Digestion - Stomach Ulcer Symptoms and Information

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Food Allergy or Food Intolerence?

Food poisoning or Stomach Flu?

Licorice (DGL) Research

Stomach Ulcer - Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Research

Stomach Ulcer - Herbal Research

Enzymes and Probiotics for Healthy Digestion

Stomach ulcer bacteria can lead to cancer - 2005 Nobel Prize winners get recognition

Intestinal Damage from Pain Killers (NSAIDS)

Celiac Disease - A reaction to wheat flour?

Soda, Sleeping pills - increase risk of acid reflux, heartburn

Broccoli Sprouts Fight Ulcers ?

Side Effects for the Drug Vioxx

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Side effects of the drug vioxx include risk of stomach bleeding, liver and kidney toxicity and heart attack.

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Stomach Ulcer Resources

Bleeding Stomach Ulcer:
National Institute of Health Digestive Diseases

Stomach Ulcer - Pain Medicine Overuse
National Institute of Health Digestive Diseases

Digetive Health Tips:
American College of Gastroenterology

Common Digestion Problems:
American College of Gastroenterology

Women's Digestion Problems:
American College of Gastroenterology

Stomach Diseases:
National Institute of Health Digestive Diseases

Stomach Ulcer Cure:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Peptic Ulcer Disease:
American Gastroenterological Association

International Foundation for Functional of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
BUPA - Global health care organization

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Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

• Burning pain in the abdomen behind the breastbone. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early hours of the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours
• Belching
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite and weight

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms, Treatment and Information

By the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Use your browser's "back" button to navigate the stomach ulcer symptoms menu.

• What is H. pylori?
• How common is H. pylori?
• What illnesses does H. pylori cause?
• Stomach ulcer symptoms?
• Who should be tested and treated for H. pylori?
• How is H. pylori infection diagnosed?
• What are the treatment regimes used for H. pylori?
• Are there any long-term consequences of H. pylori infection?
• How do people get infected with H. pylori?
• What can people do to prevent H. pylori infection?
• What is the CDC doing to prevent H. pylori infection?
• How can I get more information about H. pylori?

What is Helicobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that is found in the gastric mucous layer or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. H. pylori causes more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers. Before 1982, when this bacterium was discovered, spicy food, acid, stress, and lifestyle were considered the major causes of ulcers. The majority of patients were given long-term medications, such as H2 blockers, and more recently, proton pump inhibitors, without a chance for permanent cure. These medications relieve ulcer-related symptoms, heal gastric mucosal inflammation, and may heal the ulcer, but they do NOT treat the infection. When acid suppression is removed, the majority of ulcers, particularly those caused by H. pylori, recur. Since we now know that most ulcers are caused by H. pylori, appropriate antibiotic regimens can successfully eradicate the infection in most patients, with complete resolution of mucosal inflammation and a minimal chance for recurrence of ulcers.

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How common is Helicobacter Pylori infection?

Approximately two-thirds of the world's population is infected with H. pylori. In the United States, H. pylori is more prevalent among older adults, African Americans, Hispanics, and lower socioeconomic groups.

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What illnesses does Helicobacter Pylori cause?

Most persons who are infected with H. pylori never suffer any symptoms related to the infection; however, H. pylori causes chronic active, chronic persistent, and atrophic gastritis in adults and children. Infection with H. pylori also causes duodenal and gastric ulcers. Infected persons have a 2- to 6-fold increased risk of developing gastric cancer and mucosal-associated-lymphoid-type (MALT) lymphoma compared with their uninfected counterparts. The role of H. pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia remains unclear.

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Symptoms of stomach ulcers - What are they?

Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from peptic ulcer disease at some point in their lifetime. Each year there are 500,000 to 850,000 new cases of peptic ulcer disease and more than one million ulcer-related hospitalizations. The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or burning pain in the epigastrium. This pain typically occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals and in the early morning hours, but it can also occur at other times. It may last from minutes to hours and may be relieved by eating or by taking antacids. Less common ulcer symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Bleeding can also occur; prolonged bleeding may cause anemia leading to weakness and fatigue. If bleeding is heavy, hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena may occur.

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Who should be tested and treated for stomach ulcer symptoms?

Persons with active gastric or duodenal ulcers or documented history of ulcers should be tested for H. pylori, and if found to be infected, they should be treated. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence that treatment of H. pylori infection in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia is warranted. Testing for and treatment of H. pylori infection are recommended following resection of early gastric cancer and for low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma. Retesting after treatment may be prudent for patients with bleeding or otherwise complicated peptic ulcer disease. Treatment recommendations for children have not been formulated. Pediatric patients who require extensive diagnostic work-ups for abdominal symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.

