Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers. These are the open sores that form on the inner lining of esophagus, stomach and first part of our small intestine.
According to Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City,
“The two most common causes of ulcers are
(i) H. pylori, a bacterial infection
(ii) Medications, most commonly aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), and iron tablets.
Symptoms:
According to National Institute of Health, the most common symptom of peptic ulcers is burning pain in the stomach.
Typically, the pain starts between meals or during the night, and may stop if you eat or take antacid medications. The pain comes and goes for several days or weeks, and can be felt anywhere from your navel up to your breastbone.
Dr. Swaminath said that, although the most common symptom of ulcers is pain, the condition can also present as bleeding or anemia, Swaminath said.
Psychological stress can cause symptoms that mimic the symptoms of ulcers, but because stressed-out people are at the same risk for factors that really can result in ulcers, they should consult their doctor if they have persistent symptoms.
Causes
(i) Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help digest food damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The insides of the digestive tract are coated with a mucus layer that protects against stomach acid, but in some people who are infected with H. pylori, the bacteria get into the mucosal lining in the stomach, creating holes and exposing more sensitive tissue to stomach acid.
(ii) H. pylori is a common infection, and it is possible that the bacteria is spread between people through contact with infected stool, vomit or saliva. It also may be contracted from contaminated water or food.
(iii) Regular use of certain pain relievers, specifically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil). These medications, as well as naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen, can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Peptic ulcers are more common in older adults who take these pain medications frequently or in people who take these medications for osteoarthritis.
(iv) Cigarettes, alcohol, and stress can enhance the effect of symptoms by further irritating the stomach lining.
(v) If not treated, stomach ulcers can cause bleeding from the ulcer that can lead to anemia. The bleeding can show up as black colored stool.
Foods to consume as part of an ulcer diet for fast relief:
(i) Small meals – Eat several meals per day to reduce the burden on the digestive system and relieve ulcer symptoms.
(ii) High fiber foods – An increase in fiber can repair ulcers, aim for 30 grams per day.
(iii) Green leafy vegetables – These vegetables provide ‘Vitamin K’ that can help repair damage caused by too much stomach acid.
(iv) Cabbage juice – Has been shown to heal ulcers, can be diluted with some carrot juice for additional benefit.
(v) Fermented foods. Good bacteria in the gut can help prevent H. pylori infection. Add unsweetened yogurt to your diet.
Foods to be Avoided
(i) Spicy foods – Can irritate ulcers.
(ii) Caffeine – Coffee and certain teas can make ulcers worse.
(iii) Alcohol – May actually trigger ulcers.
(iv) Any potential allergen – Food allergies can cause ulcers or make them worse.
(v) Sugar – Can feed bad bacteria and make ulcers worse.