Ulcers

If you’ve read my previous posts (here and here), you know I earned some ulcers (and some bonus gastritis) from my bout with a ruptured appendix last December.

I tried the conventional medical route to heal the ulcers (the proton pump inhibitor, Prevacid) but decided I needed a more natural approach. I didn’t like the idea of interfering with Mother Nature; I think my stomach needed its acid-producing capacity in order to properly digest my food (I forgot to mention that I lost 14 pounds in the course of this & felt very weak and tired). I also think this acid is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the stomach, helping to boost your body’s bacteria killing ability at one of its largest “ports of entry.”

So I did my research and found three supplements that helped me heal from the inside out.

Please keep in mind that nutritional supplements ALWAYS take a little longer to work than most pharmaceuticals. You won’t get the instant relief a painkiller will give, but you will be arming your body with the components it needs to heal itself. Be patient.

I’m living proof that this regimen works; I’ve regained my weight, energy, and life and am extremely grateful for the improvement. I’ve really never experienced sickness before in my life, and it was a scary, powerless situation.

You also need to learn what foods to embrace and which to avoid.

For me, anything tomato-based was a KILLER until my stomach healed. No tomato-containing casseroles, spaghetti, linguini, ravioli, etc. Avoid tomato-based soups. Even raw tomatoes were a major trigger for pain for me.

Fats and greasy foods were also a problem. Coffee was a major no-no and even my favorite green tea was off the menu for a few months. Fruit juices were also off limits to my stomach.

Healing foods included oatmeal, coconut oil, a simple rice pudding made with almond milk, saltine crackers, and, surprisingly, yogurt. I think the yogurt helped reintroduce some important bacteria that had been wiped out by the heavy antibiotics I was given after the ruptured appendix. I chose a Greek yogurt (lower sugar, higher protein) and sweetened it with stevia, adding my own blueberries.

Blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, and watermelon were very healing to my stomach. I also lived on Braum’s orange sherbet; for about 3 weeks, it was about the only thing besides crackers my stomach could handle. I think the sherbet was artificially flavored, so its acidity didn’t seem to be an issue for me and was very soothing.

Here are the three supplements that really turned the tide for me:

1. Mastic Gum: I took 2 capsules, 3 times a day on an empty stomach with a full glass of room temperature water. One dose on rising in the morning, one dose at about 2 PM, and one dose before bed. I did this for at least 2 months and still take an occasional dose in the morning if my stomach feels “needy.”

Mastic gum is derived from a Mediterranean tree; it smells like pine rosin to me, but it definitely will help your stomach rebuild its lining. I could take a dose and feel some relief within 10 minutes.

2. DGL (de-glycyrrhizinated licorice): This is a miracle worker; it’s a licorice supplement with the glycyrrhizine compound removed (to avoid raising blood pressure). They come in little lozenges that you slowly dissolve (or can chew). DGL is proven to help the stomach heal its lining. I found this soothing when the ulcers started acting up; I could dissolve 2 or 3 lozenges and feel relief. In the acute phase, I probably took about 8 of these a day. NOW has a sweet version that is easy to chew; I prefer Planetary Herbal’s variety–the flavor is less intense. But both work great to help the stomach reconstitute itself. I would take these before eating, after eating, or on an empty stomach.

3. PepZinGI (an amino acid/ zinc preparation taken with meals): I took this with 2 meals a day (usually breakfast and dinner). This is a combination of zinc and the amino acid L-carnosine. This supplement helps your body rebuild the stomach and intestinal lining. I definitely felt an improvement with this and highly recommend all three supplements.

Another tip: if your stomach starts “seizing” (cramping and hurting and burning)–take a half dose of old fashioned Milk of Magnesia. The magnesium will help soothe and coat the stomach and also helps relieve and calm the muscles of the stomach–it’s truly amazing how effective this is. BTW, AVOID Maalox, Pepto Bismol, and Tums and Rolaids LIKE THE PLAGUE if you have ulcers. Pepto Bismol contains salicylic acid (aspirin) & you’ll just be eating through your ulcer and making your pain worse–believe me, I did this & ended up in the emergency room. If you need relief, use Milk of Magnesia (with caution–it’s a laxative).

I learned from this experience, too, to eat FREQUENT SMALL MEALS. Don’t let your stomach stay empty for long. Also, if you start to “burn,” there is an elegantly simple solution: drink a full glass (or two) of room temperature water. This will dilute your stomach acid & relieve the pain (how I wish someone had told me that!!!).

Here are links to the specific supplements I mentioned; I buy my supplements from one of three trusted sources: Amazon.com, IHerb.com, and SwansonVitamins.com.

Source Naturals Mastic Gum Extract 500mg, 60 Capsules (Pack of 2)

Planetary Herbals DGL, Chewable Tablets, 200 tablets (Pack of 2)

DGL from NOW Foods at IHerb.com.

PepZinGI from Doctor’s Best at IHerb.com.