Signs You Have A Stomach Ulcer And Natural Remedies
As many as 1 out of every 10 people in the US and other western countries will experience a stomach ulcer at some point in their lives.
These irritating and often painful sores in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine can be easy to treat, but if not addressed, can cause serious health problems.
The stomach and small intestine have protective mucus that lines them and keeps them safe from erosion from the very acid we need for healthy digestion. Ulcers happen when something weakens or alters this mucus coating, and the tissues become damaged from exposure to acid.
Are you struggling to lose weight, craving foods you shouldnt, and finding yourself fatigued and unable to focus? Chances are, your Hormones are out of whack.Get our FREE Guide to fixing your Hormones through the Paleo diet here!
What Is The Treatment For Peptic Ulcers
The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori. Correct diagnosis is key to whether a treatment works or not. If the bacteria are the cause, treatment focuses on killing the infection. Regardless of whether the bacteria are the cause, reducing acid in the stomach is another important focus of treatment.
The following treatments are recommended for ulcers:
- Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDs
- Acid-blocking medications
- Medications that protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum
- “Triple-therapy” or “dual-therapy” regimens for ulcers caused by H pylori
No single medication works to get rid of H pylori infection. Two combinations have been found that work well in most people.
These treatments are generally given for two weeks.
Once H pylori bacteria are eradicated from a person’s digestive tract, usually it will not come back. The ulcers usually heal completely and do not return.
Treatment for bleeding ulcers depends on the severity of blood loss and includes:
It is important to remember that treatment may not work if the diagnosis is not correct. If the doctor diagnoses an ulcer, it is important to determine whether the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori.
Diagnosis Of Stomach Ulcers
To help the doctor diagnose stomach ulcers, you need to explain in detail the symptoms experienced, including the location of the appearance of pain in the stomach. He will also find out about his medical history and examine the abdomen by pressing on different areas of the abdomen to see if there is a sensitive area of the abdomen, pain when pressed, or pain under pressure.
If the doctor suspects a specific medical condition as the cause of stomach ulcers, then he can recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, endoscopy, tests to diagnose H pylori bacterial infections, liver function tests, and X-rays.
Here are 3 complications related to stomach ulcers:
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Period Stomach Pain
If Your Ulcer Was Caused By Helicobacter Pylori
Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with H. pylori. Therefore, a main part of the treatment is to clear this infection. If this infection is not cleared, the ulcer is likely to return once you stop taking acid-suppressing medication. For more information, see the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori.
How Are Ulcers Treated
Ulcers caused bacteria are generally treated with a combination of medications:
- Usually two antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria are taken every day for about 2 weeks.
- Antacids acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors are given for 2 months or longer to lessen the amount of acid in the stomach and help protect the lining of the stomach so the ulcer can heal.
Recommended Reading: What To Take For Sick Stomach
Nsaid Drugs And Stomach Ulcers
A group of painkillers known as NSAIDs carries a risk of stomach ulcers. The two best-known NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.
The risk of ulcers increases if the drugs are taken in high doses, or regularly for a long time.
Stronger NSAIDs, such as those that need a prescription, are riskier for stomach ulcers than those that can be bought over-the-counter .
People should always check labels and talk to a pharmacist or a doctor about any concerns with using painkillers. They may recommend an alternative such as acetaminophen.
What Tests Diagnose A Peptic Ulcer
To confirm a person has an ulcer a diagnostic imaging test will usually be ordered. The two most widely used tests are:
- Upper GI series : This is a type of X-ray. The patient is given a chalky liquid to drink that increases the contrast on the X-ray, making certain features easier to see. Because this liquid contains barium, this test is sometimes called a barium swallow.
- Endoscopy : An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end. The patient is given a mild sedative, and then the tube is passed through the mouth into the stomach. The doctor can see the lining of the stomach to diagnose a peptic ulcer. Tiny samples of the tissue will be taken , which are examined under a microscope.
If a diagnostic imaging test reveals an ulcer, the patient will most likely have a test to see if H pylori bacteria are present.
- It is important to be certain about this, because treatment of the H pylori is likely to heal the ulcer.
- Ulcers caused by H pylori are treated differently than ulcers caused by medications.
Three types of tests are available to detect H pylori.
Don’t Miss: Why My Stomach Feels Full All The Time
How Are Peptic Ulcers Treated
Treatment will depend on the type of ulcer you have. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on what is causing your ulcer.
Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, or in some cases having surgery.
Lifestyle changes may include:
- Not eating certain foods. Avoid any foods that make your symptoms worse.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking can keep your ulcer from healing. It is also linked to ulcers coming back after treatment.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine. They can make your symptoms worse.
