I suffer from gastritis post Fluoroquinolones (FQ). I have found one of the hardest places to help is the
upper part of the stomach and or the lower esophagus. There are very few supplements designed to be effective in that area. Most stomach pills are encapsulated so they sail right through that area without doing anything; Enter, slippery elm.
Slippery elm, also known as “ulmus fulva”, is the ground inner bark of a tree that has numerous beneficial uses. Slippery elm contains of easy-to-digest complex carbs and forms a slick gel coating that soothes everything it comes in contact with, including your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. I have found it that it helps me immensely with gastritis issues involving the upper stomach and lower esophagus.
Researching it on the internet I have found people getting relief using it for everything from acid reflux, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, chronic pancreatitis, constipation/diarrhea and ulcers. Some recommend it for helping to heal leaky gut syndrome.
Slippery elm can be found in capsules, tablets, or just plain powder. I have used all three. The tablets are good for soothing a sore throat. The capsules are good for getting down into the intestines. The powder seems to help most of the digestive tract.
In addition to doing a very good job of coating, slippery elm also contains calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin C and plenty of B vitamins. This makes slippery elm a good choice when recuperating or trying to recover from wasting or having trouble keeping other things down.
To reach the upper part of the stomach and lower esophagus I make up slippery elm gruel. Making the gruel is extremely easy.
- First, I take a tablespoon of slippery elm powder and put it in a small glass bowl.
- Second, I add enough hot water to make a thin smooth paste. Make sure to stir well. I like a consistency similar to cream of wheat.
- Third, sweeten in with honey, stevia, or whatever you choose. You may also add something to flavor it such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon. I do not have a problem with its natural taste, while some do.
Once made, the dosage you take varies depending on its desired outcome. For gastritis I take the entire serving and find it helps with pain and burning. If someone is recovering from a gastrointestinal illness the ingestion of slippery elm could be spread out. Remember besides soothing, slippery elm provides some basic nutrition as well.
One source states that slippery elm is contraindicated in those with an allergy to elm pollen. Slippery can interfere with the absorption of medications and or other supplements if taken at the same time. As with any dietary supplement please contact your health professional for your particular situation. This is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition, please read my disclaimer here.
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