*** 1.GASTRIC/ STOMACH ULCERS
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can be found in the stomach lining or small intestine. Stomach ulcers are the most visible sign of peptic ulcer disease. They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced, thus enabling the digestive acids to eat away at the lining tissues of the stomach.
Stomach ulcers are easily cured, but they can become severe without proper treatment.
CAUSES OF STOMACH ULCERS.
The decrease in the stomach’s mucus lining that leads to an ulcer is usually caused by one of the following:
1. An infection with the bacterium
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori )
2. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
3. Excess acid (hyperacidity) in the stomach, which may be related to genetics, lifestyle (stress, smoking), and certain foods Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disease that makes the body produce excess stomach acid.
RISK BEHAVIOR FOR ULCERS.
1. Smoking
2. Frequent use of steroids (such as those for treating asthma)
hypercalcemia (overproduction of calcium)
3. Family history of stomach ulcers
being over 50 years old
4. Excessive consumption of alcohol.
5. Eating foods with large amount of acid.
6. Flastulation.
7. Ingestion of chemicals which elode the stomach mucus.
8. Eat spicy foods.
SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH ULCERS.
there is a number of symptoms that are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.
THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM is a burning sensation or pain in the area between your chest and belly button. Normally, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty and it can last for a few minutes or several hours.
OTHER COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
1. Dull pain in the stomach
2. weight loss
3. Not wanting to eat because of pain
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. Bloating
6.Burping or acid reflux
heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
7. Pain improves when you eat, drink, or take antacids
8.passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools.
9.Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
10.Fatty food intolerance
PREVENTION OF STOMACH ULCERS.
1. To prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce risk of bacterial infection, wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis. Make sure all food is properly cleaned and cooked thoroughlY
2.To prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stop using these medications (if possible) or limit their use. If you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the recommended dosage
3. avoid alcohol taking
4. Avoiding tobacco products,
5. Properly managing stress can all contribute to a healthy stomach lining.
NATURAL REMEDIES TO STOMACH ULCERS.
(A) FLAVONOIDS.
Research suggests that flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, may be an effective treatment for stomach ulcers. Flavonoids are compounds that occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Foods and drinks rich in flavonoids include:
1. Soybeans
2. Legumes
3. Red grapes
4. Broccoli
5. Apples
6. Berries
7. Teas (especially green tea)
Note: Some foods and drinks that contain flavonoids — such as citrus fruits and red wines — can irritate a stomach ulcer.
**Flavonoids are referred to as “ gastroprotective,” which means they defend the lining of the stomach and could allow ulcers to heal.
(B) PROBIOTICS.
Probiotics are the living bacteria and yeast that help keep your digestive system moving. They are present in many common foods, particularly fermented foods. These include:
1. Buttermilk and
2. Yogurt
You can also take probiotics in supplement form.
** Studies have shown that probiotics may be helpful in wiping out H. pylori and increasing recovery rate for patients with ulcers.
ADDITION :
Milk’s ability to coat the side of a glass may have you thinking that it also creates a protective barrier in your stomach. In fact, drinking milk may initially soothe your ulcer pain. But in the long run, milk is not good for ulcers. It seems to make things worse by causing your stomach to produce more acid.
(C) HONEY.
Honey is far from simply sweet. Depending on the plant it’s derived from, honey can contain up to 200 elements, including POLYPHENOL and other antioxidants. Honey is a powerful antibacterial and has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth.
Why?
First, glucose oxidase, an enzyme in honey, produces hydrogen peroxide, which kills harmful bacteria that can contribute to the development of ulcers.
Second, There are other floral antibacterial substances in honey, which come from flowers when bees collect pollen, that add to honey’s effectiveness in eliminating bacteria.
As long as you have normal blood sugar levels, you can enjoy honey as you would any sweetener, with the bonus of soothing your ulcers.
DOSE: Two tablespoons a day should be about right for most types of honey. When the problem has eased, 1 tablespoon daily will probably be enough.
(D) GARLIC
Garlic extract has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth in lab, animal, and human trials. If you don’t like the taste (and lingering aftertaste) of garlic, YOU CAN TAKE GARLIC EXTRACT IN SUPPLEMENT FORM. Garlic acts as a BLOOD THINNERS , so ask your doctor before taking it if you use warfarin or other prescription blood thinners.
