Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Manuka Honey Recommended for Stomach Ulcers

Dear Gordon Ramsay…
The Daily Mail (UK), 8/16/2008

…According to GP Dr Rob Hicks: ‘It was thought that “worry, hurry and curry” were the villains behind peptic (aka gastric) ulcers but research in Australia in the 1980s showed that about 80 per cent are caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This damages the protective lining of the stomach and duodenum exposing the sensitive tissue of the stomach wall to powerful gastric acid, one of which – hydrochloric acid – is so corrosive it can dissolve iron nails.’

Some painkillers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) also damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers. The treatment is to stop them and take an acid-reducing drug. H pylori is treated with two antibiotics plus an acid-reducing drug, known as ‘triple therapy’. (Probiotics help replenish good gut bacteria and studies show they support the drugs and alleviate side effects. Dr Andrew Weil recommends Culturelle by Allergy Research, with Lactobacillus GG, £22 for 30 capsules, from Victoria Health, see below.) Dr Hicks also advocates two to three teaspoons daily of manuka honey, which has natural antibacterial compounds. Try Manuka Honey UMF20+ by Comvita Products, £22 for 250g…

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