Stomach Ulcer Symptoms You Cant Ignore And How To Naturally Treat Them
May 20, 2019
Chances are that if you havent experienced one yourself, you at least know someone whos had a stomach ulcer at one point or another. Estimates show that about 500,000 new cases of peptic ulcers are reported each year in the U.S. alone, and at any given time about 5 million people are affected. In addition, one in 10 adults can expect to deal with painful ulcers at one point or another.
For many years, doctors thought that high amounts of stress alone could cause a stomach ulcer to form by increasing production of stomach acid. But then research emerged in the 1980s showing that frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs , a poor lifestyle, and especially a type of bacterial infection caused by the strain Helicobacter pylori are the real culprits of the majority of ulcers.
Fortunately, according to an article published in The Lancet, prevalence of H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer diseases have become substantially less prevalent than they were two decades ago.
Wondering how to treat a stomach ulcer if youve already developed one? Below well cover much more about stomach ulcer treatments including medications, stress management and dietary changes.
Stomach Ulcers Can Be Handled At Home But Be Careful
As you can see, there are many home remedies that can be used to care for the pain and damage that a stomach ulcer can cause. Although there are more remedies out there, we believe that the ones weve mentioned here are the best ones to help treat your ulcer.
But with that in mind, stomach ulcers can become a serious medical issue. If your ulcer isnt getting any better or if it gets worse while youre taking one of these home remedies, consult your doctor to make sure that everything is okay. He or she may recommend a more effective treatment depending on your condition.
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Causes Of Peptic Ulcer
Frequent intake of aspirins, ibuprofen, and naproxen can lead to peptic ulcers. Too much acid production inside the stomach, Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection in the gut, excessive stress, heartburn, feeling weak, nausea, spicy foods, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome also leads to peptic ulcers. In this health condition, a tumor is formed in pancreas and duodenum, which releases gastrin. This hormone results in the formation of excessive gas inside the stomach. This extra amount of gas causes peptic ulcers.
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What If A Peptic Ulcer Doesn’t Heal
Most often, medicines heal a peptic ulcer. If an H. pylori infection caused your peptic ulcer, you should finish all of your antibiotics and take any other medicines your doctor prescribes. The infection and peptic ulcer will heal only if you take all medicines as your doctor prescribes.
When you have finished your medicines, your doctor may do another breath or stool test in 4 weeks or more to be sure the H. pylori infection is gone. Sometimes, H. pylori bacteria are still present, even after you have taken all the medicines correctly. If the infection is still present, your peptic ulcer could return or, rarely, stomach cancer could develop. Your doctor will prescribe different antibiotics to get rid of the infection and cure your peptic ulcer.
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.
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Is There A Peptic Ulcer Diet Plan
No particular diet is helpful for people with peptic ulcers. At one time, a bland diet and avoidance of spicy or greasy foods was recommended. Milk and dairy food have been used in the past for ulcer symptoms, but have not been proven to be effective. We now know diet has little effect on ulcers. In some people, however, certain foods seem to aggravate stomach ulcer symptoms. Keep a food diary with your intake and the resulting symptoms and avoid eating any foods that aggravate symptoms.
Herbal Helps For Ulcers
Numerous studies have found the anti-inflammatory herb licorice to be an effective anti-ulcer compound.16 Note, though, that glycyrrhizic acid, one of the primary active ingredients in licorice, can cause an elevation in blood pressure and in some individuals, salt retention, leading to rapid weight gain. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is a form of the herb with the glycyrrhizic acid removed. Studies show it may be a successful anti-peptic ulcer agent without any known side effects.17
Aloe Vera inhibits H. pylori. The gel of this succulent herb serves as a moisturizing emollient that promotes healing and stimulates protein synthesis in tissues.18 Please, note that individuals with low thyroid levels should not take aloe vera internally on a regular basis.
A few more words about ginger. In his book, The Green Pharmacy, medical botanist, James Duke, mentions that ginger contains 11 anti-ulcer compounds. Both it and the herb chamomile are purported to be helpful in treating ulcers.19 Many naturopathic-oriented doctors recommend drinking two to three cups of strong chamomile tea each day for treatment of PUD.
A cautionary note: if you are taking any medications, be sure to consult with your pharmacist regarding any potential herb-drug interactions before using botanical agents.
