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stomach problems
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Stress and psyche with stomach problems
The stomach: location and tasks
Diseases of the stomach
Diagnosis of stomach problems
School medical therapy for stomach problems
Helicobacter pylori: the cause of many stomach problems
Naturopathy for stomach problems
Stress and psyche with stomach problems
Stomach problems are noticeable in many different ways. So there is pain, flatulence, heartburn, feelings of fullness and pressure and nausea. In any case, the diet should be considered first. Raw fruits, flatulent foods, coffee, hot spices, fat and sweeteners such as aspartame and sorbitol can cause a variety of stomach problems. The autonomic nervous system has a close connection to the digestive system, which makes it clear that stress and mental stress can easily lead to discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Phrases like "that hits me on the stomach," or "that pisses me off," remind me that the stomach is not just an organ in the body, but also plays a big role in the psyche.
The stomach: location and tasks
The stomach joins the esophagus, similar to a baggy extension. The already started in the mouth digestion is continued there. Due to different filling states this can take different forms. Its capacity is approximately 1.5 liters. The stomach does three important main tasks. These are food storage, food comminution and production of hydrochloric acid.
Depending on whether light food or a heavy meal was consumed, the duration of the food in the stomach varies between two and seven hours. The digestion of carbohydrates, which already begins in the mouth, rests in the stomach, but here proteins and fats are crushed by mechanical movements. The food is mixed together and the chyme, also known as chyme, formed. Hydrochloric acid formation is also an extremely important process. It is vital for the digestion of protein, but also vital for the destruction of pathogens.
Diseases of the stomach
Everyone knows stomach problems. Feeling of pressure, bloating, acid regurgitation, malaise, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, all these are typical symptoms that can occur.
The causes of stomach discomfort are highly variable. For example, this can be an emotional problem that "beats on the person's stomach", especially if there is already a so-called irritable stomach. Stress, anger and worry can lead to more acid being produced. If appetite is then added, as is often the case, gastric acid can attack the mucous membrane of the empty stomach. This leads to malaise, possibly nausea and burning stomach pains. If the symptoms occur more frequently, gastritis, gastritis, can develop. This is both acute and chronic. The acute form is usually triggered by prolonged stress, but can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or nicotine consumption. Also responsible for gastritis may be NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), other anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, as well as viral and bacterial infections. In a gastritis, the stomach problems express in feeling of pressure in the epigastrium, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Every now and then, those affected feel a burning sensation in their stomach.
The chronic form of gastritis is relatively common. The cause for type A is autoimmune gastritis, type B is a bacterial and type C is a chemical-toxic gastritis. Type A is a rare disease in which the organism forms autoantibodies to its own hydrochloric acid-producing cells and the intrinsic factor (glycoprotein, important for the storage of vitamin B 12). In type B, the most common chronic form, bacterial colonization of the stomach, usually with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, causes chronic inflammation. Causes of type C are, for example, reflux (reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus) and regular use of drugs or noxae, such as alcohol or nicotine, which gradually damage the gastric mucosa.
A common stomach problem is heartburn. This arises easily, because there is a functional weakness between the esophagus and the stomach, anatomically considered. The transition between the two organs consists of a sphincter, which is actually no real and therefore does not work that way. For this reason, a backflow of gastric contents back into the esophagus can be relatively easily found. This manifests itself as so-called heartburn. Especially after fatty foods or the changed pressure situation in the abdomen during pregnancy, the unpleasant, burning and oppressive feeling can spread. Too lush food, overweight, stress, nervousness, but also too tight clothing, can also cause heartburn.
A widespread illness, which is characterized by stomach problems, represents the irritable stomach. Here, the person suffering from many different recurring symptoms, such as fullness and pressure feeling in the upper abdomen, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, frequent belching and vomiting. The irritable stomach is a disease that is diagnosed only when organic causes have been excluded. This symptom is one of the functional disorders. Lack of mobility of the stomach and / or altered perception of pain are discussed as causes of the irritable stomach. Stress, anxiety, grief and the like often lead to the mentioned stomach problems. Also, food allergies and intolerances occur in association with the irritable stomach.
