Cast Iron Stomach
Too much stress, too much spicy food and coffee, and you may be headed towards sores in your stomach — that’s the way the thinking used to go. Doctors now know that a bacterial infection and medication are the main causes of weakening of the stomach lining.
Our stomach plays an important role in both digestion and overall immunity. In ayurvedic medicine it is considered the seat of “agni”, the god of fire. This image clearly depicts the stomachs immune role as the “first line of defence” by providing a highly acidic, hostile environment that protects the entire body from foreign invaders.
But the stomach can also be the culprit of much discomfort if things are not exactly as they should be. Damage to the stomach lining may cause uncomfortable symptoms often confused with an excess of stomach acid. Under normal conditions, the stomach lining produces mucous that protects the delicate stomach cells from the fiery acid, but age, certain bacteria or use of medication may disrupt this fine-tuned balance leading to the development of internal sores, making it really hard to “stomach it”.
Symptoms of a damaged stomach lining
Distressing, burning sensations anywhere from the navel to the breastbone, lasting from hours to several days, is the most common symptom of stomach lining weakening. This is caused due to stomach acid coming in contact with the injured area. It is usually worse at night and is often temporarily relieved by taking acid-reducing medication.
Causes
Recent research has pinpointed the corkscrewshaped bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as the main cause of weakened stomach lining and the appearance of stomach sores. In many people, H. pylori peacefully live and multiply within the mucous layer of the stomach causing no problems. But in some individuals it disrupts the mucous layer and inflames the lining of the stomach or duodenum (first segment of the small intestine). Whilst researchers are unsure as to why this bacterium may pose a problem to some, there are those that believe that already damaged tissue makes it easier for bacteria to invade and cause an infection.
Besides H. pylori, regular use of pain relievers, particularly, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine. NSAIDs inhibit production of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that produces hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) that help protect the stomach lining from injury. Without this protection, stomach acid can erode the lining, causing bleeding.
Lifestyle factors including stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also considered contributing factors. These increase stomach acid and delay healing. It’s uncertain, however, whether these alone can progress to more severe damage or whether other contributing factors must be present, such as H. pylori or NSAIDs.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, it is recommended you seek medical advice to confirm whether or not damage to the stomach lining is the cause. Before the discovery of H. pylori, doctors often ‘prescribed’ a restricted diet, no alcohol and reduced stress. Whilst these have been eliminated as direct causes, it is still advisable to make these lifestyle changes alongside any medical regime.
Natural Options
PepZin GI™ is a natural option that merits consideration. This unique ingredient is a patented form of zinc carnosine that has shown great promise in supporting normal digestive function. It has the unique ability to “seek out” and encourage the repair of injured, thinning tissue – like adding a cast iron cladding to the stomach! Rather than suppressing stomach acid, PepZin GI™ works with the natural defence mechanisms of the stomach to support the mucosal lining. It also acts as an antioxidant, providing additional protection of the mucosal cells of both the stomach and the large intestine. PepZin GI™ has been rigorously tested for its safety and efficacy. It has numerous human studies demonstrating its health benefits for stomach support and as a source of zinc. It is biologically and chemically different from a simple zinc supplement, so don’t settle for second best.
Radiance® Ulcetrol™ combines the benefits of patented PepZin GI™ with traditional gastric soothing herbs such as mastic gum and slippery elm, with added calcium carbonate that acts as a gentle gastric buffer. Ulcetrol™ can be used while taking anti-ulcer medication or as support for the body’s natural healing mechanisms following stomach lining damage. Strong healthy gastrointestinal tissues means the vital stomach ‘fire’ can glow without causing discomfort.
Lactobacillus reuteri vs H. Pylori
Extensive scientific trials have shown that the probiotic L. reuteri effectively colonises the entire human GI tract, is safe for use in humans of all ages and supports gastrointestinal health. It also helps activate basic immune responses that lead to enhanced health of the human host. L. reuteri has the unique ability to produce the antimicrobial compound reuterin. Studies have tested the effects of reuterin on H. pylori. In the most recent study with L. reuteri it was found that supplementation not only helped control H. pylori growth, confirming findings in earlier data, but also contributed to significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms. The investigators concluded that L. reuteri given during and after H. pylori eradication therapy significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of antibiotic-associated side effects.
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(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 19, Issue 1)