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Jack Grogan, CN, Senior Nutritionist and VP of Research and Development for Uckele Health & Nutrition, has studied extensively in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, is an expert in tissue mineral balancing, and has experienced great success in balancing equine mineral chemistry to strengthen the basic metabolism and improve efficiency in horses. Jack is a consultant to numerous physicians, veterinarians, chiropractors, trainers, naturopaths and nutritionists.
Question:
Why does my horse get ulcers during show season? How can I manage the current problem and can it be prevented in the future?
Answer
Ulcers are a common occurrence in performance horses for a number of reasons. Horse's stomachs produce hydrochloric acid 24-hours a day, not just when feed is consumed, so there is a constant interaction between the acid and the stomach lining. Under ordinary circumstances with good feeding and nutritional programs, the integrity of the stomach lining is maintained in good health and it can resist the potentially corrosive effect of the acid on stomach tissues.
Stomach acid is absolutely essential for the normal, healthy function of the digestive tract. This acid aids in the absorption of minerals and serves as a first step in the digestion of proteins, which are required for rebuilding and maintaining healthy muscle, bones, organs and connective tissues.
However, during periods of stress, as in show season, along with the additional travel demands, preparation time, training and performance, the adrenal glands can become more active to compensate for the effects of the extra stress. When this occurs, the release of the additional stress hormones, most notably cortisol and adrenalin, can have a powerful and profound effect on the entire digestive system.
Stomach acid production can increase, and the integrity of the stomach tissue can decrease from the increased stress demands. When this occurs, the lining of the stomach does not have the same normal, healthy resistance to the stomach acid and stomach tissue inflammation can be the result. If this continues for a long enough time, a full-blown ulcer is often the outcome.
From a nutritional perspective, supplying extra digestive support, improving stress response and reducing gut inflammation are paramount to managing gut stress reactions and can be an effective tool in preventing them in the future. Extra digestive support usually involves the addition of both pre and probiotics to maintain healthy gut flora. High-strength digestive enzymes can improve digestion during stress and can also aid in maintaining local gut tissue integrity.
Nutritionally based plants, herbs and phytonutrients can deliver potent, natural aid to inflamed tissue to improve tissue strength, aid in recovery and also play a role in preventing recurrences. Most notably chlorophyll, turmeric, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, rice bran extractives, the minerals calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese, and the amino acids glycine and glutamine play exceptional roles in improving and maintaining gut health.
Nutritional intervention for stress management is also an important part of recovery and prevention in these ulcers, as well, including the mineral magnesium, the amino acid taurine, and the B Complex vitamins, especially inositol and thiamine. Adrenal support formulas and other calming agents can contribute greatly to improved stress response and recovery, reducing the negative effects on gut health.
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