Stomach Ulcer /Peptic Ulcer Information

Heartburn and stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both peptic ulcers. A stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) is a sore that occurs in the lining of the stomach. In general stomach ulcers can be related to infections with helicobacter pylori bacteria.

It is also stated that the overuse of aspirin and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be the cause for gastric ulcers.
 
Heartburn is the irritation of the esophagus lining through acids. It is caused when acid stomach juices move upward into the esophagus.

However, both ailments are related to acids. That is why they share certain symptoms. Also, the pain can be aggravated by the same factors. Although many therapies can be used for both, the treatments for those diseases usually vary.

What causes Stomach Ulcers?

The Helicobacter pylori bacterium is the leading cause of peptic ulcers. It is assumed that h. pylori bacteria are accumulated in the body through food and water. However, h. pylori bacteria can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact.

Click here to learn more about H Pylori Infections

It is also stated that the frequent use of aspirin or of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can cause peptic ulcers as they sabotage the stomach's defense mechanism. NSAIDs prevent the stomach from protective tasks, such as production of lubricant mucus and bicarbonate to neutralize aggressive and harmful acids. They also negatively influence the blood flow and the process of cell repair in the stomach lining.

Recent studies have shown that smokers are more likely to develop peptic ulcers. Smoking aggravates the pain and healing process of peptic ulcers and they are more likely to recur if a person is a smoker.

Beverages containing caffeine certainly aggravate the pain as it stimulates acid production in the stomach, however it cannot be made responsible for the development of gastric ulcers.

It is also recommended to avoid alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption causes liver cirrhosis, an ailment that can be observed more frequently in people with peptic ulcers.

Although it is often stated that stress cannot be the cause for stomach ulcers, people with emotional stress usually perceive more pain and physical stress can increase the risk of developing a peptic ulcer.

Lifestyle Tips

First of all, there is no diet that will either make stomach ulcers go away or avoid people from getting them. There is just a diet that will lessen the pain and symptoms. Of course, the wrong diet will slow down the healing process and lead to discomfort and complications.

Generally it is recommended that people eat the food that makes them feel best. Therefore if your favorite spicy food really does not make you feel worse there is no medical reason why you should not eat it. However, try to avoid all kinds of foods that promote the acid production (see recommendations) in order to avoid a further irritation of the stomach lining.
 
Please keep in mind that food affects every person differently.

* Probiotics might restore the balance of the stomach. Probiotics are healthy bacteria, often found in yogurt, that protect the stomach. Lactobacillus acidophilus, the most famous probiotic, has even shown to slow down the growth of the h. pylori bacterium. A treatment with L. acidophilus tablets may be helpful in combination with Active Manuka Honey, and could even speed up the healing process and cure peptic ulcers naturally.