Stomach ulcers
My husband suffers from stomach ulcers and so has been taking antibiotics for many months now. I am concerned about the long-term consequences of this medication and the fact that while it may control the symptoms, it does not cure the problem. Can you suggest an alternative?
Most stomach ulcers are not caused by stress or bad diets but by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori which causes inflammation and pain when it burrows into the lining of the stomach and small intestine. This organism survives the stomach’s strong acid secretions by producing a compound called urase, which neutralises these acids and then causes symptoms ranging from a blunt, gnawing or sharp stomach pain to lower backache and discomfort when passing stools. A bleeding ulcer occurs only when the ulcer has penetrated a blood vessel, which will then require medical intervention.
The best natural remedy for stomach and duodenal ulcers is mastic gum produced from the resin of the Mediterranean Pistacia lentiscus tree. Laboratory tests show it has the potency to kill off seven different strains of this bacteria - and in addition, in 70% of ulcer sufferers using this remedy, the damaged tissue repairs itself so well it is as if there never was an ulceration.
CeaseFire is a supplement (new to the UK) which, for the first time, combines mastic gum with DGL, a form of licorice where those agents which would otherwise increase blood pressure and cause water retention have been removed from the root of the herb which is the part of the plant used. DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated.
Licorice root has long been used to soothe the irritated and injured mucous lining of the digestive tract. It works by increasing the body’s production of mucin, the substance that naturally protects the body against stomach acid and other harmful agents.
*CeaseFire, which combines 300mg of mastic gum with 300mg of DGL, is available from the NutriCentre. 120 chewable wafers cost £29.95. Mail order on 0800-587 2290 and chew one wafer a day.