(E) MASTIC
Mastic is the sap of a tree grown in the Mediterranean. Studies of the effectiveness of mastic on ulcers are mixed, but at least one study shows that chewing mastic helps fight H. pylori . If your ulcers are not responding to other treatments, you might want to give mastic gum a try, since it doesn’t seem to be associated with any side effects. You can chew the gum or swallow mastic in supplement form.
F) FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND WHOLE GRAINS.
A diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is not just good for your overall health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a vitamin-rich diet can help your body heal your ulcer. Foods containing
polyphenols, an antioxidant, can protect you from ulcers and help ulcers heal.
Polyphenol-rich foods and seasonings include:
1. Dried rosemary
2. Mexican oregano
3. Dark chocolate
4.Blueberries
5. Black olives
(G) UNRIPE BANANA.
The sitoindosides in dried, unripe bananas increase mucus in the digestive tract, which provides a strong protective coating to help prevent and heal ulcers. Unripe bananas also promote cell growth in the intestinal tract. And bananas contain water-soluble polysaccharides, the same compounds found in the anti-ulcer prescription drug Carafate.
For ulcer treatment, unripe whole bananas will have some effect, but the best results are obtained with banana powder. To make banana powder, peel the bananas and cut them into thin slices. Put them in the sun, an oven, or a food dehydrator, and dry them slowly. When dry, grind them into a fine powder. Mix 2 tablespoons of the powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Take this mixture three times a day: mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and at bedtime.
(H) CABAGES
As long as you have enough beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract , it should keep the disease-causing bacteria that can lead to ulcers in check. And one of the best ways to fortify the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract is by regularly including cultured and lactic acid–fermented foods in your diet. Foods such as homemade sauerkraut, yogurt, buttermilk, and pickled vegetables are all excellent for helping to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria .
But when it comes to ulcer treatment in particular, one lactic acid food stands out above the rest: cabbage juice.
Why?
Based on numerous studies and early clinical work, researchers have begun to refer to this unknown ulcer-healing factor in cabbage as vitamin U.
Cabbage is also a reliable source of vitamin C, which has been found to be lower in the gastric juice of ulcer patients. So if you have ulcers, cabbage juice is a safe, effective, and inexpensive remedy. If you "culture" it or give it a chance to ferment, you'll experience even more benefits.
DOSE:
The dosage in the study consisted of only 50 mL of raw cabbage juice derived from a quart of freshly pressed cabbage.
(I) CAPSAICIN (pilipili hoho - Swahili).
Eating Capsaicin actually prevents ulcer development. That's because capsaicin have been shown to trigger mechanisms that protect the lining of the stomach. Studies in Hungary found that consumption of capsaicin (the chemically active component in most peppers) actually decreased the acid output of the stomach, while at the same time increased protective secretions. In simple terms, peppers act as an antacid.
Capsaicin was also particularly effective at protecting the stomach from ulcerations caused by alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. So if you've sworn off jalapenos and other capsaicin thinking they caused your ulcers, it's time to add them back into your diet as an effective ulcer treatment.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.
1. ANTIBIOTICS.
If you have an H. pylori infection, you'll usually be prescribed a course of two or three antibiotics, which each need to be taken twice a day for a week.
The antibiotics most commonly used are #amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole.#
The side effects of these antibiotics are usually mild and can include:
feeling and being sick
diarrhoea
a metallic taste in your mouth
2.PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIs)
PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. They're usually prescribed for four to eight weeks.
**Omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole** are the PPIs most commonly used to treat stomach ulcers. Side effects of these are usually mild, but can include:
headaches
diarrhoea or constipation
feeling sick
abdominal (tummy) pain
dizziness
rashes
These should pass once treatment has been completed.
3. H² RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS.
Like PPIs, H2-receptor antagonists work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
**Ranitidine is the most widely used H2-receptor antagonist for treating stomach ulcers.
Side effects are uncommon, but may include:
diarrhoea
headaches
dizziness
rashes
tiredness
4. ANT – ACIDS & ALGINATES
All of the above treatments can take several hours before they start to work, so your GP may recommend taking additional antacid medication to neutralise your stomach acid and provide immediate, but short-term, symptom relief.
Some antacids also contain a medicine called an alginate, which produces a protective coating on the lining of your stomach.
These medications are available to buy over the counter at pharmacies. Your pharmacist can advise on which is most suitable for you.
Antacids should be taken when you experience symptoms or when you expect them, such as after meals or at bedtime. Antacids containing alginates are best taken after meals.
