heal
the 'inflammation' caused by acid reflux.
Coffee, (even decaf), alcohol, tobacco, carbonated beverages, and
chocolate further aggravate digestive problems. Tomatoes and citrus
fruits may also be problematic.
----------------------------------------------------------
PROBLEMS WITH ANTACIDS:
----------------------------------------------------------
CALCIUM CARBONATE AND ACID REBOUND-
Calcium carbonate is especially fast-acting. Within a few hours,
however, the body will "overcompensate" by producing an
extra "surge" of acid.
Highly acidic body chemistries (systemic alkalosis) are involved in
health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and mental
confusion.
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE AND BONE LOSS:
Antacids containing aluminum can contribute to phosphate deficiency
when used for long periods of time.This is because the 'phosphate'
in food 'reacts' with the 'aluminum' in the antacid to form a solid
material that is simply passed in the stool.
In order to keep enough phosphorus in the blood, the body will take
it "out" of bones.
Bone "demineralization" is especially a problem for the older people
who tend to use these products regularly.
ALUMINUM AND IMPAIRED MENTAL FUNCTION:
Although the FDA and manufacturers say that "aluminum" in 'antacids'
is not
"absorbed', studies since 1986 have shown that it IS, especially in
cases of kidney problems and in the presence of "acidic foods" such
as citrus fruits or soda pop. There is increasing evidence that
aluminum is involved in Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and some other nervous
system problems.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Stomach acid is "required" for good digestion. Poor digestion
produces heartburn.
People with heart-burn take antacids.
Antacids reduce stomach acid short term but may lead to even more
heartburn eventually.
Stomach acid is 'required' for good mineral absorption, especially
calcium & magnesium. "Calcium carbonate" antacids "neutralize" the
stomach acid "needed" for their absorption.
The stomach's job is to produce and hold digestive acid and enzymes.
When antacids are used regularly, the stomach senses this and, over
time, "increases" its acid 'production' "rate" set point.
Taking antacids to reduce acid can lead to the production of
*excessive* acid and even more discomfort.
----------------------------------------------------------
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTACIDS:
Use of antacids can cause bowel irregularities including
constipation, nausea and diarrhea with occasional vomiting.
They can lead to kidney stones, 'demineralization of bones', bone
pain and muscle weakness with cramping.
They can be counted on to produce "malabsorption' of' minerals'.
The list of diseases that have been associated with low gastric
acidity include, but are not limited to:
Anemia, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease,
dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gallbladder problems, hepatitis,
lupus, osteoporosis, psoriasis and problems with over- and under-
active thyroid glands.
To avoid these and other low stomach acidity problems, use
digestive enzymes with each meal.
----------------------------------------------------------
Various types of antacids interfere with the 'absorption' of
various minerals.
----------------------------------------------------------
Any antacid can "interfere" with the *absorption* of iron, zinc, and
possibly other minerals by neutralizing stomach acid.
Aluminum-containing antacids can bind with phosphorus and interfere
with its absorption, and this can further lead to
calcium "depletion".
Antacids that contain calcium may also compete for absorption with
iron. Calcium antacids may alter the *absorption* of magnesium.
Calcium-containing antacids, when taken with zinc supplements, might
substantially decrease 'zinc' absorption.
Finally, calcium antacids impair the absorption of manganese and
"chromium."
----------------------------------------------------------
Safe and effective relief from indigestion and acid reflux is
available.A dietary supplement containing digestive enzymes is
important for anyone who wants to optimize the digestion and
assimilation of cooked food.
Effective digestive formulas contain ingredients such as amylase,
invertase, glucoamylase, protease, malt diastase, cellulase,
peptidase, lipase, lactase and acid-stable protease.
Researchers have also discovered that dietary and supplementary
ingestion of Lactobacillus species (friendly bacteria) such as L.
acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. bifidus support the body
nutritionally and play a therapeutic role as well.
These Lactobacillus species produce enzymes that aid in the
digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
----------------------------------------------------------
If you have food allergies, sampling processed foods can seem a lot
like playing a game of Russian roulette and you're left wondering:
Which one will trigger a reaction this time?
The pancreas produces and secretes various enzymes (called
"proteolytic enzymes", including trypsin, chymotrypsin,
carboxypeptidase, and so on) that break down proteins into smaller
components called "amino acids".
These substances, in turn, help create other enzymes, hormones and
body tissue for growth and repair.
