Stomach Ulcers are very annoying. Ulcers are painful and open sores that occur in any part of the body, inside and outside alike. Well, they are most common in the stomach. Stomach ulcers occur following the decline in effectiveness of the protective mucus that lines the stomach. These sores occur usually in the lining of the stomach or in the small intestine. Stomach ulcers have the tendency to lead to greater and more significant problems if left untreated although it is quite easy to cure.
Ulcers are usually caused by:
The H.Pylori bacterium that cause inflammation of the stomach. It is usually passed through food and water. Researchers are still trying to create a vaccine to prevent the infection.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome- These are rare virus caused by excess production of stomach acid.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Smoking and drinking makes the stomach ulcer prone.
Stomach ulcer can further be divided into:
Duodenal Ulcers: this affects the upper portion of the small intestines.
Gastric Ulcers: this affects the stomach typically
Esophageal Ulcer: this affects the oesophagus.
SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH ULCERS
Dyspepsia (also known as indigestion)
Pain in the stomach area which may be ‘biting’
Bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Inability to keep down food
Nausea and vomiting
Bleeding that accompanies stool in severe cases.
Perforation of the stomach.
Internal bleeding
Scar tissue
PREVENTION OF STOMACH ULCERS
Wash your hands to reduce the risk of coming in contact with the H. Pylori bacterium
Avoid smoking
Avoid drinking- including coffee, chocolate drinks
Avoid acidic and hot peppery foods as they are bound to irritate your stomach
Avoid Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if you must use, tell your doctor and use with food.
Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and drink clean water
Control your stress level
Don’t starve! It is important you eat once you feel the urge to eat. Don’t skip food because you are trying to lose weight.
Eat fruits and vegetables
TREATMENT OF ULCERS
Ulcers may be treated by:
ANTIBIOTICS: Medications will be prescribed by your doctor to help kill the infection. You may have to do more than just antibiotics if the symptoms persist.
ANTACIDS: These provide temporary relief and reduce stomach acid and ulcer pain.
SURGERIES: This occurs in severe cases as surgery might include:
Cutting the nerve that controls stomach acid production
Tying off bleeding blood vessels
Removing the Ulcers
Sewing tissue from another site to the ulcer
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR TREATING ULCER
PROBIOTICS- Way To Go! These are present in foods and as supplements. They are yeast and living bacteria that provide healthy and important microorganisms to the digestive tract. Examples are yoghurt, buttermilk, e.t.c
GARLIC- Your Go-To Herb! As a blood thinner, garlic is known to inhibit the growth of H. Pylori and has the reputation of being that herb that you cannot do away with. Avoid the use of garlic with other blood thinners though.
FLAVONOIDS- The Gastro Protective Compound! Flavonoids may occur naturally in a vast number of vegetables and fruits but with side effects when too much of it is consumed. Like Probiotics, they are obtainable in foods like apples, tea- especially green tea, Soybean or as a form of food supplement
HONEY- The Natural Sweetener! Honey is sweet and is also an anti-oxidant with superb antibacterial properties. It is tasty and inhibit the growth of H. Pylori
FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND FIBRE: It is of immensely service to self to implore that use of a fruit centred, vegetable present and fibre providing meal. Oats, Mexican Oregano, berries…. And the list is endless.
When you discover any symptom of ulcer, take action! It is important to you and your health so as to avoid a degeneration into something worse. We should take care of our bodies, that’s the only place we have got to live in.
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