Stomach ulcers, which are like painful sores inside your stomach or the beginning of your small intestine, can happen because the strong stomach acid irritates the lining.
These ulcers are often caused by two main things:
1. infection: Sometimes, a tiny germ called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori for short, can infect your stomach and lead to ulcers.
2. Medicines: Taking certain pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin for a long time can also cause ulcers.
Some people think that stress or eating spicy foods can create ulcers, but they don't really cause them. However, if you already have an ulcer, stress and spicy foods can make it hurt more by making your stomach produce more acid.
If you have an ulcer, it can make your stomach feel like it's burning. This burning sensation can happen for a few minutes or even hours, and it might get better when you take antacids or stop eating. Sometimes, it can wake you up in the middle of the night or occur when you're having a meal. These symptoms can come and go over several weeks.
To feel better, you can try some things at home:
1.Change Your Diet: Eat smaller meals more often, and avoid foods that are spicy or make your stomach hurt.
2.Take Antacids: These are over-the-counter medicines that can calm down the acid in your stomach.
3.Watch What You Eat: Figure out if certain things like alcohol or certain medicines make your pain worse, and try to avoid them.
4. Manage Stress: Stress can make the pain worse, so try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
5.Quit Smoking: Smoking can make ulcers worse, so if you smoke, quitting can help.
But remember, it's important to see a doctor too. They can check what's going on and give you the right treatment for your ulcer.
10 Remedies You can use at Home
1.Probiotics
These are living organisms that help restore balance to the bacteria in your gut. They're like the good guys that keep your digestive system healthy. Probiotics can be helpful in treating ulcers. They might not completely get rid of the bad H. pylori bacteria, but they can reduce their numbers, speed up healing, and make you feel better.
You can get probiotics from:
- Yogurts
- Fermented foods (like kimchi or sauerkraut)
- Probiotic supplements (these have more probiotics in one serving)
2.Ginger
Many people believe ginger can protect your stomach. It's used for stomach and digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and gastritis. Some research suggests that ginger can help heal gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria. It might also prevent ulcers caused by pain relievers like ibuprofen.
However, most of this research is from studies on animals, so we're not entirely sure if ginger has the same effects in humans. Still, ginger is generally considered good for your stomach and might be worth a try if you're dealing with digestive problems or ulcers.
3. Colorful fruits like apples, blueberries, cherries, lemons, and oranges contain flavonoids, which protect the stomach lining from ulcers and have antioxidant properties.
4. Unripe plantains also help with ulcers due to a flavonoid called leucocyanidin, which increases stomach mucus and reduces acidity. In short, these fruits are good for your stomach health.
5.Honey
has antimicrobial effects, possibly helpful for stomach ulcers. It also promotes wound healing.
6.Turmeric, with curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help prevent ulcers. More research is needed, but initial results are promising for symptom relief and treatment.
7.Chamomile
Often employed in the form of chamomile flowers or chamomile teas, has been traditionally used to alleviate minor anxiety, intestinal spasms, and inflammation. A review study published in 2012 shed light on the possibility that chamomile extracts possess anti-ulcer properties. These extracts may have the capacity to inhibit the development of stomach ulcers and potentially expedite the healing process. However, it is important to note that much of this research primarily originates from animal studies, and the translation of these effects to humans remains uncertain.
8.Garlic, renowned globally for its culinary contributions, also offers potential health benefits due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of garlic in treating ulcers. For instance, a 2016 study conducted on animals demonstrated that garlic exhibited the potential to prevent the formation of ulcers and promote their healing. Furthermore, a 2015 review suggested that garlic might hinder the growth of H. pylori, a bacterium associated with stomach ulcers. Additionally, a small-scale study from the same year indicated that consuming two cloves of garlic with a meal, twice daily, could exert antibacterial effects against H. pylori.
Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that not all research findings are in agreement regarding garlic's impact on H. pylori or its role in ulcer prevention. Consequently, further scientific investigation is required to establish a more definitive understanding of the potential benefits of chamomile and garlic in managing stomach-related issues.
9.Licorice, a widely recognized spice native to the Mediterranean region and Asia, has a history of use in traditional medicines spanning centuries. Some individuals believe that the consumption of dried licorice root may aid in the treatment and prevention of ulcers. However, it is worth noting that scientific research in this context often concentrates on licorice supplements rather than the consumption of dried licorice root directly. Consequently, individuals interested in leveraging the potential benefits of licorice for ulcer management may consider exploring licorice supplements.
A notable 2013 study observed that licorice supplements could be effective in combatting H. pylori infections, a bacterium associated with stomach ulcers. The study suggests that licorice supplements have the capacity to hinder the growth of this bacterium, potentially contributing to ulcer prevention.
10.Aloe vera, a well-known plant-based extract utilized in various topical lotions, cosmetics, and dietary products. Some research studies have yielded promising results regarding the impact of Aloe vera on stomach ulcers. For instance, a 2011 study conducted on rats found that Aloe vera demonstrated efficacy in treating ulcers, comparable to the effects of a commonly used anti-ulcer medication.
However, it is essential to emphasize that these studies were conducted on animals, not humans. Consequently, additional research is imperative to ascertain the potential effects of Aloe vera on human subjects. While the initial findings are encouraging, the need for further scientific investigation remains critical to determine the precise role of Aloe vera in managing stomach ulcers in humans.
Stomach sores can happen for different reasons, and how we treat them depends on what's causing them:
1.Pain Relievers: If you've been taking pain medicines like ibuprofen and they're the reason for the sore, your doctor might say to stop or use other pain relief options.
2. Stomach Acid Reducers (like Nexium): These drugs help lower the acid in your stomach and can also fight a germ called H. pylori, which can be linked to sores.
3. Acid Reducing Medicines: These medications lower the stomach acid production.
4.Protective Medication (like Carafate): This medicine forms a shield around the sore to stop more damage.
If your sore is because of an H. pylori bug, your doctor will give you antibiotics to get rid of it. It's really important to take all the antibiotics they give you, even if you start feeling better before you finish them.
Doctors often use a mix of these treatments to deal with sores effectively. You can also think about some natural remedies, but it's important to talk to your doctor for the right diagnosis and medical advice. These home remedies can help prevent future sores and ease your symptoms naturally.
By Andrew Anongu DailyHealth
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