STOMACH ULCER (Peptic ulcer)

Fortunately, the understanding and treatment of peptic ulcers has improved dramatically in recent decades, particularly due to the discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria is one of the most widespread infections in existence, with over 50% of the world's population infected. Before the discovery of this bacteria, nobody suspected a microorganism could have such a close relationship to the development of ulcers. It is now known that 90% of people with duodenal ulcers and 80% with gastric ulcers have H. pylori infections.

A lack of coordination between the pyloric valve and the intestines may also lead to ulcers. The pyloric valve is the sphincter which separates the stomach and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. When this valve is weak or uncoordinated, acidic contents of the stomach can enter the duodenum too quickly, or contents of the duodenum can reflux back into the stomach. This lack of coordination can occur when a person overeats, or when the muscles fail to perform normally.

Both smoking and alcohol play a significant role in the aggravation and growth of ulcers, but aren't always direct causative factors. Smoking accelerates gastric emptying and reduces the secretion of bicarbonate acid buffers by the duodenum. Smoking also causes the stomach to dump acidic food into the duodenum too quickly. Western medicine has shown that alcohol can increase the risk of ulcers when H. pylori is present, as it can further damage the gastric mucosa. Alcohol can also exacerbate the symptoms of an ulcer, and prevent it from healing.

While stress was once touted as the prime cause of ulcers, the discovery of H. pylori shows that the cause is multifactorial. Physical trauma to the body, in other words physical stress, has been shown to increase ulcers, but western medicine has not been able to prove that psychological stress can create ulcers. However, that is not to say that stress doesn't play an important role in aggravating ulcers depending on constitution.

Use of NSAIDS, such as aspirin, is also a cause of ulcers.

Individuals with a Vata constitution tend to be erratic and often skip meals, overriding sensations of hunger to go about their busy day uninterrupted. If the stomach is producing acid but there is no food to digest, the stomach is in a very vulnerable state to develop an ulcer, particularly if the mucous membrane is already thin and dry.

People with a Pitta predominance can develop ulcers when intense emotions, such as shame, anger, or rage, overstimulate the solar plexus area. Psychologically, these emotions give people that hot headed feeling, while physically, it can create a burning, tight, clenched sensation in the abdomen.

Ayurvedically, these emotions increase Pitta dosha and activate digestive juices from the stomach, liver, and pancreas, making the stomach and intestines excessively acidic. This occurs when stress causes bile reflux, hyperacidity, low digestive strength (agni), or when tension causes lack of blood flow to digestive organs.

Kapha is usually not a factor in ulcer development, unless it provokes either Pitta or Vata in the digestive tract.

The first step to reduce Vata type ulcers is to establish a consistent routine, particularly eating meals at the same time each day. This ensures the digestive acids don't start eating into a thin, deficient mucus layer and erode the wall of the stomach. Proper hydration is also key for Vatas. Without adequate hydration, the mucous membrane is likely to become thin and dry. Sipping hot water throughout the day and having a cup of bone broth daily will protect and hydrate the stomach lining, as will herbs such as licorice root. Vata types also benefit from a diet rich in naturally sweet, gooey foods, like tapioca and oatmeal, that build the protective mucus layer in the stomach.

Pitta individuals, first and foremost, need to implement measures to manage their intense emotions that can contribute to ulcers. Daily time in nature, preferably by a body of water, can help ease tension. Pittas are logical thinkers and like being able to organize their thoughts rationally. Journaling can help them work through challenging emotions in a systematic, logical order. They will also benefit from practicing non-competitive exercise such as yoga.

Sweet, soothing, demulcent foods, like rice pudding, will reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and help restore the mucus lining. In Pitta type ulcers, bleeding is more likely, so hemostatic herbs such as raspberry leaf, amalaki, and manjistha can be helpful to reduce excess bleeding. Amalaki is a natural antacid, reducing excess acidity in the stomach. It is particularly useful in cases of Pitta ulcers, but also benefits Vata dosha.

In both types of ulcers, ensure to follow the top Ayurvedic tips for healthy digestion. This will lessen the strain on digestive organs, and reduce the resulting feelings of anxiety. Aromatic herbs and spices, like cardamom and mint, can dissolve mucus in the stomach and should be avoided when ulcers are present. Also, pungents like cayenne and black pepper can increase acid secretions and also erode the mucus layer. Certain substances, like caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, and alcohol irritate the lining of the GI tract and should be eliminated from the diet.

If you are experiencing digestive discomfort and feeling anxious, but can't figure out why, consider the possibility that an ulcer is at play. Seek medical advice to confirm the presence of an ulcer, and follow the recommended treatment. The information in this article can help you learn how to build and protect the mucus lining of your stomach to reduce the likelihood of ulcers.