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How are stomach ulcer symptoms diagnosed?

Several methods may be used to diagnose H. pylori infection. Serological tests that measure specific H. pylori IgG antibodies can determine if a person has been infected. The sensitivity and specificity of these assays range from 80% to 95% depending upon the assay used. Another diagnostic method is the breath test. In this test, the patient is given either 13C- or 14C-labeled urea to drink. H. pylori metabolizes the urea rapidly, and the labeled carbon is absorbed. This labeled carbon can then be measured as CO2 in the patient's expired breath to determine whether H. pylori is present. The sensitivity and specificity of the breath test ranges from 94% to 98%. Upper esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy is considered the reference method of diagnosis. During endoscopy, biopsy specimens of the stomach and duodenum are obtained and the diagnosis of H. pylori can be made by several methods: The biopsy urease test - a colorimetric test based on the ability of H. pylori to produce urease; it provides rapid testing at the time of biopsy. Histologic identification of organisms - considered the gold standard of diagnostic tests. Culture of biopsy specimens for H. pylori, which requires an experienced laboratory and is necessary when antimicrobial susceptibility testing is desired.

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What are the treatment regimens used for stomach ulcer symptoms eradication?

Therapy for H. pylori infection consists of 10 days to 2 weeks of one or two effective antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, tetracycline (not to be used for children <12 yrs.), metronidazole, or clarithromycin, plus either ranitidine bismuth citrate, bismuth subsalicylate, or a proton pump inhibitor. Acid suppression by the H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor in conjunction with the antibiotics helps alleviate ulcer-related symptoms (i.e., abdominal pain, nausea), helps heal gastric mucosal inflammation, and may enhance efficacy of the antibiotics against H. pylori at the gastric mucosal surface. Currently, eight H. pylori treatment regimens are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Table 1); however, several other combinations have been used successfully. Antibiotic resistance and patient noncompliance are the two major reasons for treatment failure. Eradication rates of the eight FDA-approved regimens range from 61% to 94% depending on the regimen used. Overall, triple therapy regimens have shown better eradication rates than dual therapy. Longer length of treatment (14 days versus 10 days) results in better eradication rates.

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Are there any long-term consequences of H. pylori infection?

Recent studies have shown an association between long-term infection with H. pylori and the development of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide; it is most common in countries such as Colombia and China, where H. pylori infects over half the population in early childhood. In the United States, where H. pylori is less common in young people, gastric cancer rates have decreased since the 1930s.

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How do people get infected with H. pylori?

It is not known how H. pylori is transmitted or why some patients become symptomatic while others do not. The bacteria are most likely spread from person to person through fecal-oral or oral-oral routes. Possible environmental reservoirs include contaminated water sources. Iatrogenic spread through contaminated endoscopes has been documented but can be prevented by proper cleaning of equipment.

What can people do to prevent H. pylori infection?

Since the source of H. pylori is not yet known, recommendations for avoiding infection have not been made. In general, it is always wise for persons to wash hands thoroughly, to eat food that has been properly prepared, and to drink water from a safe, clean source.

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What is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doing to prevent H. pylori infection?

CDC, with partners in other government agencies, academic institutions, and industry, is conducting a national education campaign to inform health care providers and consumers of the link between H. pylori and stomach and duodenal ulcers. CDC is also working with partners to study routes of transmission and possible prevention measures, and to establish an antimicrobial resistance surveillance system to monitor the changes in resistance among H. pylori strains in the United States.

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How can I get more information about H. pylori?

1. NIH Consensus Development Conference. Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease. JAMA 272:65-69, 1994.

2. Soll, AH. Medical treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Practice guidelines. [Review]. JAMA 275:622-629, 1996. [published erratum appears in JAMA 1996 May 1;275:1314].

3. Hunt, RH. Helicobacter pylori: from theory to practice. Proceedings of a symposium. Am J Med 1996; 100 (5A) supplement.

4. The American Gastroenterological Association, American Digestive Health Foundation, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, 7th floor, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 654-2055 telephone, (301) 654-5920 fax.

5. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3570, (301) 654-3810 telephone.

6. Hunt RH, Thompson ABR. Canadian Helicobacter pylori Consensus Conference. Can J. Gastroenterol 1998, 12(1):31-41.

7. European Helicobacter pylori Study Group. Current European concepts in the management of H. pylori information. The Maastricht Consensus. Gut 1997; 41, 8-13.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570

Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.
Publications produced by the clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts.

