Stomach ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. They occur when the protective mucus that lines the stomach becomes ineffective.
The common causes of ulcers of the stomach and small intestine are:
- H. pylori bacteria
- A class of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Excess stomach acidity, or hyperacidity. This can occur for a range of reasons, including genetics, smoking, stress, and some foods.
You will feel burning pain or discomfort between your belly button and breastbone. You might especially notice it on an empty stomach, such as between meals or at night.
The pain may stop for a little while if you eat or take an antacid but then return. The pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours and may come and go for many days or weeks.
Other symptoms may include:
- Bloated feeling
- Burping
- Lack of appetite or weight loss
- Nausea
- Bloody or dark poop
- Vomiting
- Dull pain in the stomach
- Weight loss
- Feeling easily full
- Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest
- Pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
- Anemia, whose symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin
Read also:
Important Details Everyone Should Know About Asthma
Earache: 10 Effective Home Remedies
Stomach Disease Gastroenteritis Has 177 Lagosians Hospitalised
Stomach ulcers can be managed and even cured with the following remedies:
- Intake of probiotics. Probiotics are living organisms that help restore balance to the bacteria in the digestive tract. They may reduce the amount of bacteria present. they also speed up the healing process and improve some symptoms. They can be found in yogurts, fermented foods, probiotic supplements, e.t.c
2. Eat ginger. Some people use it to treat stomach and digestive conditions like constipation, bloating, and gastritis. Ginger can help with gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria. Eating ginger may also prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
3. Eat fruits that contain flavonoids, which are polyphenols. Flavonoids contribute to the rich colors of some fruits. Polyphenols can help with stomach ulcers. Flavonoids protect the stomach lining from developing ulcers. They do this by increasing stomach mucus, which inhibits the growth of ulcer-inducing bacteria. Flavonoids are present in apples, blueberries, cherries, lemons, and oranges.
4. Honey has antimicrobial effects against H. Pylori. As such, honey could be useful for treating stomach ulcers. People use honey to speed up wound healing, including skin ulcers, burns, and wounds.
5. Consumption of unripe plantain. Unripe plantains contain a flavonoid called leucocyanidin. Leucocyanidin increases the amount of mucus in the stomach. This also reduces acidity which can help prevent and relieve symptoms of ulcers.
6. Avoid the consumption of too much alcohol because alcohol contributes to the development of ulcers. Alcohol should be replaced with fruit drinks or yogurts.
7. Stay away from spicy foods, citrus fruits, and fatty foods. This is because they irritate the stomach.
Make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us info@plat4om.com. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.