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Best Natural Solutions For Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers are the most common type of ulcers that develop in the linings of the stomach. They affect about 2.4-6.1% of the population. They are a form of peptic ulcer disease that can make life painfully uncomfortable.
People of all ages, irrespective of gender, can suffer from peptic ulcers. In fact, It is estimated that over 25 million Americans have suffered from a form of peptic ulcer at some point in their life.
Our goal with this article is to make you aware of the various causes of stomach ulcers, and how you can adopt natural solutions to relieve yourself of its undesirable symptoms.
Dont Forget The Psyche
As previously mentioned, but worthy of further discussion, stress affects the gastrointestinal tract. Fear can decrease blood flow to the stomach, while anger causes the capillaries in the stomach to become engorged, more friable, and susceptible to bleeding. Chronic anxiety can increase acid production. The following true account from the 1950s poignantly illustrates the critical role of emotional health and the power of forgiveness.
Maria was from a wealthy family in Europe. She had come to the United States many years ago and experienced two unfortunate marriages. Now her current marriage was in deep trouble, as well. A bleeding stomach ulcer brought her to Wildwood Lifestyle Center & Hospital. She did not want surgery.
With her physicians help, she worked through the problems in her marriage, as well as many others. However even with all the treatments, counseling, and her own persistence, she was still no better physically and continued to bleed. Maria, her doctor said, you have worked so hard on your problems. Is there anything else that might be troubling you? I cant think of a single thing. Her doctor was ready to schedule her for surgery when, in the middle of the night, she was urgently called to Marias room. Maria was pacing violently back and forth, hands clenched, hissing repeatedly, I hate her! I hate her!
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Cautions About Natural Remedies For Ulcers
If a person does go on the herbal route, we would stress the need for re-evaluation following treatment. If the infection still persists after botanical agents have been wisely applied in conjunction with any other needed lifestyle measures, judicious use of antibiotics may prove helpful. Indeed, in certain cases the risk factors for stomach cancer may make antibiotics a necessity.
Note that probiotic supplementation such as that in lactobacillus- and bifidobacterium-containing yogurt can improve the antibiotic eradication rates of H. pylori in humans and/or decrease their adverse side effects. Probiotics also decrease mucosal inflammation, thus accelerating healing of the gastric mucosal barrier.3,4
Causes Of Ulcers Include:
- an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and ibuprofen
Stress and spicy food can also exacerbate the symptoms of an ulcer. Although they do not cause ulcers, they can make the situation worse by increasing the amount of stomach acid produced.
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Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar
Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda helps in restoring the pH of the stomach. Apple cider vinegar is also used in treating ulcers due to its pain-relieving properties . Hence, the combination of baking soda and ACV may help in treating stomach ulcers.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 glass of warm water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
Other Options For Pain Relief
Painkillers aren’t the only answer for many of life’s aches and pains. Many effective and safe alternatives don’t have any side effects at all.
- Ice packs, for acute injuries such as a sprained ankle, can keep down swelling and ease pain.
- Heat with a hot towel or heating pad can be helpful for treating chronic overuse injuries.
- Physical activity can help reduce some kinds of discomfort, such as arthritis pain.
- Relaxation with techniques such as yoga or meditation — may reduce pain. Biofeedback may help as well. These approaches are best for pain that’s amplified by stress, such as tension headaches.
- Nontraditional techniques with low risks — such as acupuncture — benefit some people.
So remember: Pain relief doesn’t only come from a pill bottle.
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Gastroprotective Effect Of Natural Products To Achieve Qouh
Natural products and their compounds are highly effective in anti-ulcer treatment, possessing a gastroprotective action and being gentle on the bodys systems without any side effects. While many synthetic and prescription drugs provide symptomatic relief, they also have harsh side effects. Our previous studies have shown that gastroprotective actions from Artemisia ethanol extract treatment was quite efficient in accelerating the ulcer healing at the early phase of ulcer healing and hindering the recurrence of gastric ulcer after complete ulcer healing, whereas an acid suppressant was somewhat inferior in these aspects of ulcer healing. The achievement of ideal QOUH can only be accomplished with intervention of the enhancement of gastric defense systems. The molecular basis for the QOUH achievement with Artemisia treatment were efficient remodeling of regenerated gastric mucosa, intervention of several growth factors, abundant gastric mucins, including trefoil proteins like trefoil peptide , and significant suppression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-2, TNF-, COX-2 and nitrosative stress. Also, mechanisms of Artemisia extract showing resistance to ulcer recurrence were excellent remodeling activity, enrichments of molecular chaperones like HSP27, as well as significant decreases in inflammatory cytokines like COX-2, IL-2 and TNF-, and quenching nitrosative stress.