- Not using NSAIDs . These include aspirin and ibuprofen.
Medicines to treat ulcers may include:
- Antibiotics. These bacteria-fighting medicines are used to kill the H. pylori bacteria. Often a mix of antibiotics and other medicines is used to cure the ulcer and get rid of the infection.
- H2-blockers . These reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes by blocking the hormone histamine. Histamine helps to make acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. These lower stomach acid levels and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
- Mucosal protective agents. These medicines protect the stomach’s mucus lining from acid damage so that it can heal.
- Antacids. These quickly weaken or neutralize stomach acid to ease your symptoms.
In most cases, medicines can heal ulcers quickly. Once the H. pylori bacteria is removed, most ulcers do not come back.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar With Water
Being a probiotic liquid, apple cider vinegar is naturally rich in live bacteria and yeast that offer several benefits for the digestive health.
It helps restore the pH of the stomach, which in turn help treat the ulcer and relieve the pain.
A 2016 study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine highlights the possible use of probiotics in H. pylori eradication, one of the main causes of ulcers.
Don’t Miss: What Can Cause Stomach Pain And Bloating
Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcers In Women
Symptoms of heartburn that will usually be experienced by people, among others:
- Nausea
- Bloating of the upper abdomen
- Heat in the upper abdomen
- Pain in the liver and in the middle of the chest that appears when or after eating
- Instantly feel complete when ingesting and protracted satiety after eating.
Frequent stomach ulcers are usually characterized by symptoms of heat in the chest due to the rise of stomach acid to the esophagus. Stress also brings the impact to be more negative for people with stomach ulcers.
Prevention Of Stomach Ulcers
The best way to prevent stomach ulcers is to avoid the triggering factors. Here are some ways to prevent stomach ulcers:
- Eat-in small portions and slowly
- Avoid foods that have a good deal of acids
- Do not exercise with a full stomach
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Do not lie down right after eating
- When heartburn is triggered by stress, look for new methods to manage stress such as meditating.
Recommended Reading: How To Lose Weight And Tone Stomach
Foods That Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Date: 2019-02-04
While fairly common, ulcers can be painful and cause lasting damage if not treated. Most ulcers are caused by an infection from Helicobacter pylori bacteria which damages the protective lining of your stomach allowing acid to essentially burn your stomach. Common symptoms include indigestion, abdominal pain, and heartburn. The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, are pleased to share five foods that may help fight against the ulcer-causing bacteria.
1. Binge Blueberries. Small, but powerful, blueberries contain flavonoids, which are polyphenols that help protect the stomach lining by increasing stomach mucus that halts the growth of H. pylori. Besides warding off ulcers, this berry also may help strengthen heart health, lower blood pressure, and increase bone strength.
2. Have Honey. You might not think of this natural sweetener providing health benefits but it does! Honey may prevent acid reflux, improve cholesterol and suppress coughs and aids in the prevention and healing of wounds including ulcers. If youre unsure of what kind to buy, try raw or Manuka honey as they have the most antibacterial effects.
& amp amp amp amp nbsp
About Envolve, Inc.®
H2 Blockers: Effectiveness Depends On Dose
The studies on H2 blockers mainly looked at the drugs famotidine and ranitidine. These studies lasted up to one year. Both drugs were shown to prevent peptic ulcers, but their effectiveness greatly depended on the dose taken. When taken at lower doses, the medications only reduced the risk of duodenal ulcers. When taken at higher doses, they effectively prevented both stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers:
- Without an H2 blocker, 36 out of 100 people developed an ulcer.
- With an H2 blocker, 15 out of 100 people developed an ulcer.
In other words, higher doses of H2 blockers prevented peptic ulcers in 21 out of 100 people.
The effective doses in the trials were 40 mg twice daily for famotidine and 300 mg twice daily for ranitidine. These medications were also well tolerated at higher doses. Side effects such as headaches, diarrhea or constipation may occur, though.
Read Also: How Rare Is Stomach Cancer
Best Ways To Naturally Prevent Ulcers In Horses
What can you do to prevent ulcers from developing in your horse? Equine ulcers are all too common, with studies showing that up to 90% of horses will be affected by ulcers in their lifetime.
Stomach ulcers, also known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome , are most common in horses. But ulcers can occur along the entire digestive tract.
When ulcers develop in the hindgut, they are referred to as Right Dorsal Colitis or colonic ulcers.
There are multiple distinct causes of ulcers in horses. When a horse develops gastric ulcers, it is usually due to several interacting risk factors including diet, exposure to stress, workload, environment, and more.
