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Ulcers are open, painful wounds with much resemblance to sores. The most common types of ulcers are stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are small erosions in the gastrointestinal tract and will occur most commonly in the first 12 inches of the small intestine. These crater-like sores are usually about ¼ inch to ¾ inch in diameter. In order to crush the consumed foods, the stomach uses the help of digestive juices such as hydrochloric acid or pepsin. If there is an imbalance between the aggressive and defensive factors it could lead to the development of an ulcer. For example, while the condition can be caused by the presence of too much acid and pepsin within the stomach, it can also be started off by some other cause that makes the stomach lining susceptible to even an ordinary level of gastric acid. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition include a burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, between the breastbone and the navel, a noticeable loss of appetite, weight loss, extreme tiredness, weakness and blood in the vomit or stool. The condition can be caused and greatly aggravated by a number of lifestyle choices such as smoking – which tends to significantly slow down the healing process of the ulcers; alcohol consumption – which is known to increase the likelihood of development of new ulcers; and physical stress which is known to increase the of developing gastric ulcers. An improper diet or the skipping of meals has also been known to aggravate the condition.

The condition is exceedingly common and affects about 20 million Americans at least once during their life. Around 40,000 Americans develop stomach ulcers every year while about 6,000 Americans die as a direct result of the condition, every year.

With regards to treatment of the condition with ingredients easily found in your home or nearby grocery store, the use of cabbage is one of the most effective home remedies of the condition. All you need to do is boil about 250 grams of cabbage in about 500 ml of water until half the water has evaporated and allow it to cool. Drink this solution twice every day for best results. Milk that is prepared with the help of bleached almonds in a blender is a very useful remedy for peptic ulcers and helps bind the excess of acids in the stomach and also supplies a beneficial amount of high quality protein.

answered by G M

Ulcers are deep sores or lesions on the digestive tract that may not heal on its own. The digestive tract comprises of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and intestines. Ulcers are known as gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers), peptic ulcers (stomach and duodenum ulcers) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum ulcers). Such ulcers are caused due to various reasons that lead o sores and lesions on the stomach lining resulting in severe health complications. The term peptic ulcer is derived from pepsin enzymes that help break down protein in the stomach. Excess of pepsin enzymes and other acids can erode the lining of the stomach causing health disorders. Ulcers are caused due to various reasons such as prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medicines, infection caused by H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria, genetic or hereditary and due to excessive consumption of alcohol or smoking that contribute to damaging the stomach lining. Physical or emotional stress cannot lead to ulcers but can surely aggravate an existing one.

Some common symptoms associated with ulcers are discomfort while eating or drinking (signs of gastric ulcer), ease in eating or drinking but feeling of discomfort within a short time span (duodenal ulcer), nausea, vomiting, weakness, sudden weight loss, heartburn, indigestion and chest pain. Abdominal pains are the first sings of a possible ulcer. The extent of pain and discomfort signals the severity of the damage. Vomiting blood, sudden and unusual weakness and blood in stools are signs of ulcers getting worse.

Mild ulcers can be treated with the help of natural remedies such as intake of raw cabbage juice (to improve the blood flow to the stomach and strengthen the stomach lining); consuming local honey (helps eliminate bacteria in the digestive system). Most importantly one needs to have a balanced diet to avoid losing too much weight. You also need to ensure you are getting enough of required vitamins and nutrients to heal faster. Recommended diet tips include a rich fiber diet to strengthen the stomach lining. Fiber rich foods include oats, whole grains, bananas, fruits and vegetables with skin. It is advisable to avoid spicy foods, oily and fatty foods, alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol and nicotine, in particular cause damage to the stomach lining. Avoid prolonged use of medicines unless so prescribed because medicines can cause side effects such as ulcers. Practicing mild relaxation techniques such as meditation or indulging in favorite hobbies such as reading or watching movies can relieve tension. This helps your system accelerate the healing process and helps you get back in action faster.

answered by M W

A sharp gnawing or burning pain (heartburn) in the epigastria is the primary symptom for gastric or duodenal ulcers. This pain often occurs behind the breast bone when the stomach is empty (between meals) or early in the morning. The pain usually can last from few minutes to few hours.
Other symptoms include distention of stomach due to flatulence, belching, mental tension, insomnia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, chest pain, gradual weakening of the body, sometimes anemia (in bleeding ulcers), loss of appetite and weight.

answered by S P

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