Ulcers: Any tips? What worked for you? - PaleoHacks.com

Ulcers: Any tips? What worked for you?

2012-09-22T15:58:04Z

Okay, so it seems ive got ulcers (duodenal, not stomach - no pylori either). They are pretty intense. Either caused by gallbladder issues, or by excess acid from my hyperthyroidism (yes thats a thing). Both can cause ulcers.

Now I am on proton pump inhibitors (even tho I hate the things) and thyroid meds, and am on a wait list to talk to a surgeon about testing my gallbladder. So hopefully ill get it sorted in time.

But in the meantime, it bloody hurts!

Ive been eating smaller meals. But identifying what foods are better to eat, and how to eat is a bit complex. Seems like tomatoes and berries might be out (high ph). hard foods like nuts and seeds are defo out.

Cheese seems okay, and I am thinking higher fat, lower protein dairy might be ideal, like perhaps heavy whipping cream (low ph, and low protein - protein stimulates stomach acid more than carbs or fat, according to some research I read). Milk apparently doesnt really work, but that makes sense, cause its got lotsa protein in.

Ive been low carb, but in the difficult circumstances I am flexible. I would think about some sweet potatoes or rice, as it seems like fat, this doesnt seem to produce stomach acid.

Ive been doing lots of bone broth (in homemade stews) and that seems to work well. Only consistantly low pain food Ive found, and no surprise knowing whats in it.

Basically I am looking for other folks who have had ulcers, particularly the real painful kind, and wondering - what works/worked for you?

Help much appreciated as always!

Answer by VB for Ulcers: Any tips? What worked for you?

2012-09-22T16:29:56Z

I think you need to schedule in one hour of pure fun every day just to forget about all those health problems. And I am being serious about this one, it is not a joke!

I did a huge research on ulcers and I can tell you all the advice and personal experience.

PPI are the worst for ulcers. They do more harm than good. Everybody on Paleohacks told me not to take them, but because both of my doctors insisted, I took them for 4 months (altogether). THAT WAS A BIG, BIG MISTAKE. Why? Because doctors that treat you were taught 20 years ago and do not know the current research. When you reduce the acid in your stomach, your body counteracts by producing more acid if you quit taking them. Plus there is no acid to work with food and your food just sits there undigested. I beg you - if you feel ANY negative side effects - stop taking them. My negative side effects were I started to fall asleep right after a meal and would be sleeping for 18 hours per day.
Many people recommend 10 days of nothing but bone broth. Then gradually you can add non-fibrous vegetables. Melissa actually answered one of my questions on PPIs - how to heal your gastritis. She had an ulcer that she was able to heal.
Aloe vera juice. I have tried it - it is good, but I used real aloe plant. You can probably find the juice without any additives. DON'T DO IT IF YOU HAVE SIBO.
Mastic gum. Works wonders. I have not tried it, but it does. DON'T DO IT IF YOU HAVE SIBO.
Raw cabbage juice (do not drink more than a quarter of a cup). It does work, but I had to stop it for various reasons. It suppose to heal any ulcer in 2 weeks. Also raw foods with every meal. I believe in this one. Carrot juice is good too. NO CABBAGE IF YOU HAVE OR SUSPECT HAVING SIBO.
No gluten. That is really important. Not even a micro crumb.
Raw Manuka Honey. I have not tried it, but my friend cured her ulcer that way.
DGL. I have tried it, not sure how effective it is, plus it adds estrogen, but I think for a short time it might work. DON'T DO IT FOR A LONG TIME OR IF YOU HAVE SIBO.
L-glutamine. I had side effects, but if you can take it in small doses, it should not bother you.
Luckie healed her ulcer by using cultured milk products (not sure, was it kefir?)
Fermented foods that agree with you.
Make sure to laugh every day.

I am still working on my digestive issues, but this is as much as I know.

NOW MY CURRENT POINT OF VIEW (IT CHANGED):

Anti-inflammatory diet in a long time will heal almost everything. No cheating. Also, find out the cause of your ulcer. So many things can cause it.

Good luck!!!

Answer by Tanya for Ulcers: Any tips? What worked for you?

2013-02-24T07:33:40Z

I have had extremely painful ulcer incidents for the past 20 years. The best thing I have found that will cure it is a good acupuncturist. For the first few incidences, I would go to medical doctors and specialists and go through the latest meds that they thought would cure me. The side effects were awful. Finally I would go to an acupuncturist, and within 3-5 treatments the ulcer pain would go away.

Once I got cured I would do well for a few years until I drank too much coffee, took NSAIDs, drank alcohol, and was stressed out. Then I would start the routine again with my medical doctor. After about 6 months of pain I would go back to the acupuncturist and it would go away. Nowadays I skip the medical doctors and PPIs altogether, and just get acupuncture and sometimes herbs. I have had good luck with community acupuncture, which is lower cost than my co-payment at the doctor's office. No appointment needed, I just show up, sit in a chair and get poked for $15-$35, sliding scale.

For me, the best way to avoid ulcers is to drink a cup of black tea every day, avoid advil/alleve, avoid coffee, alcohol, and try to avoid stress.

Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better soon.