Stomach Problems
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Brad Hopkins
Posted on: February 20, 2005

I am 30 years old and have had stomach problems for a long time. My physician has me on prilosec and I recently went to a chiropractor for neck problems and told him about my stomach and he put me on okra pepsin E3, biohpf. and pure stevia mixed with one cup cranberry juice and one-and a half liter water. Is this what you would recommend for my problem which isa lot of acid indigestion, nausea when my stomach is empty, tenderness in the abdomen occasionally, a lot of gas on my stomach which makes me have a lot of nausea, and certain foods make it worse.

Prilosec decreases acid in the stomach by inhibiting the mechanism that pumps acid into the stomach. It is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux and other disorders with an excess of stomach acid. Common side effects are diarrhea and stomach pain. Heartburn is an infrequent side effect. This drug should not be used long term because of health risks.

I would not recommend the remedies you have listed above. I recommend that you consult a qualified medical or clinical herbalist or a naturopath for a complete assessment. Your symptoms suggest that there may be ulceration or inflammation, which need specific treatment.

Your diet is important, as you may be irritating the problem with acidic foods, which include include coffee, alcohol, meats, fish, dairy, grains, nuts, chocolate and sugar. Balance your diet with alkaline foods: all vegetables and fruits except prunes, cranberries and plums. Keep your diet high in raw fruit and vegetables. Juices are high in sugar, and are best avoided.

Along with a low acid diet, you need to soothe and heal the lining of your intestinal tract. Slippery elm bark powder soothes the entire intestinal tract, protecting it from acid. This powder should be mixed with water and taken like a porridge: one to three tablespoons three to four times daily. Taking slippery elm bark powder at night is most effective, as it provides protection for the whole night.

Chamomile tea, sipped slowly throughout the day, helps to decrease acidity. The herb meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is antacid. Meadowsweet can be taken as a tea or a tincture.

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