If the pancreas doesn't 'neutralize' the acid coming from the
stomach with "bicarbonates"stomach with "bicarbonates"<WBR>, the prot
break down food protein) are destroyed.
This can result in incomplete or "foreign" *protein* molecules being
absorbed into the "bloodstream" and circulating throughout the body.
Your body's immune system naturally attacks these molecules.
This series of events is the basis for your "allergic reaction."
Antibiotics and other drugs may also have this same effect.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Peyer's patches" are important as well.
----------------------------------------------------------
The *lymphatic* system has "representatives" in the digestive track
called Peyer's patches and they perform an important function.
These clumps of lymphatic tissue are spread throughout the small
intestine.
*Fat* molecules, unlike other nutrients, are generally too
"large" to be absorbed directly from the intestine. So they are
'absorbed' by these patches and transported along the lymphatic
system and then released into the blood stream where they can be
carried throughout the body.Between 80 to 90 percent of all
the 'fat' absorbed from the gut requires the help of the "lymphatic"
system.
----------------------------------------------------------
Contrary to the information emanating from the drug companies that
make antacids and H2 blocker drugs,
excessive 'acid' production is almost 'never' the
reason for heartburn, acid digestion or ulcers.
In fact, it is now estimated that up to one-third of all bleeding
ulcers are 'caused' by taking "NSAID" drugs such as aspirin and
ibuprofen.
Antacids and H2 blockers alleviate symptoms for a short while by
buffering acid and decreasing acid secretion, but can actually
'aggravate' the underlying problem;
too "little" acid in the stomach.
With 'chronic use' of these medications, digestion is 'compromised'
and ''decreased absorption' of important vitamins and minerals
inevitably result.
----------------------------------------------------------
A few years ago, if you asked your physician what causes ulcers,
he or she would promptly reply that too much stomach acid was to
blame. Now we know that a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter
pylori
(H. pylori for short) may be the primary culprit.
It 'suppresses' acid 'production' and creates holes in the stomach's
protective mucous layer, allowing acid to seep through and burn
holes in the delicate tissue underneath. An H. pylori infection can
also cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
----------------------------------------------------------
Natural Alternatives to Drugs--
----------------------------------------------------------
Licorice extract (deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) -is a
wonderful herbal healing aid. It increases the production
of "protective mucus" in the stomach. Use 300 mg four to six times a
day. Also, if you have digestive problems, be sure to eliminate
gastrointestinal
irritants, such as tobacco, NSAIDS, coffee and alcohol
----------------------------------------------------------
Alternatives to Heartburn Drugs:
What isn't mentioned: add kefir and/or yogurt to your diet to promote "good"
bacteria.
Avoid diets high in sugar and fat.
Eating a balanced diet of unprocessed, organic whole foods is your
foundation for a healthy stomach. Eat an organic green salad, soup
or raw organic vegetables at least once a day.
To help increase stomach acid, drink a glass of room temperature
water a half-hour before eating. If that doesn't help, you can add a
tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
If neither of these solutions work, try taking a betaine
hydrochloride supplement (HCI) with your meal. Since stomach acid
production declines as we age, HCI supplementation
can be a good anti-aging strategy.
A glass of room temperature water, raw cabbage or potato juice
(organic) or herbal teas, (lukewarm, no lemon) can bring quick
relief.
Fresh organic pineapple, papaya or banana can help as well.
If you do need to lower your stomach 'acidity' you can use a form of
organic sulfur called MSM (methylsulfonylmethorganic sulfur calle
form, 1,000 mg daily.
Remember, your stomach "acid" is one of your front line defenses
against harmful bacteria.
Suppress it and the rest of your systems have to work "overtime" to
protect you.
----------------------------------------------------------
Digestive cocktail:
----------------------------------------------------------
Every one of the ingredients in this tasty dessert contains
significant amounts of stomach-soothing anti-ulcer compounds.
Pineapple
Blueberries
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Raw Honey (optional)
Unripe Bananas
Cut up the bananas and pineapple, the amount and proportions will
vary depending on how many people you're serving and which fruits
you like the best. Place them in a serving bowl and add the
blueberries.
Season to taste with the cinnamon, cloves and ginger (try to be
generous) and sweeten with honey (if using).
If you like, you can also make a between meal drink by
blending blueberry juice, pineapple juice, an unripe banana and the
spices
listed above. Garnish each serving with a peppermint sprig.
Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity, but its
considerably less known as an herbal treatment for Indigestion.
