ULCERS (PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE = PUD)

Most ulcers are found in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestines.  PUD are much more common than gastric ulcers.  Recent studies have indicted a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori as a possible cause of this condition.  An overly acidic environment in the stomach can lead to the ulceration of the mucosa.

Other causes are aspirin, NSAID drugs like ibuprofen and steroids.

The symptoms of PUD are:

• abdominal pain, especially in the epigastric area (the area right below the end of the breast bone or sternum

• abdominal bloating

• waterbrash (the reflux of gastric contents)

• nausea and vomiting

• loss of appetite and weight loss

• hematemesis (vomiting of blood)

• melena (tarry, foul-smelling feces from bleeding higher in the GI tract)

A history of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can raise the suspicion for peptic ulcer disease.

Complications:  GI bleeding and the possibility of perforation (a hole in the wall) can cause serious inflammation in the peritoneum (peritonitis) when gastric contents are spilled,  and the possibility of shock from blood loss.

Stress can play a major role in the development of peptic ulcer disease. Diet can also play an aggravating role in creating an acidic environment.  Our usual American diet can be so harmful to our body.

A change in lifestyle and nutrition are key treatment considerations.  Natural therapies like homeopathy can certainly help facilitate a healing response, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.  A diet to create a more alkaline environment can play a large role in creating a healthier body.   I sometimes recommend a product called Natural Cellular Defense (a liquid natural zeolite) that not only detoxifies the body, but creates a more alkaline pH.

It is certainly worth your consideration to investigate natural therapies to promote healing.  Please call me at 303-986-0492 for more information about homeopathy and how I can assist you in greater health.