Unfortunately, recurrence is very common after treatment unless the root cause of the problem is addressed. This is why its important to look at your horses overall routine and feeding program to identify ways to reduce the risk of recurrence.
There are many ways to naturally reduce the risk of equine ulcers and support your horses gut health. With a few simple changes, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of ulcers and other ongoing digestive problems.
In this article, we will discuss natural strategies you can implement to prevent the potential onset of ulcers in your horse.
Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infection
If your stomach ulcer’s caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, you’ll be given:
- a course of antibiotics
- a medication called a proton pump inhibitor
This is also recommended if it’s thought your stomach ulcer’s caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
Don’t Miss: How To Rid Bloated Stomach
So How Do They Work Exactly
Antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, blueberries, kale, and spinach boost your immune system to more effectively fight infections and even help ward off stomach cancer.
Whats more, mom was right about forcing you to eat broccoli. Research indicates that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, shows anti-H. pylori functionality.
Probiotic foods can be a little more complicated to work into your diet, but they are worth the effort! Clinical studies indicate loading up on foods like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi are like kryptonite for H. pylori bacteria.
What Are The Complications Of Peptic Ulcers
Ulcers can cause serious problems if you dont get treatment.
The most common problems include:
- Bleeding. As an ulcer wears away the muscles of the stomach or duodenal wall, blood vessels may be hurt. This causes bleeding.
- Hole . Sometimes an ulcer makes a hole in the wall of your stomach or duodenum. When this happens, bacteria and partly digested food can get in. This causes infection and redness or swelling .
- Narrowing and blockage . Ulcers that are found where the duodenum joins the stomach can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or even block the opening to the duodenum. Food cant leave your stomach and go into your small intestine. This causes vomiting. You cant eat properly.
Recommended Reading: How To Tell Difference Between Stomach Flu And Food Poisoning
How Do Doctors Treat An Nsaid
If NSAIDs are causing your peptic ulcer and you dont have an H. pylori infection, your doctor may tell you to
- stop taking the NSAID
- reduce how much of the NSAID you take
- switch to another medicine that wont cause a peptic ulcer
Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to reduce stomach acid and coat and protect your peptic ulcer. Proton pump inhibitors , histamine receptor blockers, and protectants can help relieve pain and help your ulcer heal.
Adjust Your Dosage To Reduce Risk Of Side Effects
It’s optimal to take the lowest dosage of NSAID necessary to relieve your symptoms. By lowering the dosage to the lowest effective dose, you reduce the risk of side effects.
Another suggestion for you to considerwith your healthcare provider’s approvalis to take your NSAID as needed as opposed to daily. By doing so, you would be reducing the risk of serious side effects.
Also Check: How To Get My Stomach Flat After Birth
Guarding Against Infection Of H Pylori
Risk Factors For Peptic Ulcers
Not everyone who regularly takes NSAIDs will also need to take medication to protect their stomach. This will mainly depend on your personal risk of developing a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are more likely to develop in people who
- are over the age of 65,
- have had a peptic ulcer in the past,
- take several different painkillers at once for instance, including acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of complications following a heart attack or stroke,
- take steroids too,
- take a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressant as well as a painkiller.
Younger people who don’t have any risk factors aren’t likely to get peptic ulcers. So they hardly benefit from taking medication to prevent peptic ulcers.
Read Also: How To Help Toddler With Stomach Bug
Most Effective Natural Home Remedies For A Stomach Ulcer Painrelief
Gastric ulcer is treated with antibiotics and drugs to reduce and block stomach acid. In addition to this proven treatment plan, many studies have shown that there are also a number of helpful natural home remedies for a stomach ulcer pain relief. So, patients with stomach ulcers can completely choose to use these home remedies for a stomach ulcer because they are very simple but effective, and anyone can apply them without too much cost. Lets check out on TrueRemedies.com!
1. Honey
Honey is far from a sweet addition to your drinks. While refined sugars and most sweeteners should be avoided for ulcer healing, raw honey is an exception and has unique benefits. Honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase. This enzyme is known to produce hydrogen peroxide, which can help fight the bacteria responsible for causing peptic ulcers.
Depending on where it comes from, honey can contain up to 200 elements, including Polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey is a strong antimicrobial agent and has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. Pylori bacteria . As long as you have normal blood sugar level, you can enjoy honey as a sweetener to soothe your sores at home.
How to do:
- Add a tablespoon of honey into a glass of warm water
- Mix it well and add a pinch of cinnamon into
- Drink the mixture once per day in the morning
Note: You should take this liquid right after getting up and before having breakfast.
2. Garlic
How to do:
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
How to do
4. Broccoli
How to do: