Stomach Ulcers
A stomach ulcer (also known as peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer) is a sore on the inside of the stomach. The majority of stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Excess stomach acid and stress don't cause ulcers, but they may make existing ulcers more painful. Ulcers can be treated, but the treatment generally requires six to eight weeks to work. An irritated ulcer can make life miserable. Luckily there are things that can be done - or not done - to avoid irritating a stomach ulcer. Image Courtesy: Getty
Learn about Anti-inflammatory Drugs
A long-term regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach ulcers. The likes of aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen fall under NSAIDs. You should replace their intake with acetaminophen. You must learn which anti-inflammatory drugs are safe to take. Image Courtesy: Getty
Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption
Alcohol and caffeine can cause the acid level in your stomach to rise quickly and cause additional pain and heartburn. These drinks also irritate the stomach and intestine lining. Image Courtesy: Getty
Quit Active and Passive Smoking
Chemicals in cigarettes weaken the stomach lining and irritate ulcers. They may even cause new ulcers to develop. Plus, the stomach acid increases with cigarette smoke which can irritate the ulcers. Image Courtesy: Getty
Eat Smartly
Avoid eating red meat, fried or fatty foods, and refined foods like flour or sugar when you suffer a stomach ulcer. Such foods can irritate an ulcer further and can increase stomach acid. You will find relief by consuming whole grains and fibre rich foods because they control the production of stomach ulcers. Also, limit your dairy consumption. Image Courtesy: Getty
Eat Regularly
Infrequent meals that vary in sizes are not recommended for people with stomach ulcers. This may cause disruption in stomach acid production and end up irritating an ulcer. Eat smaller 5-6 meals a day at regular intervals. Image Courtesy: Getty
Take Medications
If your doctor has prescribed medications to treat your stomach ulcers, you must take them on time and should not miss any doses. Your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori bacteria which are the cause in 70 to 90 percent cases of ulcers. Image Courtesy: Getty
Cut Down on Stress
Stress and ulcer pain may be loosely correlated but some ulcer sufferers complain of an increase in ulcer irritation when they find themselves experiencing emotional stress. Image Courtesy: Getty