NIH Publication No. 03-4225
December 2002

For further information, contact:

Health Communications Activity Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases National Center for Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road, MS-A49 Atlanta, GA 30333 1-888-MY-ULCER (1-888-698-5237)

National Center for Infectious Diseases

Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases

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Stomach Ulcers - (DGL) Licorice Root Extract A Natural Cure

Dr. Weiss is considered an expert in integrative cardiology. He is the first naturopathic physician to complete a conventional residency program in the Columbia Hospital System, the Arizona Heart Hospital and the prestigious Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Weiss has a unique perspective in that he has experience with both naturopathic and conventional practice. Dr. Weiss holds several appointments, including Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of Naturopathic Paradigms, a private practice in Phoenix.

Conventional medical treatment of peptic ulcers, an extremely common health problem, has dramatically changed in recent years. A huge variety of antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump blockers are now considered standard ulcer therapy. However, these medicines do not address the underlying factors of ulcer formation. They only block an ulcer’s effects. Fortunately, there is an effective natural supplement available that stimulates the body’s normal defense mechanisms to prevent ulcer formation. And, in the presence of peptic ulcers, this natural supplement promotes true healing.

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms Include:

• Stomach pain that comes and goes, for several days or weeks.
• Occur two to three hours after eating.
• Occur in the middle of the night.
• Be relieved by food. Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer may include weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, burping, nausea, vomiting.1,2

What causes stomach ulcer symptoms?

Over the past 20 years, there has been a radical shift in thinking regarding the cause of peptic ulcers. No longer blamed entirely on stress, spicy foods, alcohol consumption, gastric acid production, or heredity, most peptic ulcers are now known to be caused by a bacterial infection. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacteria that accounts for the vast majority of peptic ulcers.1-3 However, use of over-the-counter and prescription painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also causes peptic ulcers.1-6 A common example of NSAIDs is ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®). Other medications are currently being studied for their role in peptic ulcer development.7-9

How can individuals tell if they have this bacterium?

H. pylori is diagnosed through blood, breath, and tissue tests. Blood tests, the most common diagnostic tool, are used to detect antibodies to H. pylori bacteri10 A breath test, called a urea breath test, is used after treatment to determine if the treatment worked.11 It is interesting to note that about 20% of people under 40 and over half of the people over the age of 60 are infected with H. pylori. However, infected individuals do not always develop ulcers. Researchers are trying to determine why H. pylori does not cause ulcers in every infected person. Furthermore, many people take NSAIDs for long periods of time and do not develop ulcers. Infection with H. pylori or irritation from medication use may be dependent on the gastric or intestinal environment of the person who develops an ulcer.5,6

How are H. pylori positive peptic ulcers medically treated today?

The focus of medical treatment is to kill the H. pylori bacteria and reduce stomach acid. Medical treatment usually involves the use of “triple therapy”: a combination of antibiotics, acid suppressors, and stomach protectors. H. pylori peptic ulcers are treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteri13 Acid-suppressing medications include the histamine2-receptor antagonists cimetidine (Tagamet®), ranitidine (Zantac®), or famotadine (Pepcid®) and proton pump inhibitors omeprazole (Prilosec®), and lansoprazole (Prevacid®).

How are other stomach ulcers medically treated today?

Conventionally, acid-suppressing drugs and stomach-lining protectors are used for ulcer treatment.14-17 Is it necessary to treat ulcers with medical treatments? Are there natural alternatives? The biggest risk for individuals with ulcers is that the ulcer will perforate (erode through) the entire stomach lining. Life-threatening bleeding and infections (peritonitis) can occur.1-3 Therefore, anyone who suspects he or she may have an ulcer should seek treatment from a licensed health care practitioner. It may be necessary to use medications initially despite risks of adverse effects. However, there are certain natural supplements that work well with prescription medications to enhance healing. There may also be instances in milder pre-ulcer conditions that your licensed health care practitioner chooses to use a natural intervention first.

