Ulcerations (sores) in the inner lining of upper part of the digestive tract are known as Peptic Ulcers. The term peptic is used for all ulcers which may exist in the lower part of food pipe (esophagus), in the stomach or in the initial part of the intestine (duodenum). About 10% of all adults are affected with Peptic ulcers at some time in their life. The incidence of Peptic ulcers is more common in males as compared to females.
What are the Causes of Peptic Ulcer
The underlying process that results in Peptic ulcer formation is excess of acid production in the stomach and damage to the protective barrier inside the stomach.
- Food habits
- Over use of hot spicy pungent food
- Over use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Infection with H-pylori bacteria
- Alcohol and smoking
- Stress &anxiety may also cause peptic ulcer.
Symptoms of Peptic ulcer
- Pain in upper part of abdomen (epigastric region)
- Burning of chest &stomach
- Weight gain
- Severity of pain increases when empty stomach
- Haematemisis (vomiting with blood stains)
- Dark or black stool
Ayurvedic Treatment Perspective of Peptic ulcer
In Ayurveda peptic ulcer is described as annadrava shool and parinaam shool.Annadrava shool is correlated with gastric ulcer and parinaam shool is duodenal ulcer.
Pain in annadrav shool usually starts after eating food and does not subside anytime; it has no relation with meals or with lifestyle changes, but is relieved after vomiting. Parinaam shool is described as pain during digestion of food. These ulcers are further divided in Vata, Pitta and Kapha types.
Vata types of ulcers occur due to vitiation of vata dosha leading to dryness of mucous membrane of stomach and intestine. This dry membrane is unable to protect stomach wall from normal or low levels of acid present in the stomach or intestine and this result in the ulceration.
Pitta types of ulcers occur due to vitiation of pitta dosha leading to dryness of mucous membrane of stomach and intestine due to high level of acid. Pitta type ulcer results from excess acid secretions. This dry membrane is unable to protect stomach wall from normal or low levels of acid present in the stomach or intestine and this result in the ulceration.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Peptic ulcer
Ayurvedic treatment approach towards the management of Peptic ulcer disease involves the evaluation of the complaint in details while taking into account individual factors such as one’s personal and family history while planning a long-term treatment. Since the treatment targets the root cause, Ayurvedic treatment for peptic ulcer offers long-term cure instead of temporary relief. It treats at a deeper level of immunity and enhances the healing capacity of the body. Ayurveda also help to prevent complications of Peptic ulcers.
Diet & lifestyle recommendation for Ayurvedic Treatment of Peptic ulcer
- Avoid oily spicy pungent food
- Avoid use of alcohol
- Avoid use of painkillers and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Take restful sleep
- Stay happy stop worrying
- Take your meals at regular time and in relaxed atmosphere
- Avoid tea coffee and other aerated drinks
- Avoid late night meals
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet research have shown that fruits and vegetables are helpful in healing peptic ulcer.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies of Peptic ulcer
- Drink coconut water twice daily
- Soothe your stomach with Aloe-Vera juice
- Take two teaspoon of honey daily early in the morning on empty stomach helps in healing of ulcer.
- Drink few cups of coconut milk or coconut water is very beneficial to heal ulcer. It has antibacterial qualities and it kills the bacteria that causes ulcer
- Mix together equal part of Saunf+ Jeera + Misri (rock candy)in equal quantity take this mixture two to three times daily
- Taking milk helps to neutralize excessive acid.