My Aching Stomach

An inflamed and overworked stomach is so common today that we rarely see one totally free from irritation. This causes loss of energy, increasing the incidence of stomach diseases from gastritis to cancer. Energy loss is also a heavy drain on the nervous system, leaving us less perceptive, discerning, and decisive.

Dangers

Americans have more peptic ulcers than any other people, the three most common dietary causes being alcohol, aspirin, and vinegar. These irritate the stomach lining, causing overproduction of pepsin
and hydrochloric acid, and further weakening the stomach and its immune defense. Germs are more likely to successfully invade a weakened stomach.

Many use a variety of other common gastro-intestinal irritants. Hot pepper and cloves cause bleeding of the inflamed stomach. Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder products may all cause spasm of the intestine. The fermenting of many dairy products produces amines, ammonia, and irritating acids. One of the toxic amines produced in cheese causes migraine headaches; and lactose, the chief carbohydrate of cheese and milk, is probably the most common food sensitivity in America.

Caffeine, nicotine, and chocolate have all been associated with chromosomal damage. Children who use these are at greater risk for immune system damage and many organ injuries, resulting in problems ranging from cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, to lower school grades. Some of the symptoms are irritability, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, fatigue, headache, restlessness, depression, and gastro-intestinal disturbances. Over 90 percent of Americans use caffeine, and some research indicates decaffeinated drinks are as harmful as the caffeinated ones.

Common Causes of Stomach Irritation

• Foods that are Too Hot or Cold - Thermal injury may result

• Drinking with Meals - Digestion and stomach emptying are both delayed, causing stagnation, one of the most common causes of ulcers and gastritis

• Late Evening Meals - Once asleep, the body slows digestion and nearly stops producing stomach acid, also causing stagnation

• Eating Too Much - One-half to two-thirds less food than presently consumed is best for most people

• Chewing Too Little - Large bites, poorly chewed, induce irritation

• Crowding Meals - Meals or snacks closer together than five hours can result in toxic compounds of digestion

• Complex Mixture of Foods - Dishes combining more than three or four major items make a greater tax on digestion, encouraging toxic compounds in the blood

• Eating Fruits and Vegetables Together in One Meal - Each requires different enzymes. The fewer enzyme systems used in a meal the better

• Fermented Foods - Sauerkraut, cheese, soy sauce, and similar products

Vinegar - Anything made with vinegar contains acetic acid or related irritant

• Manufactured Proteins - Heavy meat substitutes drain energy from the liver and kidneys, increasing risk of failure

• Refined Sugar and Oils, Vitamin or Mineral Preparations - Concentrated nutrients are more likely to irritate the stomach than less concentrated foods

• Baking Soda and Baking Powder- These upset the stomach's biochemical balance

Treatment

The treatment for an irritated stomach is very simple and can begin by avoiding stomach irritants altogether.

A regular schedule for meals' lessens the stomach's workload. Chew your food well and reduce drinks with meals. Drink only water between meals.

Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air, and help digestion by mild physical activity after meals, 1.1 such as taking a brisk stroll.

Be regular with sleeping hours and temperate in all you do, since temperance is the one law that holds the others together.

Above everything, trust God to help you accomplish these changes. If you ask, He will help you.

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" so it's possible!

Dr. Agatha Thrash confounded Uchee Pines Institute A variety of Dr. Thrash's books as well as some very good cookbooks are available from Uchee Pines Country Life Natural Food Store by calling 877-824-3374.