Barrett esophagus is the metaplastic columnar epithelium of the esophagus which is the covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including skin and the lining of vessels and other small cavities. It consists of cells joined by small amounts of cementing substances. Epithelium is classified into the types on the basis of the number of layers deep and the shape of the superficial cells. Barrett syndrome is a peptic ulcer of the lower esophagus, often with stricture due to the presence of columnar-lined epithelium in the esophagus (sometimes containing functional mucous cells, parietal cells, or chief cells) instead of the normal squamous cell epithelium. It is sometimes premalignant, followed by esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Called also Barrett esophagus.
Barrett ulcer is a chronic peptic ulcer of the esophagus, usually with heterotopic gastric mucosa.
Peptic ulcers are circumscribed lesions in the mucosal membrane – can develop in the lower esophagus, stomach, pylorus, duodenum, or jejunum. About 80% of all peptic ulcers are duodenal ulcers, which affect the proximal part of the small intestine.
Esophagus peptic ulcers usually follow a chronic course, with remissions and exacerbations; 5% to 10% of patients develop complications that necessitate surgery. From a holistic and herbalistic point of view surgery should always be the last resort and not the first.
Causes and incidence – Researchers recognize three major causes of peptic ulcer disease: infection with Helicobacter pylori (formerly known as Campylobacter pylori), use of NSAIDs, and pathologic hypersecretory disorders. How H. pylori produces an ulcer isn't clear. Gastric acid, which was considered a primary cause, now appears mainly to contribute to the consequences of infection. Ongoing studies should soon unveil the full mechanism of ulcer formation. Salicylates and other NSAIDs encourage ulcer formation by inhibiting the secretion of prostaglandins (the substances that suppress ulceration). Besides peptic ulcer's main causes, several predisposing factors are acknowledged. They include blood type (gastric ulcers tend to strike people with type A blood; duodenal ulcers tend to afflict people with type O blood) and other genetic factors. Exposure to irritants, such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, may contribute by accelerating gastric acid emptying and promoting mucosal breakdown. Ulceration occurs when the acid secretion exceeds the buffering factors. Physical trauma, emotional stress, and normal aging are additional predisposing conditions. In the United States, about 1.6 million people acquire peptic ulcers yearly. Males and females are affected equally, and incidence increases with age. A higher percentage of H. pylori infection occurs in people older than age 50.
Signs and symptoms – Heartburn and indigestion usually signal the beginning of a gastric ulcer attack. Eating stretches the gastric wall and may cause or, in some cases, relieve pain and feelings of fullness and distention. Other typical effects include weight loss and repeated episodes of massive GI/Esophagus bleeding. Duodenal ulcers produce heartburn, well-localized midepigastric pain (relieved by anti acids), weight loss (because the person does not want to eat, and a peculiar sensation of hot water bubbling in the back of the throat. Attacks usually occur about 2 hours after meals, whenever the stomach is empty or full, or after consumption of orange juice, coffee, aspirin, or alcohol.
Treatment – Experts recommend treating the patient with antibiotics to radiate H. pylori. The person taking NSAIDs may take a prostaglandin analog (misoprostol) to suppress ulceration (or the person may take the analog with NSAIDs to prevent ulceration). Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors may reduce acid secretion. A coating agent or bismuth may be administered to the patient with a duodenal ulcer to protect the lining.
Treatment – Experts recommend treating the patient with antibiotics to radiate H. pylori. The person taking NSAIDs may take a prostaglandin analog (misoprostol) to suppress ulceration (or the person may take the analog with NSAIDs to prevent ulceration). Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors may reduce acid secretion. A coating agent or bismuth may be administered to the patient with a duodenal ulcer to protect the lining.
What is important here is to remember that this is what traditional health care would do. As an herbalist I would use nutrition and herbs first and make surgery and pharmaceutical medicine my last step. I would also work with my primary health provider with resolving my health conditions. So let us look at this from an herbalist point of view on GERD and Barrett's Syndrome.
An herbalist point of view – Heartburn is a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and/or chest, behind the breastbone. It may be accompanied by bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath, and /or an acidic or sour taste in the throat. Approximately 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn. It often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the stomach to digest food, backs up into the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach), causing sensitive tissues to become irritated.
Normally, the esophageal sphincter muscle pinches itself shut and prevents stomach acid from surging upward. However, if the sphincter is not functioning properly, the acid can slip past it and into the esophagus. This is gastro-esophageal reflux. Conditions that affect the esophagus and cause a reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus are now referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rather than dyspepsia, chronic heartburn or acid indigestion.
GERD can strike anyone, at any age. GERD can scar the esophagus, and if stomach acids make their way into the lungs, it can cause asthma-like symptoms. GERD can also lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is characterized by changes in the cells lining the esophagus that can induce cancer.
People with hiatal hernia often experience heartburn. It can also be triggered by certain foods. Common trigger foods include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and products, fats and fatty or fried foods, peppermint, spicy foods, and tomatoes and tomato-based foods Gallbladder problems, stress, allergies, and enzyme deficiencies are other possible contributing factors.
