Download peptic ulcer and homeopathy

PEPTIC ULCER AND HOMEOPATHY
Pain is no fun, especially internal pain of ulcers which cannot be relieved by rest or ice. If you have stomach pains
that have persisted despite using over the counter antacids then you should get yourself evaluated. Peptic ulcer is
a condition which is on the increase and can be induced by numerous things, like, excess use of junk food, irregular
eating habits, high doses of strong medications, an over production or under production of stomach acids, modern
living, undue stress or bacterial infection, that can capsize the balance between stomach acid and mucosal
protection.
During digestion food travels from the mouth down the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach makes
hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin that helps digest and break down the food before it enters the small
intestine (duodenum). Next, food passes into the duodenum, where digestion continues. The acid normally
produced by our stomach helps with the digestion of food and kills bacteria. This acid is caustic, so some cells on
the inside lining of the stomach and duodenum produce a natural shielding mucous barrier which protects the lining
of the stomach and duodenum. There is normally a balance between the amount of acid that our body makes and
the mucous safeguarding barrier. An ulcer develops if there is an alteration in this balance, allowing the acid to
damage the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
An ulcer is a hole that forms in the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum where acid and pepsin are
present. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric or stomach ulcers. Those in the duodenum are called duodenal
ulcers. Those in the Esophagus are called esophageal ulcers, and are a result of reflux of stomach acid into the
esophagus. As a whole, all of these ulcers are referred to as Peptic Ulcers.
Cause of Peptic Ulcers:
• The main cause of Peptic Ulcers is infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is found in
the saliva of infected people, and may also spread through mouth-to-mouth contact such as kissing or through
exposure to the vomit of an infected person. This bacterium weakens the protective mucous coating of the
esophagus, stomach and duodenum, which allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath, irritating it,
causing an ulcer.
• Abuse of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. make the stomach weak to the
harmful effects of acid and pepsin.
• Heredity: patients with peptic ulcer often have a family history of the disease.
• Everyday life issues such as mental and physical stress, irregular eating habits, excessive smoking, caffeine and
alcohol use.
• Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, a disease causing tumors in the pancreas or upper small intestine, can increase the
production of stomach acid.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer:
• Dull burning pain between the breast bone and the belly button in between meals, early in the morning, or after
taking citrus foods, coffee, alcohol or aspirin.
• Duodenal ulcers feel better when you eat or drink, but are worse 1 or 2 hours later.
• Stomach ulcers feel worse when you eat or drink.
• Pain is often worse on an empty stomach. Nighttime pain is very common.
• Hiccoughs.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Indigestion.
• Heartburn and stomach bloating with a sick feeling.
• Nausea, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee. Black or bloody stools are emergency symptoms that need
immediate attention.
• Fainting.
Homeopathic approach to Peptic Ulcers:
Homeopathy contemplates Peptic ulcer as a malfunction of one or more of our body systems. This is a result of
slow degenerative process, lack of normal function and rejuvenation of affected organs. Homeopathic medicines
have a remarkable healing property on the esophageal, gastric or duodenal mucosa, by counteracting the H. Pylori
infection, reducing inflammation, and the amount of acid that our stomach makes.
Homeopathic treatment is safe and gentle, without side-effects. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed on the
fundamentals of physical, emotional, and genetic make up that individualizes each person. This constitutional
approach surrounding mind and body works at the root level. Homeopathy is very effective in managing all the
symptoms of Peptic ulcer, in preventing relapse of the condition, and improving the overall health of the person.
Another outstanding feature of Homeopathy is that people on multiple medications can safely take Homeopathic
remedies without any counteraction. Homeopathic remedies are non-habit forming and have no addictive
characteristics. Homeopathy has an exceptional proven safety record with the FDA. Since Homeopathy treats in
totality, it leads to a permanent long lasting cure, rather than a temporary suppression of symptoms.
Below, I have noted some important Homeopathic remedies which can be used for Peptic Ulcer under the
supervision of an experienced Homeopath. These remedies are just a few of the commonly used
Homeopathic remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of
Homeopathic medicines in Peptic Ulcer. It is not advisable to resort to self medication for any disease.
