Alternative treatment for gastrointestinal disease

09 Nov, 2014 - 06:11 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

How do you work, play, exercise and undertake other activities all in one day?

Where do you get the fuel for your body? No doubt, it is from the food you ingest. During the digestion process, your body absorbs different nutrients which provide energy to maintain the function of human organs. The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus and digestive organs like the liver and pancreas. Common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, constipation, and the one related to the pancreas being diabetes mellitus.

GERD or acid reflux is characterised by symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.

The reflux of stomach acid can inflame and stimulate the nerve fibers in the esophagus resulting in a burning pain in the middle of the chest or even extends up into the neck. Peptic ulcers including stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer are defined as mucosal erosions in these areas. People with ulcers get symptoms like abdominal pain relating to mealtimes, bloating, abdominal fullness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and sometimes weight loss. Stress and spicy foods can make them worse.

Measures that can be taken to deal with the common gastrointestinal diseases should focus on regulating lifestyle, taking regular physical exercise and also taking anti acid and antibiotics.

It is recommended that one should take more fibre rich food like vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and more water. Dietary fibre can promote the movement of intestines and absorbs water thus add bulk to one’s stool so that it is more easily discharged from the body.

Taking excessive coffee and alcohol should be avoided since it can stimulate gastric acid secretion and cause peptic ulcer.

Quitting smoking is imperative. Cigarette smokers have been found to have higher ulcer complications and treatment failure.

Meal cellulose tablet suitable for dyspepsia, constipation contains dietary fibre and helps normalise bowel movement, maintain bowel integrity and health.

Spirulina contains abundant and balanced nutrition and many researchers have shown that spirulina has positive effect on various disease including piles, constipation and ulcer in the perspective of gastrointestinal disease while radix pseudostellariae improves movement of stomach and intestine.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine it has benefits for the spleen meridian which governs digestion, ingestion and metabolism of food.

A number of studies concerning radix pseudostellariae including its chemical components and relevant pharmacological properties have been performed.

Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees collect from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive.

Propolis is used for small gaps (approximately 6mm or less), while larger spaces are usually filled with beeswax. Its colour varies depending on its botanical source, the most common being dark brown.

Propolis is sticky at and above room temperature, 20°C (68°F).

At lower temperatures, it becomes hard and very brittle. Propolis, known as the natural antibiotics with its anti-inflammatory properties, heals infection and gastric ulcer and chitosan can suppress and kill the bacteria causing ulcers thus accelerating ulcer healing.

Chitosan can regulate pH balance of the body, increase the activity of insulin, and decrease blood sugar.

Intestine cleansing tea’s ingredients which includes green tea among other herbal extracts, improves healthy bowel movement, alleviates dyspepsia and flatulence.

Green tea assists digestion by increasing secretion of stomach juice.

Apart from the anti-oxidant properties of catechins, which constitute the major benefits of Green tea, it accelerates dissolving of triglycerides that are found in gut and helps the toxin excretion from the intestinal tracts.

 

Dr TB Magodora (MBChB-UZ, DpTCM-Sh, CHINA) can be reached at [email protected] or on 0774 826 573.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Dr TB Magodora has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

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