Stomach Issues
HYPERACIDITY/HYPERCHLORHYDRIA and HYPOACIDITY/ HYPOCHLORHYDRIA
Hyperacidity occurs when the parietal cells in the stomach produce too much gastric acid (HCL). Consuming too many fatty foods can contribute to this problem. Hyperactivity can, more often than not, be sorted out by making changes to your diet. Do away with:
Eat more fruit, vegetables and natural grains.
A nutritionist can help you implement these diet changes into your life.
However, if after you make strict diet changes, symptoms persist then it is important to have the cause of the problem diagnosed. This is generally done via a variety of tests carried out by doctors.
Hypoactivity is the opposite of Hyperactivity and refers to the under-secretion of HCL (gastric acid). Hypoactivity is actually more common than Hyperactivity however it is often hard to tell which one you may have as the symptoms are often the same: heartburn; digestive discomfort; bloating; belching; diarrhoea; constipation; vomiting of undigested food. As with hyperactivity changes in diet is essential. Following the same diet restrictions as those for hyperactivity and also follow these rules:
HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTIONS AND STOMACH ULCERS
A very common stomach infection called helicobacter pylori can cause you to have the same symptoms as when you have hyperactivity and hypoactivity. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium which infects the stomach lining by attacking the mucosal layer that protects the stomach lining from being worn away by your gastric acid (HCL). It affects many people, especially in developed countries where diets are high in sugar and bad fats. Alcohol consumption, smoking and drugs are big contributors. This infection, however, needs treatment so once again if diet changes do not bring improvements, then you should see a doctor, be it medical or naturopathic, to have some tests carried out to see if it could be helicobacter pylori. These are breath tests, blood tests and stool analysis. Conventional treatment generally consists of a course of antibiotics and antacids, both which can bring with them further problems. Natural treatments include:
Natural remedies should always be your first option. Having a simple diet and following the diet plan to resolve hyperactivity and hypoactivity is also a must.
Hyperacidity occurs when the parietal cells in the stomach produce too much gastric acid (HCL). Consuming too many fatty foods can contribute to this problem. Hyperactivity can, more often than not, be sorted out by making changes to your diet. Do away with:
- Bad fats
- Sugar
- Processed foods including pasta, pizza and bread
- Dairy (a little live yoghurt is okay)
Eat more fruit, vegetables and natural grains.
A nutritionist can help you implement these diet changes into your life.
However, if after you make strict diet changes, symptoms persist then it is important to have the cause of the problem diagnosed. This is generally done via a variety of tests carried out by doctors.
Hypoactivity is the opposite of Hyperactivity and refers to the under-secretion of HCL (gastric acid). Hypoactivity is actually more common than Hyperactivity however it is often hard to tell which one you may have as the symptoms are often the same: heartburn; digestive discomfort; bloating; belching; diarrhoea; constipation; vomiting of undigested food. As with hyperactivity changes in diet is essential. Following the same diet restrictions as those for hyperactivity and also follow these rules:
- Ensure you are consuming enough Zinc in your diet as this is important for the production of HCL. Increase your zinc intake through whole foods such as Pumpkin seeds, beans, wholegrain cereals, brown rice and potatoes. Ensure you are having enough vitamin C, E, B6, and minerals such as magnesium as these all help to increase zinc absorption in the body.
- Have enough B vitamins, especially niacin (B3), thiamine (B1) and pyridoxine (B6), all help with HCL production. All of these should be part of a balanced diet.
- Do not eat proteins and carbohydrates/starches together.
- Eat proteins with low starchy vegetables and with good fats.
- Eat starches/carbohydrates with vegetables.
- Eat fruit alone – not with meals.
- Cut out processed foods, GM foods, fast foods, additives, dyes, artificial flavorings and colourings that are devoid of nutrition and extremely bad for your health.
- Eliminate white flour, refined sugars, and artificial sweeteners.
- Don´t overeat
- Chew your food well as this stimulates the digestive enzymes in your mouth which break up food into smaller particles which are easier to digest.
- Don´t eat right before going to sleep. Eat at least three hours before.
- Don’t lie down immediately after eating. If you need to lie down, prop yourself up with pillows so that your head and upper body is raised.
- Don´t drink cold water before or with meals.
- Do drink warm water with lemon half an hour before you eat.
- Drink ginger tea, peppermint tea or dandelion tea after your meal.
HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTIONS AND STOMACH ULCERS
A very common stomach infection called helicobacter pylori can cause you to have the same symptoms as when you have hyperactivity and hypoactivity. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium which infects the stomach lining by attacking the mucosal layer that protects the stomach lining from being worn away by your gastric acid (HCL). It affects many people, especially in developed countries where diets are high in sugar and bad fats. Alcohol consumption, smoking and drugs are big contributors. This infection, however, needs treatment so once again if diet changes do not bring improvements, then you should see a doctor, be it medical or naturopathic, to have some tests carried out to see if it could be helicobacter pylori. These are breath tests, blood tests and stool analysis. Conventional treatment generally consists of a course of antibiotics and antacids, both which can bring with them further problems. Natural treatments include:
- Slippery elm to soothe stomach mucosa.
- Mastic gum to kill the bacteria.
- Deglycyrrhized liquorice (liquorice which has had a harmful component removed) to regenerate. the cells of the stomach lining.
- Manuka honey to heal the ulcers.
- Cabbage juice is a traditional remedy used to heal the stomach lining.
- Olive oil taken in its raw form (not cooked).
- Garlic.
Natural remedies should always be your first option. Having a simple diet and following the diet plan to resolve hyperactivity and hypoactivity is also a must.
Do you suffer from bloating and gas? Have you taken too many antibiotics in your life time? Read my article on Intestine Issues.
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