Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are a common and painful ailment. They are a result of a small break in the inner lining of the stomach. Ulcers form due to a number of reason - faulty diets (processed foods, fried and spicy foods), alcohol, nicotine, and stress. They may also be a result of some other underlying condition. The digestive tract comprises of the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, which is the first part of your intestines, and the intestines. These sores are commonly found in the duodenal and are known as duodenal ulcers. When they occur in the stomach, they are referred to as gastric or stomach ulcers. In some individuals, they form in the esophagus and are known as esophageal ulcers. These crater-like sores generally range anything from ¼ inch to about ¾ of an inch. In some cases, they could be as large as 1 to 2 inches.
Symptoms of stomach ulcer include abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. The conventional stomach ulcer remedy is prescribed antibiotics. This course of treatment often leads to harsh side effects, causing many to opt for alternative stomach ulcer remedies. Most people suffering from stomach ulcers may just have some stomach pain, which in some cases could be severe and sharp. Others do not have any kind of symptoms. However, those suffering from ulcers may have other related health problems. In cases where the ulcers have become too deep, they could bleed or perforate. Bleeding stomach ulcer symptoms could be that you vomit blood and blood passes through your stools. Sometimes, ulcers could block food from moving through your stomach. It is best you get help if you have symptoms such as vomiting blood, vomiting food consumed about a couple of hours ago or a few days ago, you feel clammy or cold, you feel dizzy or weak, you pass blood through your stools, keep losing weight, and if the pain does not go away despite medication.
Stomach ulcers are not restricted to only men and women but are found in children as well, and to find an appropriate cure one needs to know the causes of stomach ulcers. So what causes stomach ulcers? The main cause of stomach ulcers is the damage caused to the mucosal lining (intestinal or gastric) of the stomach due to the hydrochloric acid that is present in the stomach's digestive juices. Those infected with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium are also more prone to duodenal and gastric ulcers. Some other causes of stomach ulcers include the continual use of medications that have anti-inflammatory properties and cigarette smoking.
Alternative Stomach Ulcer Remedies
Stomach ulcer natural remedies work towards repairing and energizing the body in an effort to help the body heal itself. Stomach ulcer treatment can be done at home naturally by following a proper diet. A fiber-rich diet helps provide protection against ulcers. Make sure you follow a stomach ulcer diet that includes legumes, vegetables, fruits and whole grains that help produce certain substances that protect your stomach lining. Avoiding foods that are spicy is another way to control the formation of ulcers. Healing stomach ulcers naturally by consuming fresh cabbage juice is also possible. The amino acid produced on consuming cabbage juice leads to an increased blood flow to the stomach's lining and helps strengthen it. Home remedies for stomach ulcers usually focus on strengthening and protecting the stomach lining against acids.
There are many stomach ulcer remedies that one can easily practice at home.Some of the more common home remedies for stomach ulcer include:
It is essential to consult a doctor before combining home remedies for stomach ulcer with conventional treatment.
Benefits of these home remedies
Antibiotics are strong and come with side effects. Stomach ulcer natural remedies are gentler on the body; they are safe and cause little or no side effects. Home remedies are also cheaper and easily available.
Stomach ulcer natural remedies aim towards preventing, controlling and curing the ulcer; they heal not just the symptom but the root problem ensuring long term relief and a healthier lifestyle.
Lastly, drink as much water as possible as it helps dilute the acid that is there in your stomach and restricts any further damage to your intestine. Avoid packaged and junk food as they contain preservatives that can aggravate the situation. Also make sure you restrict your intake of hot beverages such as tea and coffee. Stop drinking carbonated water as well as cold drinks. Avoid getting stressed as much as possible as it aggravates peptic ulcers. Certain yoga postures such as the palm tree pose are also considered to be extremely beneficial in treating patients suffering from stomach ulcers.