Ulcers are usually caused by a bacterium named helicobacter pylori. This bacterium can burrow into the stomach's protective mucous coat and irritate the stomach lining. Along with the damage caused by stomach acid this forms an ulcer. The long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause stomach ulcers. Stress, spicy food, alcohol use and other lifestyle factors are known to irritate ulcers. According to the National Center of Disease Control more than 25 million Americans suffer from ulcers. Self-care at home can help cure ulcers.
Food
Your diet does not have any effect on forming an ulcer. Spicy and fried foods can irritate people who have already developed ulcers. If you discover a food that causes you pain, then avoid eating that food. Ulcer pain can strike on an empty stomach. One key is to always have some food in the stomach for the stomach acid to work on. This means to eat smaller meals but eat more frequently. Try not to overeat. This causes weight gain and the production of more stomach acid. Just eat your normal calorie amount spread out throughout the day. Milk used to be considered a treatment for ulcers. It was believed that it neutralized stomach acid. Modern medicine has discovered that calcium-rich foods acid. So while the dairy protein in milk soothes the burning pain, the calcium makes the ulcer worse.
Lifestyle
Stress does not cause the formation of ulcers. Stress can make your ulcer feel worse. Change the way you react to stress to make your ulcer feel better. You need to learn to cope with stress more effectively. You can take a stress management class in order to learn different techniques. Some suggestions are to find an enjoyable hobby, learn to meditate or participate in an aerobic exercise program. Smoking is not a way to deal with stress and actually causes an increase in stomach acid production. Smoking inhibits the creation of prostaglandins and sodium bicarbonate, which is naturally produced by the body and protects the stomach lining. Smoking also prohibits blood circulation that is required for healing of the ulcer.
Medications
The most common treatment for ulcers is antibiotics coupled with an acid reducing medication. This treatment usually lasts one to two weeks. Over-the-counter antacids may bring you ulcer relief but it is easy to under- or over-medicate. They also have side effects if used for a prolonged period of time. Aluminum-based antacids can cause constipation. They also interfere with the digestion of phosphorus from foods. The long-term result is weakness and bone damage. Magnesium-based antacids can cause diarrhea. Overuse causes weakness and fatigue due to high blood levels of magnesium. Prolonged use of antacids is known to cause over production of stomach acid. The use of antacids can mask the symptoms of more serious issues.
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