What natural supplement can be used to complement antibiotic therapy? An extremely effective natural supplement for ulcers is a form of licorice root that has been specially processed. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is an important component of a complementary natural health approach—together with other therapeutic measures recommended by your health care professional. Many researchers have studied de-glycyrrhizinated licorice (often referred to as DGL) in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.18-25

The use of DGL compared to standard drug therapy is a classic example of addressing the underlying cause of a condition rather than simply blocking an effect. Use of DGL addresses the underlying factors and promotes true healing by stimulating the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation. Specifically, DGL improves both the quality and quantity of the protective substances that line the intestinal tract.23,27-30 DGL is a special extract of licorice from which the glycyrrhizin molecules have been removed, leaving biologically active flavonoids. The value of DGL over other forms of licorice is that it eliminates adverse effects associated with long-term use of very high doses of conventional licorice (including sodium and water retention, high blood pressure, and low potassium levels).31,32

How does use of DGL compare to Tagamet® or Zantac®?

Researchers reported in 1982 in Gut that DGL is as effective as cimetidine Tagamet®) for curing gastric ulcers.30 That same year, Lancet reported DGL to be as effective as ranitidine (Zantac®).19

Researchers report licorice root extract stimulates the release of secretin, which, in turn, has a protective effect on the gastric mucos The body’s production of secretin by such natural agents may play a signif-icant role in their mucosal protective action, note researchers. In fact, they attribute the anti-ulcer effect of licorice root extract to its unique ability to stimulate the body to release endogenous secretin, which helps to rebuild the stomach or intestine’s protective lining.33

What about using antacids for peptic stomach ulcers?

Antacids are alkaline compounds that neutralize stomach acid. At one time, antacids were the mainstay of anti-ulcer therapy. However, these drugs have been largely replaced by the histamine2- receptor antagonists and the proton pump inhibitors.34 Most antacids adversely affect the bowels. Some (e.g. aluminum hydroxide) promote constipation while others (e.g. magnesium hydroxide) promote diarrhe Some antacids contain significant amounts of sodium. Furthermore, by raising the stomach’s pH, antacids can influence the absorption of other drugs.34

Can DGL be used with antibiotic therapy?

Yes. DGL can be used as an additive or adjunct treatment with antibiotics and other agents that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Consumers will find DGL’s restorative effects on the gastric mucosa help to hasten healing and prevent recurrences.

How does DGL compare to standard peptic ulcer therapy?

The drugs used in standard therapy do not address the underlying cause of peptic ulcers. They merely treat the symptoms caused by an ulcer. DGL does not inhibit stomach acid production, neutralize stomach acid, or block histamine. Use of DGL promotes true healing by stimulating the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation and improve the integrity of the stomach lining. And, DGL accomplishes this without any of the side effects associated with standard peptic ulcer therapy.

What is the best way to use DGL?

DGL should mix with the saliva to promote release of salivary compounds that stimulate the growth and regeneration of stomach and intestinal cells. Several forms of chewable DGL are available.

How much DGL should be taken?

For treatment of peptic ulcer, take 760 to 1,520 mg of DGL between, or 20 minutes before, meals. Never use after meals, due to lack of efficacy. Use for eight to 16 weeks or as recommended by your health care professional.

Are there side effects or complications related to use of DGL?

As mentioned earlier, DGL is a specially processed form of licorice that avoids the main hazards of regular licorice. Thus, there are no known side effects or drug interactions with use of DGL. Pregnant or nursing women should discuss use of dietary supplements with their licensed health care practitioner.

Stomach Ulcer Conclusion

In summary, DGL is a supplement that improves the integrity of the stomach lining, stimulates the normal defenses that prevent ulcer formation, and enhances the body’s healing powers.

References

1. Peptic ulcer. In: Guyton AC, Hall JE. Textbook of Medical Physiology. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company;1998:846-847.

2. Peptic ulcer disease. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 725-728.

3. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Web site. H. Pylori and Peptic Ulcer, Accessed March 22, 2001. Available at: www.niddk.nih.gov
/health/digest/pubs/hpylori/hpylori.

4. Hawkey CJ, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. Gastroenterology. 2000;119:521-535.

5. Dajani EZ, Klamut MJ. Novel therapeutic approaches to gastric and duodenal ulcers: an update. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2000;9:1537-1544.

6. Cappell MS, Schein JR. Diagnosis and treatment of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-associated upper gastrointestinal toxicity. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2000;29:97-124.

7. Elliot SN, McKnight W, Davies NM, MacNaughton WK, Wallace JL. Alendronate induces gastric injury and delays ulcer healing in rodents. Life Sci. 1998;62:77-91.

8. Graham DY, Malaty HM. Alendronate and naproxen are synergistic for development of gastric ulcers. Arch Intern Med. 2001; 161:107-110.

9. Seinela L, Ahvenainen J. Peptic ulcer in very old patients. Gerontology. 2000; 46:271-275.

10. Borody TJ, Andrews P, Shortis NP. Evaluation of whole blood antibody kit to detect active Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 1996;91:2509-2512.

