NATURAL SOLUTION FOR STOMACH ULCER AND GASTRITIS

          Forever products for Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)

A peptic ulcer is an open sore. They are usually found in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or upper small intestine. Ulcers that occur in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers that occur in the upper area of the small intestine, which is called the duodenum, are called duodenal ulcers.

What Causes Ulcers?

No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Ulcers can be caused by:

Infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)

Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Midol, and others), and many others available by prescription. Even safety-coated aspirin and aspirin in powered form can frequently cause ulcers.

Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output (seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?

An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night

Bloating

Heartburn

Nausea or vomiting

Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)

Vomiting blood (that can look like “coffee-grounds”)

Weight loss

Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

How Serious Is an Ulcer?

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn’t ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:

Bleeding

Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)

Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine.

Taking NSAIDs can cause any of the above symptoms without warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.

Who Is More Likely to Get Ulcers?

Women and older people are more likely to develop these ulcers. However, a recent study shows that young men are more likely to experience duodenal ulcers, while older women have more gastric ulcers. This has been linked to aspirin use.High intake of aspirin also increases risk.

Some experts believe that alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use contribute to the prevalence of the ulcers. There is very little research to back this up. Still, most doctors agree that people already experiencing the ulcers should stay away from these substances.

Cancer patients can be at risk for these ulcers when undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy. The ulcers can sometimes go hand in hand with other infections. Conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, and HIV can also cause them.If you’ve had an ulcer once, you are susceptible to having one again.You may be more likely to develop ulcers if you:

Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium

Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

Have a family history of ulcers

Have another illness such as liver, kidney, or lung disease

Drink alcohol regularly

Are 50 years old or older

How Are Ulcers Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to determine if you have an ulcer just by talking with you about your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis one of several tests should be taken. First, your doctor may ask you to take an acid-blocking medication, such as those used to treat heartburn, for a short period of time to see if symptoms improve.

If needed, your doctor may recommend a procedure called an upper endoscopy. It involves inserting a small, lighted tube (endoscope) through the throat and into the stomach to look for abnormalities. This procedure is usually given if you are having severe symptoms of ulcers. Doctors will frequently treat for ulcers without confirming the diagnosis using endoscopy. If the cause is not likely to be from NSAIDs, then it is very likely to be from H. pylori. Many doctors will now test for and treat H. pylori, in addition to giving medications to reduce the symptoms.

How Are Ulcers Treated?

If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making changes to ones lifestyle, limiting dairy, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer. To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.Ulcer medications can include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI):Proton pump medications reduce acid levels and allow the ulcer to heal. They include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Zegerid, Dexilant, and Nexium.

Antibiotics. If you have H. pylori infection, then antibiotics are used. There are multiple combinations of antibiotics that are taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI. Pepto-Bismol is also part of some treatment regimens.

Upper endoscopy: Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

Surgery: Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach or if there is serious bleeding that can’t be controlled with an endoscope.

Will Drinking Milk Help Cure an Ulcer?

No. In fact, milk can make an ulcer worse. Milk provides brief relief of ulcer pain because it coats the stomach lining. But milk can also stimulate the stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices, which can aggravate ulcers.

How Can I Prevent Ulcers?

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:

Don’t smoke.

Avoid alcohol.

Don’t overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.

If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health care provider. But for the matter of fact the truth will always be that nature has the best for everything in our life. We would advice for you to take control of your ulcer problem by using the following dietary supplements of Forever Living Products:

Aloe Vera Gel - The miraculous aloe leaf has been found to contain more than 200 compounds. A product of our patented aloe stabilization process, our gel is favored by those looking to maintain a healthy digestive system and a natural energy level.

Forever Active Probiotic® - uses an exclusive, patented encapsulation technology that protects the probiotics then releases a unique combination of six beneficial strains of microbes. It is the only shelf-stable, 6-strain probiotic on the market today that requires no refrigeration. And what’s great about Forever Active Probiotic® is that it works in tandem with our patented Aloe Vera.

Forever Bee Propolis® supports the body's natural defenses. When we think of bees, honey and pollen are usually the first things that come to mind. However, there's another powerful substance that bees play an integral role in, propolis.

Forever Lycium Plus® is a dietary supplement containing antioxidants, bioflavonoids and other beneficial phytonutrients. It is a fruit used in ancient China for centuries, lycium has been shown to enhance the complexion and help maintain energy and good vision.

Forever Field of Greens - With today’s busy lifestyles and the convenience of fast food, we all too often neglect eating fresh, green foods. Forever Living Products® provides a simple solution to “convenience eating” in Fields of Greens®.

Forever Garlic-Thyme - Garlic and thyme, the two powerful antioxidants found in Forever Garlic-Thyme®, combine to create a great tool in maintaining good health. When garlic is cut or crushed, enzymes react to produce a powerful immune-enhancing agent.