Stomach ulcers is one of the most common types of health condition that is suffered by a large number of people. Usually ulcers are viewed as a minor health condition, and are not given the due importance that they need. Often, people think of them as part of life, but in reality stomach ulcers can even lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and death.
Some of the symptoms of stomach ulcers include:
• feeling of sickness
• Weight loss
The gastric mucosal lining the stomach bursts due to presence of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices.
Common causes
Consumption of alcohol and tobacco can expedite the development of stomach ulcers. Aside from that, fried and spicy food can also lead to such ulcers.
Stomach ulcers can also occur due to bacterium (Helicobacter pylori). It is a infectious bacterium that leads to ulcers in stomach lining and is one of the key causes of duodenal and gastric ulcers. It may get transmitted from one person to another through contaminated water and food.
Other causes of stomach ulcers include familial and genetic disposition, excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, and stress. Aside from that, excessive smoking, use of anti-inflammatory medications, obesity and advancing age can contribute to the development is such ulcers.
Some useful tips for controlling stomach ulcers are:
1. Change your lifestyle-You should avoid carbonated and alcoholic drinks, nicotine and citric juices.
2. Avoid spicy food-Foods that are rich in spices can worsen stomach ulcers as they are highly irritating to the inner lining of stomach. For this reason, you should be careful of what you eat and avoid foods that worsen your condition.
3. Take small, frequent meals-When you take small meals, it will create less discomfort as your stomach won’t be overly full. This also protects your damaged stomach lining from gastric acids.
4. Medicines- In most of the cases, doctors prescribe medications. They may include H2 blockers, antacids and proton pump inhibitors. If your condition is really serious, you should follow the instructions of doctors as this will help you in getting fast and lasting relief.
5. Relax-Stress is another factor that can cause ulcers. The production of hydrochloric acid is increased in stressed person, thereby aggravating the ulcer symptoms. If you have a fast lifestyle, you should try some relaxation strategies as they will work well and show results within no time.
6.Vitamin K supplements-Many studies have revealed that vitamin K can help in preventing bleeding and can cure stomach ulcers.
7. Cabbage juice-It is a natural healer of stomach ulcers. Cabbage contains L-Glutamine, an amino acid that strengthens the cell lining in the stomach and esophagus. You can get it in supplement forms (capsules, or pills) and is as effective as drinking cabbage juice.
8. Aloe vera juice-Aside from being helpful in burns, it also has many healing properties and prevents ulcers.
9. Various hers such as chamomile, slippery elm, marshmallow, licorice, agrimony and calendula are also helpful in healing stomach ulcers if taken on regular basis. The best thing about these natural treatments is that they have no side effect and provide long lasting results.