Side effects of both medications are usually minor and can include:
diarrhoea or constipation
wind (flatulence)
stomach cramps
feeling and being sick
NOTE:
If your stomach ulcer has been caused by taking NSAIDs, your GP will want to review your use of them.
You may be advised to use an alternative painkiller not associated with stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol . Sometimes, an alternative type of NSAID that's less likely to cause stomach ulcers, called a COX-2 inhibitor, may be recommended.
If you are taking low-dose aspirin (a NSAID) to reduce your risk of blood clots , your GP will tell you whether you need to continue
WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
Some foods can make ulcers worse, while some provide a preventive and healing effect. Greasy and acidic foods are most likely to irritate your stomach, as are spicy foods.
To reduce ulcer pain, avoid:
1. Coffee, including decaf
2. Carbonated beverages
3. Chilis and hot peppers
4. Processed foods
5. Salty red meats
6. Deep fried food.
Since the main causes of ulcers is Eating habits and the treatment also is done through foods we eat, We must watch our eating habits.
##2. OBESITY & OVERWEIGHT.
Obesity is a condition where a person has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative effect on their health.
What is body mass index (BMI)?.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height, and applies to most adult men and women aged 20 and over. For children aged 2 and over, BMI percentile is the best assessment of body fat.
Who is safe?
Your BMI is based on your height and weight. It's one way to see if you're at a healthy weight .
**Underweight: Your BMI is less than 18.5
**Healthy weight: Your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
**Overweight: Your BMI is 25 to 29.9
**Obese : Your BMI is 30 or higher
How to calculate BMI?
The calculation of BMI is based on the following formulas:
Metric BMI Formula
**Weight (kg) / Height (m) 2 **
CAUSES OF OBESITY.
1.Genetics. ...
Genetics also affect hormones involved in fat regulation. For example, one genetic cause of obesity is leptin deficiency. Leptin is a hormone produced in fat cells and also in the placenta. Leptin controls weight by signaling the brain to eat less when body fat stores are too high.
2.Overeating. ...
Overeating leads to weight gain, especially if the diet is high in fat.
3.A diet high in simple carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels, which in turn stimulate insulin release by the pancreas, and insulin promotes the growth of fat tissue and can cause weight gain. Some scientists believe that simple carbohydrates (sugars, fructose, desserts, soft drinks , beer, wine, etc.) contribute to weight gain because they are more rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream than complex carbohydrates (pasta, brown rice, grains, vegetables, raw fruits, etc.) and thus cause a more pronounced insulin release after meals than complex carbohydrates.
4.Frequency of eating. ...
One possible explanation is that small frequent meals produce stable insulin levels, whereas large meals cause large spikes of insulin after meals.
5. Physical inactivity. ...
Sedentary people burn fewer calories than people who are active. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that physical inactivity was strongly correlated with weight gain in both sexes.
6.Medications. ...
**Antidepressants (medications used in treating depression ),
**Anticonvulsants (medications used in controlling seizures such as carbamazepine [ Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro , Carbatrol] and valproate [Depacon , Depakene ]),
** some diabetes medications (medications used in lowering blood sugar such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones),
**certain hormones such as oral contraceptives , and most corticosteroids such as prednisone . Weight gain may also be seen with some high blood pressure.
7. Psychological factors. ...
For some people, emotions influence eating habits. Many people eat excessively in response to emotions such as boredom, sadness,
stress, or anger.
8.Diseases such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushing's syndrome are also contributors to obesity.
9. Social issues: A link between social issues and obesity has been established. Lack of money to purchase healthy foods or lack of safe places to walk or exercise can increase the risk of obesity.
EFFECTS OF OBESIY.
1.All-causes of death (mortality)
2.High blood pressure (Hypertension)
3.High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
4.Type 2 diabetes.
5.Coronary heart disease.
6.Stroke.
7.Gallbladder disease.
8.Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
9.Sleep apnea and breathing problems
10.Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)
11.Low quality of life
12.Mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
13.Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning
PREVENTION OF OBESITY.
1. Be active .
You need to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
2. Follow a healthy eating plan. Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
3. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. Eat three regular meals a day with limited snacking. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat. Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health most of the time.
4.Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating. Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you're feeling and how hungry you are. After a while, you should see patterns emerge. You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.
5. Monitor your weight regularly. People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds.
6. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.
7.Be consistent. Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.
Prepared by Mwl. Robert Lucas
+255764075392 / +255713056903
Email : lucastrngwakwa@gmail.com