Traditionally used Herbs and method of use for Barrett Esophagus Syndrome.
Aloe vera juice, Catnip, Fennel, Ginger, Marshmallow root, Papaya tea, Chamomile tea, Licorice root, Slippery Elm, Astragalus root, Comfrey, Golden seal leaf, Gota kola and Gentia
Aloe vera juice:
Part used: Juice.
Aloe vera juice nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A1, B1, B2, B3, C, and E.
It soothes stomach irritation, aids in healing, and acts as a laxative.
Aloe vera juice aids healing of the intestinal tract.
Time of Administration:
Anytime.
Catnip:
Part used: Leaf.
Catnip nutrients are Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc.
Catnip dispels gas and aids digestion and sleep; relieves stress; stimulates the appetite.
Catnip tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration:
Morning to evening.
Fennel:
ÃPart used: Leaves.
Fennel nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, choline, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E.
Fennel act as a laxative, lubricates the intestines, and cleaning of the colon.
Fennel tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration:
Late afternoon.
Ginger:
Part used: Fruit.
Ginger nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. Ground ginger also contains vitamin A.
Ginger fights inflammation, cleanses the colon, reduces spasms and cramps, and stimulates circulation. It is a strong antioxidant and effective antimicrobial agent for sore and wounds such as chronic ulceration.
Ginger tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Caution: Not recommended for people who take anticoagulants for gallstones. Not recommended for extended use during pregnancy. Can cause stomach distress if taken in large quantities. Consult primary care giver when using in Chronic ulceration.
Time of Administration:
Anytime as Needed.
Marshmallow root:
Part used: Root.
Marshmallow nutrients are amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Marshmallow root aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus. Soothes and heals mucous membranes and other tissues. It is food for chronic ulceration such as GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
The tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Papaya:
Part used: Fruit.
Papaya nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and C.
Papaya stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion. It is good for heartburn, indigestion and inflammatory ulceration.
Papaya tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Chamomile:
Part used: Leaves and flowers.
Chamomile nutrients are choline, vitamins B1, B3, and C.
Chamomile reduces inflammation, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion and sleep. It is a traditional remedy for stress and anxiety, indigestion and insomnia.
Chamomile tea can relieve esophageal irritation.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Licorice root:
Part used: Root.
Licorice root nutrients are calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Licorice root fights inflammation, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection. It reduces muscle spasms, increases fluidity of mucus in the lungs and bronchial tubes, and promotes adrenal gland function. Has estrogen and progesterone-like effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice may stimulate natural defense mechanisms that prevent the occurrence of ulcers by increasing the number of mucus-secreting cells in the digestive tract. This improves the quality of mucus, lengthens intestinal cell life, and enhances microcirculation of the gastrointestinal lining.
Licorice root has effectively treated both heartburn and ulcers of the stomach and esophagus. Sucking on a root or drinking it in a tea or in a formula for this problem is very effective.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Caution: Do not use licorice root if you have high blood pressure or on medication for HBP.
Slippery Elm:
Part used: Root.
Slippery elm nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
As a urinary antiseptic and appetite stimulant it can be used in your breakfast cereal, capsules, teas, etc. This wonder herb should be in all formula for ulceration problems.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Caution: Slippery elm should not be given to children under six.
Astragalus root:
Part used: Root.
Astragalus root nutrients are calcium, choline, copper, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
Act as a tonic to protect the immune system. Aids adrenal gland function and digestion, increases metabolism, produces spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy to combat fatigue and prolonged stress. It increases stamina.
Astragalus root powdered can be used in your breakfast cereal, capsules, teas, etc. This wonder herb should be in all formula for ulceration problems.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Comfrey Leaf:
Part used: Leaf.
Comfrey leaf nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
It speeds up healing of wounds and many skin conditions.
Comfrey leaf can be used in your capsules. This wonder herb should be in all formula for ulceration problems.
Caution: Comfrey leaf and root used internally should be followed by your primary health care giver.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Goldenseal leaf:
Part used: Leaf.
Goldenseal leaf nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Goldenseal leaf fights infection and inflammation.
Cleanses the body; improves digestion, regulates menses, decreases uterine bleeding, and stimulates the central nervous system. It's good for ulcers such as GERD and Barrett's esophagus syndrome.
The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula for GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Raw Honey:
Part used: Fruit.
Raw Honey nutrients are carbohydrates [full carb. (sugars)], some minerals, B-complex, vitamins C. D, and E. Raw Honey is used to promote energy and healing. It is a natural antiseptic and used for sweetening foods and beverage. Honey is twice as sweet as sugar, so not as much is needed for sweetening purposes, it is highly nutritious.
