Ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers or gastric ulcers) are 
areas of damaged and inflamed tissue in the upper digestive tract that cause pain, indigestion, and discomfort. These lesions can occur in the tissue lining the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum (peptic ulcer). It was once commonly thought that stress, smoking, and diet were the only causes of stomach ulcers.
However, the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium is now known to be responsible for most ulcers. This bacterium burrows into the lining of the stomach, causing pain and damaging the stomach lining.
H. pylori infection causes about 60 – 80% of all stomach and duodenal ulcers.
What are H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a corkscrew-shaped bacterium that makes itself at home in your digestive system, where it literally burrows into the lining of your stomach or duodenum, causing inflammation and damage.
Over time, H. pylori may lead to the development of an ulcer. For some people, H. pylori infection causes no signs or symptoms and doesn’t lead to any complications, but for most sufferers, H. pylori cause indigestion and reflux, and, eventually, ulcers.
Are you one of the 1 in 4 people that have H. pylori?
H. pylori infections are very common – with as many as 25-30% of all Australians and New Zealanders being affected. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you may have an H. pylori infection:
• Decreased appetite
• Acid taste in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Indigestion and reflux
• Frequent burping
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• An ache or burning pain around your stomach
Natures Answer to Help Manage Ulcers
Unfortunately, modern medicines prescribed for H. pylori infection can cause many unpleasant side effects, and treatment is not always successful.
Some strains of H. pylori are even resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Fortunately, there are effective natural medicines that can be used to assist with the eradication of H. pylori, without the side effects. These include:
- Lactoferrin: Lactoferrin is a protein found naturally in the human body and in milk. It has antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal actions, and is particularly useful for H. pylori infections.
- Turmeric: H. pylori infections can result in pain, reflux
and indigestion. Turmeric has been shown to be very effective for stomach pain and reflux and has been used traditionally as a digestive soother. Turmeric is also clinically proven to heal ulcers. - Essential oils: Essential oils can support a healthy upper digestive system and help kill H. pylori. Wild marjoram and cinnamon essential oils have been used traditionally to improve sluggish digestion. These oils also support the antimicrobial actions of lactoferrin and turmeric, due to their antibacterial and antifungal actions.
- Zinc carnosine: Zinc carnosine is a form of zinc shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori and reduce the inflammation associated with an H. pylori infection.
- Fermented soy protein: Fermented soy protein has been shown to reduce the symptoms of stomach ulcers,
including heartburn, indigestion, and digestive discomfort.
Reduce the Risk
There are many factors that can increase your risk of getting an H. pylori infection and developing an ulcer, including:
• Stress
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive consumption of coffee and/or tea
• Taking certain anti-inflammatory medications on a regular basis
To reduce the risk of developing an ulcer, avoid the above risk factors, and eat a healthy well-balanced diet, high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
Exercise and relaxation are also important lifestyle factors, to help reduce inflammation and stress.
Talk to Us Today!
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of H. pylori infection, or have been diagnosed with this or an ulcer, make an appointment today. Your Natural Healthcare Practitioner can support you in making simple diet and lifestyle changes and recommend the right natural medicine to help assist you in getting your digestive system in tip-top condition once again!
For more information on these natural medicines, come in and speak to one of our Practitioners today.
