Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), is a break in the lining of the stomach, first part of the small intestine (duodenum).An ulcer in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer while that in the first part of the intestines is a duodenal ulcer.
CAUSES
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- excessive alcohol consumption
- tobacco smoking
- stress
- NSAIDS (e.g. aspirin)
- glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisolone)
SYMPTOMS
Duodenal ulcers usually cause upper abdominal pain that improves with eating. With a gastric ulcer the pain may worsen with eating. Other symptoms include:
- nausea & vomiting
- weight loss
- poor appetite
- hematemesis (vomiting of blood)
- melena (tarry, foul-smelling feces)
- a perforated ulcer can lead to acute peritonitis, which causes extreme, stabbing pain, & requires immediate surgery.
TREATMENT
- Medications including anti acids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, & antibiotics
- Surgery: perforated peptic ulcer is a surgical emergency and requires surgical repair. Most bleeding ulcers require endoscopy urgently to stop the bleeding.
FOODS TO AVOID
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Fatty foods
- Processed foods
- Salty or spicy foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeinated beverages
In addition to avoiding the foods above, consuming small meals at regular times, eating slowly and chewing your food well can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Also, avoiding smoking, NSAIDS, overeating, eating within two to three hours of going to bed and stress are additional useful strategies.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ULCERS
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps with peptic ulcers by neutralizing stomach acid. For best result, use a product with the “Mother”. The “mother” is a natural residue produced during fermentation, and is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. To use, shake the bottle well, and then drink 2 teaspoons of the ACV mixed with a glass of drinking water daily.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are the live microorganisms that restore the normal flora of the digestive tract. They are present fermented foods. You can also take probiotics in supplement form. Probiotics are helpful in wiping out H. pylori and increasing recovery rate for people with ulcers.
3. Honey
Honey is an antioxidant-rich food and a powerful antibacterial that has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth. Honey also appears to prevent the formation and promote the healing of many wounds, including ulcers.
4. Garlic
Garlic is another food with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth, speed up recovery from ulcers, and even reduce the likelihood of them developing in the first place. For best result, eat two cloves of raw garlic per day. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can take it as a supplement. Garlic acts as a blood thinner, so ask your doctor before taking it if you use warfarin (Coumadin), other prescription blood thinners, or aspirin.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is widely known for its antibacterial properties. It may help with ulcers by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced. It also promotes healing and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract.
P.S. While the natural remedies listed above have been shown to be useful, if you suspect you have an ulcer, they should be used in conjunction with advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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