When To See A Doctor
People of any age or gender can get stomach ulcers. It must be treated immediately. If left untreated, stomach ulcers may result in bleeding or even a hole in the stomach or bowel.
Conventional ulcer treatment typically relies on medications that can cause side effects, such as headaches and diarrhea. However, in some cases, you just cannot avoid conventional medications. Make sure to discuss with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or become severe.If you experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, weakness, severe back pain, blood in vomit, and bloody or black stools, seek immediate medical attention.
Fortunately, there are several easy-to-follow natural remedies for the treatment of mild cases of stomach ulcers. These remedies usually focus on strengthening and protecting the stomach lining against acids. You may also consult your doctor before using these home remedies to ensure long-term relief.
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Exercise May Help Ulcers
A study of more than 11,000 men and women showed that active men had one-half to one-third the risk of developing a duodenal ulcer over a 20- year period when compared to their sedentary counterparts. Men who walked or ran at least 10 miles a week were 62 percent less likely to develop an ulcer than physically inactive study participants.15 Of course, moderate exercise is the best type. Intense activity tends to draw too much blood away from the lining of the stomach and the intestines, thereby rendering the mucosa more susceptible to ulcer formation.
Can A Peptic Ulcer Come Back
Yes, a peptic ulcer can come back. If you smoke or take NSAIDs, peptic ulcers are more likely to come back. If you need to take an NSAID, your doctor may switch you to a different medicine or add medicines to help prevent a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer disease can return, even if you have been careful to reduce your risk.
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How To Cure Stomach Ulcers At Home
In this post, well be discussing on how to cure stomach ulcers at home. Not long ago, working persons including businessmen and software professionals believed that ulcers were a sign of hectic work schedules and survived only on not-so-healthy and spicy foods. While lot of these people took pride in such pains considering it as an evidence of their higher aspirations others simply ignored the seriousness of this ailment. What a comedown!
That being said, stomach ulcers are among the serious health concerns that should be treated straight away. While we are relying heavily upon the over-the-counter painkillers we are forgetting how far these pills are safe. These pain-killers can aggravate ulcers by irritating the stomach lining and causing other side effects.
Home Remedies For Stomach Ulcer
Helicobacter pylori
References:
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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.
Natural Remedies For H Pylori
Fortunately, other alternative therapies with less risk of resistance are available. Researchers OMahoney and associates found that certain herbs can kill the H. pylori bacteria. Listed in order of their effectiveness from greatest to least, turmeric, cumin, ginger, borage, black caraway, oregano, and licorice were all found to exert anti H. pylori activity.2 In addition, turmeric, borage, and parsley were also known to inhibit the adherence of H. pylori to the stomach lining. Apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, has also been demonstrated in test tubes to inhibit the growth of H. pylori. In vitro studies have found that garlic, as well, can inhibit the growth of some antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori. Even though herbs may be the more desirable method of cure, they do not yet prove always effective in eradicating H. pylori.
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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:
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History Of Ulcer Causes
Ulcers have a unique and interesting history when it comes to their suspected causes. For decades, stomach ulcers were considered to be psychosomatic, meaning a high-stress lifestyle was to blame. At the time doctors started identifying high rates of ulcers in hard-working businessmen who smoked a lot of cigarettes and were likely sleep-deprived, and then animal studies further confirmed stress-triggered ulcers. Rats producing high amounts of stomach acid experienced a decrease in stomach ulcer symptoms when researchers fed them antacids, so a connection was then drawn between ulcers, chronic stress and an increase in stomach acid, which changed ulcer treatment approaches forever.
A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori was then discovered that seemed to be present in nearly everyone suffering from ulcers. It was also found to run in families and was connected to other digestive disorders, including stomach cancer. In patients given medications/antibiotics to kill H. pylori, ulcers were often resolved at least for a period of time.
However, today its more common to treat ulcers using less risky acid-reducing drugs in combination with lifestyle and dietary changes, rather than prescribing antibiotics to kill H. pylori, which can come with complications and lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics used to combat H. pylori can work short term to lower the bacteria, but dont seem to keep it from returning without other interventions.
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