A stomach ulcer, also referred to as a ‘Peptic Ulcer’,. involves an erosion in a person’s gastrointestinal tract. The most common form of ulcer is a duodenal ulcer which occurs within the first foot of a person’s small intestine, just beyond their stomach. Ulcers are neither cancerous, nor contagious; duodenal ulcers are nearly always benign, and stomach ulcers may become malignant. Would you be surprised to know that stomach ulcer affects millions of citizens in America each year? The size of the ulcer a person may experience ranges from between an eighth of an inch to three-quarters of an inch.
One of the most common types of ulcers is peptic ulcer; it`s got three kinds:
- An esophageal ulcer that develops in the esophagus
- A gastric ulcer that affects the stomach
- A duodenal ulcer that grows in the upper part of the small intestine or duodenum
Common Symptoms of Ulcers
I these symptoms are attended to early, an ulcer may not develop into a huge challenge.
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Burning sensation between the chest and belly area
- Mild to severe pain between the chest and belly area
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Belching
Note that these symptoms aren`t restricted to ulcers. Consulting a doctor is a good idea. Next, let`s discuss home remedies for treating this health challenge.
What Causes an Ulcer?
For about a century, it was generally believed that stress, spicy foods, and alcohol caused most ulcers. We now know better — most peptic ulcers are caused by a particular bacterial infection in the stomach and upper intestine, by certain medications, or by smoking.
In 1982, Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren discovered a kind of bacteria that can live and grow in the stomach. Both doctors even won the Nobel Prize for their discovery. The medical name for these bacteria is Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori). Helicobacter pylori is the cause of a number of peptic ulcers.
How do Ulcers Form?
- Bacteria weaken the protective coating of the stomach and upper small intestine.
- Acids in the stomach then get through to the sensitive tissues lining the digestive system underneath.
- Acid and bacteria directly irritate this lining, causing sores.
- Although H. pylori are responsible for most cases of peptic ulcers, these ulcers can be caused by other factors. Some people are accustomed to taking pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to fight inflammation in the body and to treat persistent painful conditions such as arthritis. When such medicatioms are taken in high daily doses over a long period of time, they can cause ulcers in some people.
- Smoking is associated with peptic ulcers because it increases the risk of getting an ulcer. 4th us is because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce more acid.
- Drinking a lot of alcohol daily for a prolonged period of time can also increase a person’s risk of ulcers because over time, alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and intestines.
- Ulcers also occur due to uncontrolled increased acid production in the stomach and changes in the immune system
Ulcer Facts you should Know
- Stomach Ulcers affect more than 5 million people annually in the USA alone.
- Every year, globally, over 300,000 people have ulcer-related surgery because of persistent symptoms or complications.
- Each year nearly 6,000 people die of ulcer-related complications in the USA alone.
- Up to 90% of all types of stomach ulcers are caused by infections of Helicobacter Pylori, and NOT by spicy foods or by stress
- In poorer countries, 50% of the population is infected with H. pylori in childhood, and up to 90% of adult populations are also infected.
- The World Health Organization reported that H. pylori is present in 50% of all new gastric cancer cases
- Approximately 1 in every 8 people will develop duodenal ulcers or stomach ulcers in their lifetime.
- A major cause of ulcers is the prolonged use of aspirin and other painkillers, commonly known as NSAID’s
- Peptic ulcers will affect nearly 1 in 10 of all adults in Western countries.
- About 1 in every 20 gastric ulcers lead to stomach cancer.
- Duodenal ulcers may occur in adults of any age.
- Gastric ulcers usually affect adults older than 40 years
- The older one gets, the more likely it is to have the H. pylori infection.
- Nearly 3 in every 4 gastric ulcers are caused by H. pylori.
- People of any age can suffer from ulcers.
- Women are just as prone to stomach ulcers as men are.
Home Remedies for Ulcers
Asides medications, did you know there are natural ways to combat ulcer? Let`s discuss them.
Probiotics
Did you know that probiotics contain bacteria which are important microorganisms in the human digestive tract? The following foods are great ways to balance the intake of probiotics
Adding probiotics to your diet is an effective way to prevent bacteria that increase in the stomach lining.
Cranberry
Whether sweet or sour, cranberry combats ulcers and urinary infections. It inhibits bacteria from growing and adhering to urinary bladder walls. This mechanism of cranberry reduces the risks associated with severe bladder infections that lead to ulcer formation. Proanthocyanidins, a compound in cranberry impedes the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach lining.
Bananas
Leucocyanidin, a compound in bananas stimulates stomach mucus production in the body, helping to form a barrier between the stomach wall and digestive acids. This fruit is loaded with antibacterial substances that play a vital role in combating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation in the stomach and duodenum. You can consume bananas by taking it in the form of smoothies. Care should be taken consuming bananas, to avoid severe burning sensation between your chest and belly as everything works best in moderation.
Chilli Peppers
A number of people think that consuming chili peppers causes ulcers. Well, truth is, chili peppers when consumed in the right proportions, can be highly effective in fighting stomach ulcers. Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, a stimulant to reduce acid production in the stomach is a vital factor, making chili peppers beneficial. Furthermore, capsaicin also improves blood circulation in the stomach and boosts mucus production to coat the stomach lining.
Flavonoids
Numerous semi-synthetic flavanoids have significant anti-ulcer properties, making an addition of bioflavonoid to your diet an effective way to treat gastric ulcers. They are considered ‘gastro-protective’ for their excellent defense mechanism to treat sores on the stomach lining. Flavonoids can be derived from foods such as
- Broccoli
- Green tea
- Kale
- Red grapes
- Soybean
- Berries
- Apple
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has got antibacterial properties, which make it an effective natural remedy to treat ulcers. It reduces the growth of H.pylori bacteria and helps you recover fast.
Licorice
The effectiveness of licorice cannot be overemphasized when discussing its ulcer-preventing properties. This medicinal herb spurs the intestine and stomach to produce mucus required to cover the stomach lining from acidic components. Asides protecting the stomach, it facilitates the healing process as it reduces terrible pains.
Garlic
Garlic is loaded with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Would you believe that adding garlic extracts to your meals does not only accelerate ulcer recovery process but also decreases the chance of ulcer development? Garlic is an effective anti-ulcer food to add to your diet. Try it, and enjoy its benefits.
Cabbage Juice
Cabbage juice is highly effective in ensuring the stomach is trouble-free. The healing and calming properties found in it provide immediate relief to the pains of gastric ulcers. The juice bursts with vitamin C which wards off H. pylori. Cabbage juice is a proven solution to digestive tract pain that peptic ulcer causes.
Honey
Honey contains antioxidants, and it`s got many health benefits; treating stomach sores is one of them. Its anti-bacterial properties play a notable role in preventing ulcers. It also accelerates the healing process of ulcer patients.
Final Words…
You`ve got a better understanding of ulcer now. It really can be treated, however, it is better prevented. Knowledge is light, spread the news!