Buy only unfiltered, unheated, unprocessed raw honey, and never give honey to an infant under one year of age. In its natural form, honey can contain spores of the bacteria that cause botulism. This poses no problem for adults and older children but in infants, the spores can colonize the digestive tract and produce the deadly botulin toxin there. Honey is safe for babies after age one.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Gotu kola:
Part used: leave. Gotu kola nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Gotu kola aids in neutralizing blood acids and lower's body temperature. Promotes wound healing, and is good for liver function, stimulates a poor appetite and aids in sleeping. The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula for GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Gentian:
Part used: Leave.
Gentian nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Gentian aids in digestion, stimulates appetite, and boosts circulation. It kills plasmodia, worms, aids in the correction of ulceration such as GERD and Barrett's esophagus and is good for circulatory problems and pancreatitis.
The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula for GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
Time of Administration:
Though out the day.
Recommendations
At the first sign of heartburn, drink a large glass of water.
Try raw potato juice. Do not peel the potato – just wash it and put it in the juicer. Mix the juice with an equal amount of water. Drink it immediately after preparation, three times a day.
Try drinking a glass of fresh cabbage or celery juice every day. Studies have shown that cabbage juice has remarkable healing powers for ulcers. It may be diluted with water or carrot juice.
Although you may not feel like eating, good nutrition is essential for healing ulcers. Eat several small meals a day to avoid placing a heavy burden on your digestive system.
Eat plenty of fiber. Although the smooth foods of the famous “bland diet” were once thought safest for ulcer patients, increased fiber intake has been shown to repair ulcers. Focus on sources of soluble fiber, such as oats.
Vitamin K has been shown to repair damage from gastric juices. Eat several servings of green leafy vegetables a day, and drink lots of green juices.
Cultured products will provide the friendly “bacteria” that fight H. pylori. Drink kefir milk or eat some live cultured yogurt every day.
Zinc is healing to the digestive tract. Good sources include pumpkin seeds and whole grains.
Consume garlic with your meals; test tube studies show it has anti-Helicobacter pylori properties.
Change your eating habits. Eat more raw vegetables. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Chew your food well. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Following a disciplined diet is an important aspect of managing GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
Sip 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (read label to make sure that it is real apple cider vinegar), mixed with a glass of water, while eating a meal. Do not drink any other liquids with meals.
Eat fresh papaya and/or pineapple to aid digestion. Chew a few of the papaya seeds as well.
Do not eat three hours before bedtime. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.
Do not consume caffeine-containing products, carbonated beverages, food known that can cause heartburn until you have had some time to heal. Then slowly add back the healthy foods.
Elevate the head of your bed.
As much as possible avoid stress and anger by breathing slowly while release the tension.
Do not wear clothes that fit tightly around the waist. Do not wear tight clothing to bed.
The early symptoms of angina and heart attack sometimes mimic those of “acid stomach.” If symptoms persist, if the pain begins to travel down into your left arm, or if the sensation is accompanied by a feeling of weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help at once.
Authors notes – I believe that the American diet and consumption of Anti acid is what will bring on GERD and then continuing into Barrett's syndrome. This is due to the chronic condition of a viral and/or bacterial infection that should be first treated with an herbal anti-viral formula and continued with a good nutritional diet, herbal blended formulas and teas. This will bring about a life change that can change the body response to a chronic condition.
Listed below are some important tips to help you through this difficult time. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For children between the ages of twelve and seventeen, reduce the dose to three-quarters the recommended amount. For children between six and twelve, use one-half the recommended dose, and for children under the age of six, use, one-quarter the recommended amount.
Length of time – This is a life changing event. Some of the herbal products will only be for the duration of the pain. The Nutritional Diet will be life changing.
—References—“Dorland's Illustrated Medical 31st Dictionary” 31st Edition – Saunders Elsevier; Copyright 2007; ISBN 978-4160-2364-7 (standard) – 978-4160-4998-2 (Deluxe) – 978-0-8089-2362-6 (International)
—References—“Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine” by – Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; Copyright 1997; ISBN 0-7615-1157-1
—References—“Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine” by – David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; Copyright 2003; ISBN 0-89281-749-6 (hardcover)
—References—“Nutritional Herbology” by – Mark Pedersen; Copyright 2008; ISBN-10: 1-885653-07-7, ISBN-13: 978-1-885653-07-9
—References—“Prescription for Natural cures” A self-Care Guide for treating health problems with Natural remedies including diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, body work, and more; by – James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; Copyright 2004; ISBN: 0-471-49088-1
—References—“Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Fourth Edition by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Copyright 2006, ISBN: 1-58333-236-7
—References—“Professional Guide to Diseases” Eight Edition – Lippincott William and Wilkins; Copyright 2005; ISBN 1-58255-370-X (alk. Paper) 2004025162
—References— “School of Natural Healing Herbal Reference Guide by – Dr. John R. Christopher. Copyright 2001, ISBN-10: 1-879436-01-9
—References— “The Ultimate Healing System – The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition” by – Donald Lepore, N.D.; Copyright 1985, ISBN: 0-94717-11560-7
Generated on April 14, 2009
Updated on April 22, 2009
