Stomach ulcers – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Stomach ulcers, also referred to as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining. They are a type of peptic ulcer disease, which are any ulcers that affect both the stomach and small intestines. Stomach ulcers develop when the thick layer of mucus that protects the stomach from digestive juices is reduced, allowing the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues lining the stomach. In turn, this results in an ulcer.

One of the most common causes of stomach ulcers is an infection due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Another common cause of stomach ulcers is the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. In rare cases, a condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of acid.

Known symptoms of stomach ulcers

The most common signs of a stomach ulcer is indigestion or dyspepsia, which in turn causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. It can be mistaken for heartburn, which can also occur at the same time. Heartburn, on the other hand, can be a result of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs slightly higher up from the stomach and is felt in the lower part of the chest. Although it may be common, not all stomach ulcers cause indigestion. Stomach ulcers also cause a burning or dull pain in the stomach area, which is sometimes described as a biting or gnawing pain, or a hungry sensation. Other side effects of stomach ulcers include weight loss, nausea and vomiting, not eating due to pain, burping, bloating, and pain.

In some cases, stomach ulcers can go unnoticed and show no typical indigestion-type pains. These ulcers are less common and are more likely to be diagnosed after the ulcer has started bleeding. Some ulcers can cause also cause a hole in the stomach wall, which is a serious condition referred to as perforation.

Body systems harmed by stomach ulcers

The body system harmed by stomach ulcers us the digestive system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent stomach ulcers

Foods and nutrients that prevent stomach ulcers include fruits and vegetables, fiber, probiotics, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.

Treatments, management plans for stomach ulcers

In general, treatments for stomach ulcers include making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if overweight, avoiding any trigger foods like coffee, tomatoes, fatty foods, and spicy foods, eating smaller meals, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

Natural and home remedies for stomach ulcers include foods rich in flavonoids, such as soybeans, legumes, red grapes, kale, broccoli, apples, berries, and green tea; licorice; foods rich in probiotics, such as buttermilk, yogurt, miso, kimchi, and kefir; honey; garlic; cranberry; mastic; fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Where to learn more

• Stop stomach ulcers with the miracle remedy of cabbage
• Heal and Soothe Stomach Ulcers without Mainstream Drugs
• The endless health benefits of broccoli
• Prevention and Natural Treatment Help Acid Indigestion and Stomach Ulcers
• Glutamine May Treat Ulcers, Prevent Stomach Cancer

Summary

Stomach ulcers cause indigestion, heartburn, pain in the stomach area, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, not eating due to pain, burping, and bloating.

Stomach ulcers can be prevented with foods and nutrients such as fruits and vegetables, fiber, probiotics, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.

Stomach ulcers can be treated by making healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding trigger foods.

Stomach ulcers treatments include flavonoid-rich foods, probiotics, garlic, cranberry, mastic, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Sources include:

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2

MedicalNewsToday.com

Patient.info