Another disease of the stomach is called gastric ulcer or gastric ulcer. The cause is an imbalance between mucosal-protective and mucosal-damaging substances. Likewise, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori contributes to the mechanism of gastric ulcer formation. Also, a longer-term use of NSAIDs, especially in conjunction with a glucocorticoid therapy, can lead to a, often bleeding, gastric ulcer. In the foreground of this disease of the stomach are more unspecific symptoms, such as burning, probing pain in the upper abdomen. These occur either directly after meals or absolutely independent of food. However, about one third of those affected only experience discomfort when complications have already occurred.
Gastric problems may also indicate gastric carcinoma. Risk factors for the development of gastric cancer are genetic disposition, chronic gastritis, smoking, nitrosamines in the diet (for example in sausages) and colonization of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori. Gastric carcinoma is more common in countries such as China, Finland, Chile, Japan, Colombia and Venezuela. Unfortunately, there are no typical symptoms associated with gastric cancer. Often, the patient has no complaints over a longer period of time. He may suffer from a "sensitive stomach". Only at an advanced stage, weight loss, lack of performance, nausea, pain and a dislike of meat and sausage. In addition, anemia (anemia) often occurs due to chronic blood loss, which can be felt in so-called tarry stool (black bowel movements caused by bleeding from the upper digestive tract).
Diagnosis of stomach problems
Due to the many different causes of stomach problems, the diagnosis often requires some effort. In a detailed medical history, the patient is asked various questions about appetite behavior, pain symptoms, weight development (keyword: underweight), symptoms, nutritional behavior, psychological conflicts and stress. The abdomen is inspected from the outside (inspection), auscultated (listened to with the stethoscope), and palpated (gently pressed with the hands). Further examination methods are ultrasound, gastroscopy (gastroscopy), X-ray, CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance tomography). A detailed blood count is also one of the diagnostic procedures used. Various breath tests serve to determine a lactose or fructose intolerance or else the colonization of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori.
School medical therapy for stomach problems
The therapy of the stomach problems depends on the present disease. In case of acute gastritis, a minimum one-day nutritional delay is recommended. For coffee, spicy food, alcohol and nicotine must be waived in any case. If the person is taking ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or similar medications, they should be discontinued if possible. If necessary, an antacid (stomach acid neutralizing agent) is prescribed. In chronic gastritis is treated as well as in the acute form. In addition, if necessary, medicines for the colonization with Helicobacter pylori be administered. Substitution with vitamin B12 is important if the patient suffers from type A gastritis, autoimmune gastritis. Heartburn uses acid-binding medications. Those affected are advised to avoid fatty and heavy foods, reduce obesity and reduce stress.
For the treatment of irritable stomach, which belongs to the functional diseases, which means that there are no organic causes, anticonvulsants, and drugs for diarrhea or constipation are used. If the diagnosis is gastric ulcer, it is usually first attempted to treat the ulcer with medication. In Helicobacter infestation with appropriate drugs, such as antibiotics and acid blockers, trying to eradicate the germ. If the ulcer is of another type, agents such as proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor blockers and antacids are prescribed. If the patient is taking medicines that promote gastric ulcer, such as NSAIDs, they will be discontinued if possible. General measures for a gastric ulcer are a diet that is balanced and spread over several small meals a day. Strongly spicy, fatty and sumptuous food should definitely be avoided. Taking a meal in peace without stress and hectic is desirable. It is not necessary to completely abstain from drinking coffee, but to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Treatment options for gastric carcinoma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Helicobacter pylori: the cause of many stomach problems
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that breaks down in the gastric mucosa and may be responsible for many stomach problems. This pathogen is mainly passed on orally, but also due to a lack of hygiene. However, the transmission path is not yet fully secured. The fact is that the germ feels comfortable in the stomach, multiplies there and in the worst case persists for life. In the initial stage is an infection with theHelicobacter not necessarily associated with stomach problems. Even if the germs are already longer in the organism, this does not necessarily feel the affected person. About thirty percent of the German population live with Helicobacter pylori. Possible symptoms are feelings of fullness and pressure in the upper abdomen, fasting pain, which can also occur at night and improves with food intake, as well as heartburn, bloating and frequent diarrhea. It is also believed that this germ can lead to periodontitis and skin diseases.