In fact, ginger contains 11 compounds that have demonstrated anti-
ulcer effects. These chemical compounds are a real mouthful, but I
think that you might find it interesting to know just how much
anti-ulcer chemistry can be concentrated in a single humble spice.
Here they are in order, from most to least abundant: 6 shogaol, 6
gingerol, 8shogaol,
8 gingerol, 10 gingerol, ar-curcumene, beta-bisalene, 6-gingediol,
betases quiphellan-drene, 6 gingerdione and 6 paradol.
Eating ginger root is a pleasant tasting treatment for
ulcers, according to Paul Schulick, New England herbalist and author
of
The combination of honey and ginger in particularly effective. In
addition to the antibacterial compounds, that are
available from ginger, honey has antibacterial action, and the two
together seem to produce synergistic effects.
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) –
German physicians have always been more open to herbal medicine than
doctors in the United Sates, and they have researched herbal
alternative extensively.
Commission E, the body of scientists that advises the German
counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration,
approves licorice as a 'digestive aid'.
This recommendation is based on the medical traditions of Asia, the
middle east and Europe, plus literally dozens of scientific studies.
Licorice contains several compounds, including glycyrrhizin acid.
Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use
in moderate amounts, up to about three cups of tea a day.
It is better to use a slightly processed form of the herb called
deglycyrrhizated licorice (DGL). In one good study, DGL was at least
as effective in speeding healing as the newest class of
pharmaceutical drugs Called 'histamine' blocking agents that were
designed to do this.
DGL also seems to protect the digestive lining from aspirin's ulcer
promoting effects.
Commercial licorice preparations containing DGL are readily
available in natural food stores that sell herbs.
If you'd like to take licorice from time to time, as an ulcer
preventive. When you're brewing some other herbal
tea, add a little licorice. Licorice by itself makes a sweet,
pleasant tasting tea, and when added to other teas, it serves as a
sweetener.
H. pylori virus is linked to stomach *cancer*, so you must take
these conditions seriously.
Unripe Banana-
Bananas are an old folk remedy for many gastrointestinal problems
because they sooth the digestive tract. And studies with
experimental animals suggest that bananas do, in fact, have a
soothing effect on the stomach.
One researcher noted that "bananas may be another useful addition to
such well established anti-ulcer foods as raw cabbage, green tea,
garlic and legumes.
Raw Cabbage juice is a hallowed folk remedy for ulcers. It turns out
that cabbage and
its juice contain considerable amounts of two compounds with anti-
ulcer activity, glutamine and S-Methyl-methionineul
Melvin Werbach, M.D. assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at
the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine and
author to the excellent nutritional influences on illness, cites a
study of people with digestive ailments who were given raw cabbage
juice as a treatment.
Ninety-two percent showed significant improvement within three weeks
compared with 37 percent of those taking a placebo without cabbage
juice. In studies of just the active compound glutamine, daily doses
of 1,600 mgs proved more effective than conventional antacids in
treating ulcers.
The folk recommendations for digestive problems is to drink one
quart of raw cabbage juice a day.
Calendula--
Calendula, sometimes known as pot marigold, has antibacterial,
antivirus and immune stimulating properties.
Calendula has been shown to
alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation which doctors
call "hypersecretory gastritis.
Clinical trials in Europe have proven its effectiveness.
You can make a tea with the dried herb or take a tincture. I
personally enjoy a cup or two of tea made with about five teaspoons
of fresh calendula flowers.
It is especially good with lemon balm
It is wise to avoid alcohol if you have an ulcer.Finnish researchers
have discovered that alcohol abuse increase the risk of
H. pylori infection by 500 percent.
Fennel tea would also be fine -- as would anise, chamomile,
coriander or caraway tea. There are other herbs that have a
reputation as carminatives for the intestinal tract --
but fennel is the one I recommend most frequently.
Chamomile— several herbalists I admire recommend chamomile tea,
notably Rudolf Fritz Wiess, M.D. the dean of German medical
herbalists, and author of Herbal Medicine.He writes that`the remedy
of choice for digestive ailments is chamomile.
…there can be no other remedy more tailor-made, including all
synthetic products. Widely used as a digestive aid in Europe,
chamomile is uniquely suited to treating digestive ailments,
including ulcers. This is because it combines
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and stomach soothing
properties.
Pineapple--
Like cabbage, pineapple is fairly well endowed with "glutamine", a
compound useful for digestion. Pineapple also contains bromelain, a
most effective digestive aid.