Gastric Ulcers & Grape Seed Extract

Gastric ulcers occur in up to 90 percent of performance horses. The primary cause is the stomach’s exposure to excessive acid levels or a reduction in the natural protection of the stomach’s lining, or both.

Most equine ulcers occur in the upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus—where feed enters the stomach. These cells in the stomach are usually protected from excess acid only by the production of the horse’s saliva.

If saliva is produced in adequate amounts. stomach acid is buffered and the lining of the stomach can be coated and protected form the acid. In a gastric ulcer, the stomach tissue is inflamed and damaged, causing depressed appetite, irritability, colic problems, diminished performance, weight loss and chronic pain or discomfort for the horse and are sometimes a fatal disease.

The only way to know for sure if a gastric ulcer is present is through an endoscopic examination. Many horses have ulcers or the start of them with no apparent symptoms.

Modern feeding techniques in part contribute to the high ulcer incidence. Horses naturally are wandering, grazing animals with a digestive tract that is well ntinual diet of forage. High grain diets contribute to excessive stomach acid release, and periods of fasting expose the horse to stomach acid without protective saliva. Horses typically secrete stomach acid steadily throughout the day if they are feeding or if they are not. For performance horses, diets high in grain are common, as are prolonged periods of fasting (especially before training).

This combination will increase the amount of stomach acid the horse’s stomach is exposed to. During heavy training, the time without feeding and the protective benefits of saliva, along with the stress of training itself, allows for stomach acids to stay in contact with the unprotected stomach tissue for a longer period of time.

In contrast, pasture fed horses very rarely develops stomach ulcers. A steady diet of pasture allows for continuous eating to match the steady release of stomach acid and also tends to increase the production of the stomach protecting saliva. Grain fed horses produce less protective saliva, and both grain and pellet concentrated can increase stomach acid release.

There are several ways to manage an ulcer-prone horse. Putting a horse on pasture is effective but not always practical, especially during performance or heavy training seasons. Pharmaceutical products are effective in reducing stomach acid and in aiding the healing of ulcerous tissue. Usually, though, the pharmaceuticals are costly. Aluminum-based antacid absorbing formulas are also effective in reducing stomach acidity and in the healing of gastric ulcers.

In addition to the above, a number of natural non-aluminum containing products can also aid in the health of the digestive tract.

Specially processed rice bran extractives can offer an anti-inflammatory benefit and buffer stomach acid. DGL, a form of licorice, has potent anti-inflammatory effects and aids in the healing of gastric tissue. Sodium-copper chlorophyllins are very soothing to the digestive tract and can increase tissue-healing parts. Plant polysaccharide complexes can be good buffering agents and can reduce the acid load. The beneficial lactobacillus bacteria and aspergillis family helps maintain a healthy digestive tract during inflammation.

Magnesium silicate can act as a buffering agent and can reduce the effects of excess stomach acid and is helpful in the digestive tract healing.

Relatively few options are available to control the underlying causes of gastric ulcers in horses. Of the options available, combinations of balanced natural nutritional compounds offer a non-toxic, cost-effective approach.

GSE has potent antioxidant properties. It is about 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E in its antioxidant effect. GSE has the ability to increase vitamin C absorption and improves transport into the body’s tissues. It prevents vitamin C from being used too rapidly, thus prolonging vitamin C’s benefits.
GSE is an excellent detoxifier of highly damaging toxic free redadicals. GSE can protect the cells including the all-important genetic material from free radical induced oxidative damage. Radiation toxicity and the skin damaging effects of ultraviolet-B radiation from the sun can also be minimized by GSE. The overall antioxidant potential in the blood and tissues are improved with GSE as are the advantages of having and increased antioxidant status. GSE because of its unique ability to improve antioxidant defenses shows a broad range of biological benefits to a variety of cells, tissues, and organs.

1.) Connective Tissue
The most abundant protein in the body is collagen, which maintains the strength and integrity of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Collagen also supports the structure of the skin, blood vessel walls, and is the “cement” that holds tissues together. GSE has the unique ability to bind to and support collagen structures; directly preventing collagen breakdown and destruction. Strengthening the collagen fibers improves the integrity of all connective tissue. GSE also protects these tissues during periods of inflammation and infection. It prevents the release of pro-inflammatory substances that can increase or promote inflammation of the body’s tissues. By acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory, swelling of injured tissue can be minimized reducing pain and speeding up the healing process. GSE can prevent and relieve excessive fluid build up (edema) especially in the lymph glands. This aids in clearing waste material from the site of injury or infection. GSE may also have benefit for the synovial fluid in the joints.

2.) Cardiovascular System
GSE has multiple cardiovascular protective properties. GSE prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol – a key risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. GSE can inhibit the enzyme xanthine exidase, which can damage blood vessel walls. GSE prevents the breakdown of the elastic fibers in the blood vessel walls. It also strengthens the capillaries. Platelet stickiness is reduced with GSE. It has a beneficial effect similar to aspirin, which reduces the possibility of platelet “clumping” and platelet adhesion to blood vessel walls. This prevents inappropriate clot formation – another risk factor for heart disease and stroke. GSE can increase microcirculation in the brain and heart and increases both arterial and venous blood flow in the arms and legs. By strengthening the blood vessel walls an especially positive effect on varicose veins can be seen. GSE can lower high blood pressure by inhibiting an enzyme that can cause blood pressure elevations and by reducing adrenaline stress reactions that can trigger high blood pressure.

3.) Eyes
GSE can reduce glare, night blindness and improve the function and sensitivity of the retina in nearsighted people. GSE may also reduce cataract formation, the risk of macular degeneration and glaucoma. GSE can stabilize the blood vessels in the eye, prevent micro bleeding and reduce retinopathy-especially in diabetics.

4.) Anti-Allergic
GSE has strong anti-histamine properties and as such can diminish allergic reactions. GSE can reduce the overreaction or hypersensitivity response in those who are allergic. This is done by GSE’s ability to stop or reduce the release of cellular pro-allergic and pro-inflammatory substances.

5.) Other
GSE has a strong anti-ulcer action in part by reducing excessive histamine release in the stomach lining. GSE protects the connective tissue of the mucous membranes. By binding to those connective tissue sites, it can increase healing in both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

• GSE exerts anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic
effects and offers protection from cancer causing chemicals. GSE can also bind to cell membranes and prevent the attachment of cancer causing hormones to the cell.
• GSE stabilizes the blood brain barrier protecting the brain from toxins. Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, GSE can reduce the pain and swelling of arthritic tissue.
• GSE demonstrates a large number of beneficial properties to many of the body’s tissue. The most important aspect of GSE benefits may well lie in disease prevention. The risks of degenerative disease development can drop considerably by maintaining an optimum level of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell protecting potential.
• GSE can contribute significantly to maximize and maintain this health building status.

Uckele Health & Nutrition Newsletter. If you ever have nutrition questions for you or your horse, please feel free to e-mail them or call, 800-248-0330.

This article was reprinted with the permission of Uckele Health & Nutrition. Please visit their websitefor more information. www.uckele.com

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