STOMACH ULCER

Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining which occurs when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced.

This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.

Causes

The two main causes of ulcers of the stomach and small intestine are:

Infection with bacterium Helicobacter pylori bacteria(H-pylori) and a class of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, (NSAIDs).

Symptoms

Symptoms of stomach ulcers include:

1. A gnawing or burning pain in your stomach between meals or at night.

2. Bloating.

3. Heartburn.

4. Nausea or vomiting.

5. Loss of appetite.

6. Dark or black stool.

7. Vomiting blood or material that can look like coffee grounds.

8. Weight loss.

9. Severe pain in your belly.

10. Not wanting to eat because of pain.

Prevention

1. Avoid foods that irritate your stomach. If it upsets your stomach when you eat it, avoid it.

2. Stop smoking. 

Heavy smokers are more likely to develop duodenal ulcers than nonsmokers.

3. Practice moderation. 

Heavy consumption of alcohol and has been shown to contribute to the development of ulcers, so keep your intake to a minimum.

4. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS including aspirin and ibuprofen) with food, as this may decrease your risk of irritating the lining of your stomach.

5. Learn how to control your stress levels. 

Regular exercise and mind-body relaxation techniques (such as guided imagery and yoga or tai chi) are often helpful.

However, eating a nutritious diet and getting enough exercise and sleep is good for your overall health but drinking alcohol and smoking cigarette does make the ulcers worse.

Thanks for reading!

Article by: 

Tijani opeyemi

Food, Nutrients & Health

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