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Question:
My stomach seems to be quite sensitive as I am experiencing significant discomfort after eating. I have been to the doctor and after all sorts of tests and x-rays he tells me it is just "gastritis." He prescribed Prilosec, but I am looking into natural alternatives. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
Yes. I recommend giving Iberogast (from Enzymatic Therapy) a try. Iberogast is an herbal formula that contains digestive stimulating substances known as glucosinolates and cucurbitacins from clown's mustard (Iberis amara) in a base of liquid extracts of angelica, chamomile, caraway, milk thistle, melissa, peppermint, celandine, and licorice. Iberogast has been a popular herbal product in Germany since 1968. Detailed well-designed, clinical trials have substantiated this popularity.
Iberogast has been shown to produce immediate effects in improving functional causes of indigestion such as non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and drug-induced dyspepsia. It sounds to me like you either have NUD or GERD. Symptoms of NUD include symptoms of GERD (heartburn and/or upper abdominal pain) as well as difficulty swallowing, feelings of pressure or heaviness after eating, sensations of bloating after eating, stomach or abdominal pains and cramps.
Iberogast has been studied in over 15 clinical studies. The results from all of the studies indicate a high responder rate Ð greater than 80% of people with NUD, IBS, GERD, and drug-induced dyspepsia will experience significant relief without side effect.
Iberogast works by a complex mechanism due to the multitude of chemical constituents. The glucosinolates and cucurbitacins from clown's mustard are believed to be the most active components, but compounds provided by the other ingredients are thought to also play a role. Four main mechanisms have been identified.
- Stimulation of digestive secretions through interactions with the bitter receptors on the taste buds of the tongue.
- Regulation of peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of the intestines) by exerting either a relaxing or stimulating effect on the intestinal smooth muscle.
- Protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines by stimulating the production of mucus by mast cells (mucus-producing cells of the stomach and intestines) as well as preventing the formation of inflammatory substances within the intestinal tract.
- Prevention of excessive flatulence by reducing the formation of intestinal gases.
The standard dosage for adults is 20 drops three times daily. It is recommended that this dosage be taken before or at meals with some liquid (warm water is recommended). Iberogast is suitable for children under twelve at one half the adult dosage, i.e., 10 drops three times daily. Children over 12 can take the adult dosage.
No side effects have been reported in over 30 years of use and there are no known drug interactions.
For other ways to improve digestion, please see the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.
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