These can occur in the stomach and duodenum – the first section of the small intestine, which is not as well protected as the rest of the intestines against the acid secretions of the stomach. In prolonged stress the stomach can over-secrete acid, so stress can be a cause. Also, diets that are too acid forming are to be avoided. Vitamin A is the primary nutrient needed to protect the lining of the duodenum. While vitamin C does help people with duodenal ulcers, not more than 500mg should be taken as it can cause irritation. If a burning sensation is experienced after taking vitamin C, the dose is too high. The most common cause of ulcers is infection with Helicobacter pylori. This should be tested by your doctor and treated with a specific anti-bacterial agent. Also, check for food allergies.
Diet advice
Keep mainly to alkaline-forming foods.
Supplements
• 2 x Multivitamin and multimineral
• 2 × Vitamin A 2,270mcg (retinol) short-term only and not if pregnant
• Vitamin C 500mg (as calcium ascorbate)
• Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus/Bifidobacteria after anti¬biotics if treated for helicobacter infection
To get thirsty and pee a lot are classic signs of a deficiency in essential fats. No doubt you’ve heard that the human body is 66% water. But, you might wonder, why don’t we slurp around? The answer is that we keep our water inside our cells via fatty ‘waterproof’ membrane, partly made of the essential fats also found in seeds and oily fish. If you don’t eat enough of these fats, you lose the ability to control your water balance and you might find you are retaining water, are very thirsty, urinate excessively and have dry skin, dry hair or dandruff.
Be aware, however, that excessive thirst can be a classic sign of blood sugar problem, even diabetes. Ask your doctor to do a blood test to rule this out. If you find you have an imbalance, you’ll need to even out your levels through your diet.
Diet advice
Although it’s best to consult your doctor or a nutrition practitioner if you have diabetes, such a diet generally involves eating little and often; choosing slow-release carbohydrates which also have protein, such as wholegrains, peas, beans and lentils, and fruit as long as they are eaten with nuts or seeds; and avoiding all forms of concentrated sweetness, from dried fruit to fruit juice, as well as stimulants like coffee and tea.
If you find yourself with several of these symptoms, I recommend three things: eat seeds everyday, as a tablespoon of ground seeds (half flax, and a half sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds) on your cereal or in a smoothie; eat oily fish such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines (and the occasional piece of fresh tuna) three times a week; take an omega-3 fish oil supplement.
Supplementing 200mcg of chromium can help.