Homeopathic remedies for Peptic Ulcers:
• Argentum Nitricum: This remedy is best suited to fearful, nervous, impulsive individuals who complain of
stinging ulcerative pain below the left ribs with abdominal bloating, nausea and belching. Pain is worse by touch,
deep inspiration, mental exertion, on eating cold foods and sweets. These patients look old, anemic and withered
for their age, have a strong craving for sweets, salt and cheese. They develop diarrhea immediately after eating
or drinking, especially sweets. Fluids go right through them. Their stools are offensive and look like green
chopped spinach with shreds of mucus.
• Carbo Veg: This remedy is indicated for patients who are sluggish, fat, lazy and have a tendency to chronicity in
their complaints. They complain of sensitivity over the epigastric area with burning, eructations, heaviness,
fullness and sleepiness. Cannot bear tight clothing around their waist. They feel worse from lying down, in the
evening, night, from fatty foods, butter, coffee, milk and in warm damp weather. Burning in the stomach
sometimes extends to the low back with excessive gaseous distention. They have a strong aversion to milk,
meat, fatty foods and even the simplest food disagrees.
• Geranium: This is a brilliant remedy for a recurrent tendency to Peptic ulcers with constant nausea and vomiting
of blood. These patients also complain of a constant desire to have a bowel movement, with inability to pass
anything for some time.
• Hydrastis: This remedy works best in elderly individuals with marked physical weakness. They complain of weak
digestion, constant burning and soreness over stomach. Their tongue is white, swollen, large, flabby, slimy with a
peppery taste in mouth. They are unable to eat bread or vegetables.
• Nitric acid: This remedy works well for sharp, shooting pain which appears and disappears suddenly, worsens at
night and is accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and fear of dying. The stomach is enormously distended
and tense after every meal. There is rumbling in the stomach after eating with uneasiness and thin stools. These
patients are always hungry and have a sweetish taste in their mouth all the time.
• Nux vomica: This remedy is indicated for digestive complains in individuals who constantly crave stimulants like
alcohol, coffee and tobacco. They complain of sour bitter eructations, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, heaviness and
pain in stomach that worsen after eating. Stomach is bloated with sensation of a stone even several hours after
eating. Their symptoms are better while at rest, in damp, wet weather and from strong pressure.
• Ornithogalum Umbellatum: This remedy is recommended for gastric ulceration with hemorrhage. The pain is
worse when food passes the pyloric outlet and there is painful sinking, agonizing sensation in chest and stomach.
There is sensation as if gas rolls as balls from one side to the other, with loss of appetite, retching and loss of
weight. Vomit looks like coffee.
• Uranium Nitricum: This remedy is suggested specifically for gastric and duodenal ulcers with boring pain in
pyloric region. The patient is thirsty all the time with nausea, vomiting and greedy appetite. Eating is followed by
flatulence, bloating and burning pain in stomach.
Self Care measures for Peptic Ulcers:
• Eat a diet rich in fiber, and Vitamin A especially fruits and vegetables; this may reduce the risk of developing an
ulcer first, and may speed your recovery if you already have one.
• Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries, onions, garlic and tea inhibits the growth of H. pylori.
• Eat bland food and cut down on sugar, salt, citrus, tomato products, chocolate, coffee, including decaffeinated
coffee, carbonated drinks, all of which can increase stomach acid.
• Eat small meals evenly spaced throughout the day. Avoid periods of hunger or overeating.
• Eat slowly and chew food well.
• Eat your last meal 3 hours before bedtime.
• Sit up while eating and for 1 hour afterwards.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Milk should not be used as an antacid therapy. Although milk protein has an initial neutralizing effect on gastric
acid, it is also a very strong stimulator.
• Avoid stress, unnecessary medication, smoking and alcohol.
Hence, don’t let ulcer be your pet, don’t suffer in silence, make your life more comfortable and free yourself from
this disease by considering Homeopathy, which is a safe, natural, effective and a long lasting answer for Peptic
Ulcer.
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About the author:
Neepa Sevak (DHMS, DHom, DIHom, DHM, CCH, RSHom (NA), HMA) is experienced and registered with the
Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners, and certified by the Council of Homeopathic certification. She is
currently practicing Classical Homeopathy, is a Supervisor, Clinical Faculty and is on the Board of International
Affairs at the American Medical College of Homeopathy. Neepa is also serving as a specialist at ACA (Autism
Community of Africa, an organization that is helping heal Autistic children in Africa, with the help of Homeopathic
remedies). Her mission is to “Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic, Totalistic, and Individualistic
approach”.
Phone: (480) 363 0758
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com