11. Graham DY, Klein PD. Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori. I3Curea breath test. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2000;29:885-893.

12. Cohen H. Peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2000;29:775-789.

13. Kim HS, Lee DK, Kim KH, et al. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of different formulations of omeprazole-based triple therapies in the treatment of Helicobactor pylori-positive peptic ulcer. J Gastroenterol. 2001;36:96-102.

14. Sipponen P. Update on the pathologic approach to the diagnosis of gastritis, gastic atrophy, and Heliobacter pylori and its sequelae. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2001;32:196-202.

15. Scheiman JM. The impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory druginduced gastropathy. Am J Manag Care. 2001;7:10-14.

16. Cappell MS, Schein JR. Diagnosis and treatment of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-associated upper gastrointestinal activity. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2000;29:97-124.

17. Yoemans ND. Approaches to healing and prophylaxis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers. Am J Med. 2001;8:24S-28S.

18. Engqvist A, von Feilitzen F, Pyk E, Reichard H. Double-blind trial of deglycyrrhizinated liqourice in gastric ulcer. Gut. 1973;14:711-715.

19. Glick L. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice for peptic ulcer. Lancet. 1982;9:817.

20. Bardhan KD, Cumberland DC, Dixon RA, Holdsworth CD. Clinical trial of deglycyrrhisinated liqourice in gastric ulcer. Gut. 1978;19:779-782.

21. Balakrishnan V, Pillai MV, Raveebdran PM, Nair CS. Deglycrrhizinated liqourice in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer. J Assoc Physicians India. 1978;26:811-814.

22. Rees WDW, Rhodes J, Wright JE, Stamford IF, Bennett A. Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1979;14:605-607.

23. Tewari SN, Wilson AK. Deglycrrhizinated liquorice in duodenal ulcer. Practitioner. 1973;210:820-823.

24. Abrahamsson H, Dotevall G. Pharmacological and clinical aspects of some drugs used in peptic ulcer treatment. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1979;55:117-120.

25. Bardnan KD, Cumberland DC, Dixon RA, Holdsworth CD. Proceedings: Deglycrrhizinated liqourice in gastric ulcer: a double-blind controlled trial. Gut. 1976;17:397.

26. Dehpour AR, Zolfaghari ME, Sadian T, Vahedi Y. The protective effect of liquorice components and their derivatives against gastric ulcer induced by aspirin in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1994;46:148-149.

27. Morgan AG, Pacsoo C, McAdam WAF. Maintenance therapy: a two year comparison between Caved-S and cimetidine treatment in the prevention of symptomatic gastric ulcer recurrence. Gut. 1985;26:599-602.

28. van Merle J, Aarsen PN, Lind A, van Weeren-Kramer J. Deglycrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) and the renewal of rat stomach epithelium. Eur J Pharmacol. 1981;72:219-225.

29. Morris TJ, Calcraft BJ, Rhodes J, Hole D, Morton MS. Effect of deglycrrhised liquorice compound on the gastric mucosal barrier of the dog. Digestion. 1974;11:355-363.

30. Morgan AG, McAdam WAF, Pacsoo C, Darnborough A. Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut. 1982;23:545-551.

31. Negro A, Rossi E, Regolisti G, Perazzoli F. Liquorice-induced sodium retention. Merely an acquired condition of apparent mineralocorticoid excess? A case report. Ann Ital Med Int. 2000;15:296-300.

32. Khanna A, Kutzman NA. Metabolic alkalosis. Respir Care. 2001;46: 354-365.

33. Takeuchi T, Shiratori K, Watanabe S, Chang J-H, Moriyoshi Y, Shimizu K. Secretin as a potential mediator of antiulceractions of mucosal protective agents. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1991;13:83-87.

34. Lehne RA. Antacids. In: Pharmacology for Nursing Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1998:781-783.

35. Cimetidine. In: Physicians’ Desk Reference. 54th ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc; 2000:3043-3046.