If the human immune system is completely intact, Helicobacter pylori have no way of settling down. However, if the defense is weakened by stress, fears and stress situations, the germ can spread in peace. Even an unhealthy diet with a high content of denatured, low-vitamin foods can provide the basis for spreading the pathogen. Helicobacter pylori is thought to be responsible for stomach problems that can eventually lead to gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma. Therefore, a timely diagnosis is important. A special breath test serves well here. Conventional therapy provides for the eradication of the germ two different antibiotics and an acid blocker.
Also in the naturopathy there are remedies that can be used for the elimination of the Helicobacter and against the stomach problems. So here is the myrrh to mention, which is prescribed in tablet form in conjunction with chamomile in the presence of Helicobacter colonization in the natural healing practice. Another remedy is healing clay, which on the one hand has anti-inflammatory effects, on the other hand it also has the ability to bind poisons in order to eliminate them naturally. In the Schüssler salt therapy the three inflammatory salts, No. 3 Ferrum phosphoricum, No. 4 potassium chloratum and No. 6 potassium sulfuricum are the drugs of choice for stomach problems caused by Helicobacter pylori. A chamomile roll cure, performed several times a week at home, can help to heal and eradicate Helicobacter. In addition, this treatment can strengthen the immune system. The latter also applies to the intestinal rehabilitation, self-blood therapy and the use of defense-enhancing medicinal plants.
Naturopathy for stomach problems
Naturopathy has many different treatment options for stomach problems. Phytotherapy (herbal medicine) with its curative plants, nutritional therapy and physical therapy are of great importance in the naturopathic treatment of various stomach problems.
The stomach and the psyche are always considered together in the natural healing practice. Stress, anxiety, grief and extraordinary stress have a not insignificant impact on the gastrointestinal tract. In naturopathy, therefore, there is always a question of mental stress in the medical history and also the nature of the person concerned, such as "nervous, not resilient, sensitive", included in the treatment concept. Sayings like "that beats me on the stomach" or "I can not digest this" make it clear how body, mind and soul are connected. This takes into account the holistic approach of naturopathic treatment.
If the person suffering from stomach pain after eating, the Schüssler salt No. 3 Ferrum Phosphoricum is used, are more spasmodic stomach problems in the foreground No. 7 Magnesium Phosphoricum is the right remedy. For acid regurgitation, no. 9 sodium phosphoricum is given. For stomach problems, the therapy also includes a suitable diet. Basic, wholesome food is recommended. Spicy foods, acidifying spices, such as pepper or horseradish, sweet or large amounts of meat and sausage, but also milk, should be avoided. A light diet, especially in the acute phase of inflammation, is important.
Various types of tea, such as chamomile, peppermint, melissa, goosecote and licorice are often integrated into the naturopathic treatment of stomach problems. Often the therapist creates an individual teat recipe, depending on the disease. Especially with mixed recipes, the various components can support the effect and thus contribute to the healing success. The chamomile already used by the grandmothers has an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic effect and protects the stomach lining. The licorice also has a protective character and works together with the chamomile ulcusprotective.
In case of stomach problems, naturopathic treatment also often uses physical therapies. For example, a warm hay flower bag as a stomach pad or a warmed-up oil compress, soaked with a suitable essential oil, such as orange oil, chamomile oil or peppermint oil. As part of the naturopathic treatment of stomach problems and the Neural Therapy has its place. Wheals on the edge of the ribs, in the region of the upper abdominal meridians, can be used for pain relief. Regular foot reflexology massages aim to balance the entire organism and, above all, to strengthen the digestive organs.
The naturopathic procedures also include the so-called order therapy, which takes care of a healthy and conscious lifestyle. These include a regular wake and sleep rhythm, a change of tension and relaxation, sufficient exercise in the fresh air, regular meals, and a healthy handling of stimulants. In today's stressful time, natural rhythms have almost become a foreign word. Air conditioners, faster change of time zones when flying, constant overstimulation and massive stress often do not allow retreat and the necessary relaxation. In this way, people in conversation are trying to direct their gaze back towards nature. Relaxation methods, such as autogenic training, yoga or breathing therapy, can certainly help to cure the stomach problems. (Sw)
Image: Benjamin Thorn