subject: Take Care Of Your Stomach Ulcer At Christmas [print this page] No doubt you are in the midst of the Christmas holiday season; remembering to buy food and gifts, going to gatherings and parties, and running around to keep up with all the arrangements. It all invariably leads to more eating and drinking than usual, combined with lots of activity that churns it all up as you do the rounds. So what about your poor stomach? If you are perfectly healthy, lucky you. But if you have any weakness in the stomach or even an established stomach ulcer, then this is a time when you could well be dreading all the extra demands made on the digestive system.
It's great to know that this is a time of celebration and togetherness, but as a former ulcer sufferer myself, I know very well how an ulcer can seriously interfere with the party spirit. Sometimes, even, the pain of the ulcer can completely spoil you holidays and inhibit your ability to join in the occasion without having to resort to explanations and excuses why you have to hold back on the hospitality.
Although most people are sympathetic, they usually have no idea of the misery that an ulcer can cause, and how easy it is to have it flare up and cause you to suffer, sometimes for days at a time.
Not only that, but I know it is such a drag to have to be the semi-invalid at the party, whilst you are getting constant offers of "just one more can't possibly hurt, can it?" Well, yes it can.
So, there is no quick way to get rid of an ulcer, but you can at least do a few things to help yourself during the Christmas season. Firstly, I would like to assume that if you already have an ulcer, then you will know that it is critical to take your medication. Although it may not be ideal to depend on these long term, it is far better than risking any complications from a worsening of you condition.
First of all, relax, it will be over soon enough, and worrying about it will only encourage your stomach to over-produce acid. Start the day with an infusion of fenugreek leaves (ie. steep them in freshly boiled water like tea) on Christmas Eve. These will produce a natural "mucilage" substance which will coat your stomach lining, and protect the inflammation. These can usually be found in your local Indian grocery store or in many health food stores. Don't worry if there are none in your area, as chamomile tea is a great alternative to soothe the lining of the stomach, available in most grocery stores and health food stores.
Remember to drink water regularly throughout the day, preferably half an hour before a meal. A full tumbler, sipped slowly will help to dilute the acid. This is an excellent habit, by the way, to get into regardless of your condition, as it helps flush toxins out of the body and enables the organs to circulate nutrients more effectively.
Before a large meal or drink session, half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a small glass of water is a very effective preparation for the digestive process. The alkalinity will counteract the excess acid and greatly reduce the discomfort of painful burning symptoms. The great thing about bicarb is it is very cheap and can be found in the home baking section of your grocery store. One caution is that its high sodium content means you should not take too much, as you risk creating more problems with salt excess. Two doses in a day is a reasonable limit.
At meal times, you should think about the combinations of food you are having. Fruit with dinner can cause a curdling effect in the stomach as the acids combine with the other elements, so have fruit by all means, but wait until at least an hour after the main course.
Also, the nice sticky puddings should go down well enough, but again, wait for a while after the main course and don't have too much in one go.
The same will apply to alcoholic drinks. If you usually drink spirits neat, then why not dilute them with mixers. You could have good old scotch and spring water. Perhaps some rum or brandy in warm milk, delicious, warming and nutritious too.
Most importantly I should repeat: Relax. No charging around immediately after eating, and don't do exercising that involves bending down. Common sense really, but don't underestimate how important this little issue can be to having a comfortable day and a good night's sleep!
I hope you stay well, regardless of you condition. I wish you a peaceful, safe and happy Christmas holiday season.
