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Canker Sores
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis is the medical term) are single or clustered shallow, painful ulcers found anywhere in the oral cavity. The sores usually resolve in seven to twenty-one days but are recurrent in many people.
What causes Canker Sores?
Based on studies of initiating factors, recurrent canker sores appear to be related to trauma, food sensitivities (especially milk and gluten sensitivity), stress, and/or nutrient deficiency. Stress is often a precipitating factor in recurrent canker sores.
What dietary factors are important in Canker Sores?
There is considerable evidence that sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in grains) is the primary cause of recurrent canker sores in many cases. Withdrawing gluten from the diet results in complete remission of recurrent canker sores in many people.
What nutritional supplements should I take for Canker Sores?
The lining of the mouth and throat is often the first place where nutritional deficiency becomes visible because of the high turnover rate of the cells that line the surface. There are several other studies that show nutrient deficiencies to be much more common among recurrent canker sore sufferers than in the general population especially for thiamin, folic acid, B12, B6 and iron. When nutrient deficiencies were corrected, the majority of subjects with recurrent canker sores experienced complete remission. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula will insure adequate intake of all nutrients linked to recurrent canker sores.
Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:
- MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
- Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
- RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a special licorice extract effective in promoting healing of recurrent canker sores. In one study, 15 of 20 subjects with canker sores experienced 50 to 75% improvement within one day, followed by complete healing of the ulcers by the third day. Chew one or two 380 mg chewable tablets of DGL twenty minutes before meals.
Comment:
Since it is often difficult to determine if a patient has a sensitivity to gluten, I found that a simple laboratory test was the best method of diagnosing sensitivity to gluten. The test measures the level of antibodies against gluten in the blood or saliva. This test is called the alpha-1-gliadin antibody assay. I strongly recommend that you get this test if you suffer from recurrent canker sores as it can accurately tell you if gluten is a problem for you.
How do I know if the program is working?
The ulcers should heal within three days.
Feedback:
Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by clicking here.
Testimonials:
"Thanks Dr. Murray, I had painful canker sores for over 20 years as well as chronic digestive issues. Elimination of gluten was the answer for me. Amazing that no other doctor ever told me to give that a try. JB"
Condition Center Caution:
- Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
- The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
- If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
- Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
- Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
- If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.
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