Gastritis/ Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD):

This is a disease where the stomach becomes inflamed (non-erosive gastritis) and over time ulcerations may develop into the tissue layers (erosive gastritis) of the stomach. Gastritis may occur very rapidly in response to stress, trauma or illness; or it may occur more slowly and become more chronic. Gastritis is best diagnosed by an endoscopy to view the inside of the stomach and take tissue samples. Gastritis is also caused by medications such as common NSAIDS (anti-inflammatories), bacteria (helicobacter pylori), alcoholism, Crohn’s disease or viruses. It is very important to treat this immediately to halt any further damage to the stomach and to improve digestion. Ulcers may become life threatening if they erode through the stomach wall. Many physicians believe that the inflammation may be caused by an inadequate amount of stomach acid, as opposed to the belief of there being too much acid. Dr. Metcalfe has never seen a case where the acid blockers such as tagamet, pepcid AC or Zantac cure a case of gastritis. She feels these just prolong the disease and may provide a nicer growing environment for H. Pylori bacteria. The stomach requires a low pH of 1.5 – 2.0 to work effectively in digestion and to kill pathogens. Natural products are very effective at balancing the stomach environment and healing its tissues.

Signs and Symptoms:

Heartburn
Abdominal pain (burning) after eating
Black stools

Treatment:

Lifestyle Changes:

Reduce stress
No alcohol: it damages the mucosal layer of the stomach
No smoking

Dietary Changes:

Avoid coffee; drink green tea instead, which is full of anti-oxidants to heal the mucosa.
Cabbage juice contains glutathione (anti-oxidant) which heals and soothes mucosa. 500ml/daily.
Increase soluble fiber (found in fruits, vegetables and beans).
No sugar.
Avoid spicy foods.

Natural Solutions:

Gastritis Management Protocol:

Gastric Complex-HP: 2 capsules three times a day at the start of a meal.
Recancostat 100: 1 capsule three times a day between meals with 16oz of water.
Berberine Complex: 2 capsules three times daily with Gastric Complex-HP.