Digestion would be the most frequently discussed problem in this practice!
As a herbalist, I see digestive issues as fairly simple to support, and bring back into balance.
Food sensitivities are definitely part of the picture, and I do want to look at foods that are causing inflammation (like wheat and sugar) as well as stress related issues which can cause ulceration, constipation and diarrhea. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one such condition that is more related to stress than food. Peptic Ulcers are another.
A peptic ulcer can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Certain medications – which include aspirin or clopidogrel, taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke, and drugs for arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers.
- Gut tension caused by anxiety (the most common cause in my opinion)
- Cancer – stomach cancer can present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.
- Helicobacter pylori – bacteria is thought to be responsible for around 60 per cent of stomach ulcers and at least 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers. It is my opinion that the bacteria sets up house after one of the above events , and as this is the only definable thing, has been seen as the causal factor in orthodox medicine)
Medications used today to treat peptic ulcers may be aimed at reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, protecting the ulcer from further damage, eradicating the H. pylori bacteria, or all of these.
Drugs used to inhibit the secretion of stomach acid are: cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine, (Pepcidine), nizatidine (Tazac) and ranitidine (Zantac). They work by blocking the action of
histamine, a substance which stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, thus reducing the
amount of acid produced.
There is a central nervous system related side effects to these drugs, such as headaches,
confusion and tiredness.
Heliobacter is generally treated with an antibiotic. clarithromycin, amoxycillin, metronidazole and tetracycline. The antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria are given together with a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole) to hold back acid and allow the ulcer time to heal.
The antibiotics prescribed are the safest in general terms, however complications can still
arise as all antibiotics interfere with the natural healthy flora of the gut, and can also contribute to the superbug phenomenon if overprescribed.
A safe, non intrusive and supportive herbal approach (with no contra indications to other
prescribed medications) could be:
Firstly, a course of Slippery Elm Bark Powder.
Secondly, a herbal mixture to support the healing.
Ingredients include:- Agrimony, Chamomile, Dandelion, Gentian, Rue, Nettle and Uva
Ursi , along with the Bach Flower Remedies:- Willow and Vine.
This mix is taken at a dose rate of 20 drops three times daily followed by a cup of Dandelion
Tea.
Avoid:
- Drinking Coffee
- Certain pain medications like Neurofen /ibuprofen
- Smoking
- Large meals (particularly just before bed)
Increase the following foods to balance the acidity in the GIT.
Chlorophyll
Spirulina