36. Ranitidine. Ibid. pp. 1310-1312.

37. Omeprazole. Ibid. pp. 617-621.

38. Lansoprazole. Ibid. pp. 3105-3110.

Standard treatment for chronic pain may pose greater risk

Health News. 2005 Apr;11 - National Library of Medicine

Side effects of commonly used pain relievers - This brief patient education fact sheet, from a series on common gastrointestinal (GI) and medical problems in women, reviews the dangers of aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), particularly their impact on the GI tract. The fact sheet notes that the second major cause for ulcers is irritation of the stomach arising from regular use of NSAIDs. The fact sheet discusses the complications of ulcers, how ulcers are diagnosed, issues that may arise with regular use of NSAIDs, some health benefits associated with aspirin and NSAIDs, patients with ulcer or GI bleeding who do not have any obvious symptoms, drug therapy used to inhibit or reverse the NSAIDs-induced injury to the intestinal lining, the need to balance pain relief and concerns with side effects, the impact of personal medical history (risk factors), and the magnitude of NSAID use. The fact sheet includes one table that summarizes the different brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs and the recommended limits to amount taken.

Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make people more susceptible to pneumonia

JAMA 10-27-04 -Widely used heartburn and ulcer drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make people more susceptible to pneumonia, probably because they reduce germ-killing stomach acid, Dutch researchers found in a study of more than 300,000 patients. More Info

Comparison Chart: DGL vs. Antacids, Tagamet, Zantac, Prilosec, and Prevacid

*De-glycyrrhizinated licorice extract (DGL) does not cause side effects such as increased blood pressure and water rention, since they contain no glycyrrhizin. - (Source, Health Notes)

Where can I find DGL- Licorice Root Extract?

Licorice is a prolific perennial herb that has long been used for culinary and health related purposes. Nature's Plus Herbal Actives deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) root extract is uniformly standardized to <2% (<10 mg) glycyrrhizin to guarantee that each and every capsule provides consistent potency and activity. Each capsule, providing the greatest concentration of active botanical principles, maximizes the synergistic benefits of the whole root which naturally contains flavonoids, isoflavonoids and coumarins.

Visit The Vitamin Shoppe to order DGL Capsles 60 count 500 mg.
Dosage: 1 Capsle per day

Chewable DGL

DGL is a chewable extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and the amino acid glycine. It's in chewable form because saliva promotes absorption and ensures optimum value. Studies have shown DGL stimulates and/or accelerates the natural protective factors in the digestive tract, which helps relieve stomach discomfort immediately. In our original DGL, we add fructose to sweeten this extract's distinctive flavor. However, some individuals prefer no sweeteners, so we offer DGL without sugar or fructose

Visit VitaCost to order DGL - Chews 50 count - 380mg.
Dosage: 2 Waffers per day

Shopping with us is safe. Guaranteed

Broccoli Sprouts Fight Ulcers

If a type of bacteria called H. pylori is the firebug that ignites most ulcers, then a serving of broccoli sprouts is your edible sprinkler system. In a study sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, sulforaphane--a phytochemical in the sprouts--killed off any H. pylori that was exposed to it. And while the research was done in the lab, "all indications point to sulforaphane's having a similar effect on the H. pylori in our stomachs," says Paul Talalay, M.D., a professor of pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins University medical school. Try folding sprouts into your omelettes or using them in a sandwich. (And yes, regular broccoli contains some sulforaphane, too.) - Prevention Magazine

Selective stimulation of the growth of anaerobic microflora in the human intestinal tract by electrolyzed reducing water

By the Department of Physiology of Microorganisms, Lomonosov Moscow State University

96-99% of the "friendly" or residential microflora of intestinal tract of humans consists of strict anaerobes and only 1-4% of aerobes. Many diseases of the intestine are due to a disturbance in the balance of the microorganisms inhabiting the gut. In this work, it is suggested that prerequisite for the recovery and maintenance of obligatory anaerobic microflora in the intestinal tract is a negative ORP value of the intestinal milieu. Electrolyzed reducing water with E(h) values between 0 and -300 mV produced in electrolysis devices possesses this property. Drinking such water favours the growth of residential microflora in the gut. Continue

Test Your Immune System

Does your immune system need a boost? This test by Dr. Linda Page is quick and easy

More Petic Ulcer Resources

Open Directory Project :
Health : Digestive disorders
(Other versions: Google | AOL)

MEDLINEplus : Peptic ulcer National Library of Medicine

OMNI : Peptic ulcer Univ Nottingham, United Kingdom

healthfinder® : Peptic ulcer US Government

ClinicalTrials.gov : Peptic ulcer National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

Yahoo : Helicobacter Pylori

Peptic ulcer : Signs & symptoms Mayo clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Ulcer symptoms
Sander Veldhuyzen van Zanten, Dalhousie Univ, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers? Univ California / Davis

Pictures of Ulcers

Gastric ulcer | Duodenal ulcer
A.D.A.M. / National Library of Medicine