Stomach Acid Burns
Stomach acid is powerful, somewhere between pure lemon juice and battery acid and similar to hydrochloric acid. To protect the stomach, a layer of mucus covers the inside.
Ulcer Signs
A stomach ulcer is a hole in the stomach lining. They are most common in middle age. About 1 in 10 people will get a stomach ulcer in their lifetime.
They often cause pain in the gut that can feel like burning or gnawing. A potential sign of an ulcer is gut distress about an hour after eating or at night. Sometimes, an ulcer creates a feeling of hunger. The pain is typically relieved by eating or with antacids. Occasionally, an ulcer causes chest pain.
NSAID or Bacteria
There are two primary causes of ulcers: bacteria or a side effect of a type of pain reliever. The bacteria that causes ulcers is called H. pylori. This bacteria weakens the layer of mucus that protects the stomach lining. About half of all ulcers are linked to this bacteria. The other half are the result of drug pain relievers. NSAID pain relievers, such as Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen, contribute to ulcers. The only non-ulcer-causing drug pain reliever available without a prescription is Tylenol. Use natural pain relievers whenever possible to reduce the risk of ulcers.
H. pylori
H. pylori is a common bacteria. It may be the most widespread bacteria in the world, infecting 8 out of 10 people in some countries and half of people globally as well as ¾ of people over 70. The bacteria was first identified in 1983 and linked to stomach ulcers and stomach cancer in 1994.
Risky Behaviour
Smoking increases the risk of getting a stomach ulcer, as does heavy alcohol use. A diet low in fibre also increases the risk of ulcers. Stress can trigger an ulcer outbreak if conditions are right. Make sure to maintain your mental health with rest, sleep, exercise, and social interactions.
Diagnosis
The H. pylori bacteria can be detected with a lab test of your breath. Then doctor will often use a stomach scope to look at the ulcer to confirm the problem and rule out other diseases. Left untreated, an ulcer can cause bleeding, which can show up in stool. Over time, an ulcer can burn through the stomach lining or cause a blockage.
Treat an Ulcer
Avoid Trigger Foods
Everyone reacts differently to food. Find out what foods trigger your ulcer by keeping a written food log on your phone. Avoid coffee, which can irritate an ulcer. Tea can help, especially chamomile tea. Avoid fried foods and spicy foods. Chocolate can cause discomfort if you have an ulcer.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables, especially ones with rich colours like apples, blueberries, and cherries, have compounds called polyphenols or flavonoids that have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of ulcers. Also, onions and garlic both hinder the growth of the H. pylori bacteria. Eating these fruits and vegetables is like getting medicine with your food.
Drug Treatment
The primary treatment is drugs that reduce stomach acids like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics to kill the ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria. The bacteria is relatively hard to kill, so it may take a while with antibiotics. PPIs can only be used short term, as in the long term, they have potentially damaging effects.
Alternative Treatments
Bismuth
You likely have used the pink stuff, Pepto-Bismol. It is made with bismuth, a metal. It has been used to protect stomach linings for over a hundred years. It works great in concert with antibiotics to treat ulcers.
Cabbage Juice
Cabbage juice has long been known to help with ulcers. One litre of cabbage juice split into three portions a day can reverse an ulcer in 10 days. It is sometimes called vitamin U, the ulcer vitamin. You can make cabbage juice with a juicer and some cabbage. It doesn’t taste like Kool-aid, but it works quickly.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C in large doses has been shown to get rid of the H. pylori bacteria in some patients. Taking 5,000 mg of vitamin C every day for 4 weeks wiped out the bacteria in ⅓ of patients.
Honey
Honey is a known antibacterial. Different kinds of honey vary widely in their antimicrobial properties. The best is raw honey that has not been pasteurized. Most research on honey’s health benefits is done with raw honey. Raw honey used in hot tea or coffee is less effective as the heat reduces its benefits.
Probiotics
Probiotics, or foods with healthy bacteria, can help with an ulcer. They don’t eliminate the H. pylori bacteria but reduce the quantity. Yogurt is an excellent way to get probiotics, especially high-quality yogurt. You can also use yogurt in many recipes in place of mayonnaise. Probiotics are also available in capsules.
Ginger
Ginger is well known for easing an upset stomach. It turns out it also helps fight the bacteria that cause many ulcers. It hinders the growth of harmful bacteria and even seems to help prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
B12
In people who have taken antacids for a long time, vitamin B12 deficiency is common. Antacids block the absorption of vitamin B12. Antacids also hinder the absorption of iron. A B12 and an iron supplement may be in order if you use antacids regularly.
Aloe Vera
In addition to using it on the skin for burns, Aloe Vera can be used to ease ulcers. To swallow Aloe Vera, use only a food grade. An Aloe Vera for skin use may not be safe to eat. Take a few tablespoons a day mixed with something else, as Aloe Vera is bitter.
Cranberry Juice
It is well known that cranberry juice fights off urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry juice has also been shown to reduce the amount of H pylori bacteria in the body.
Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is made from the licorice shrub—the same plant is used in real licorice candy. Real licorice tastes nothing like red or soft black licorice candy, most of which contain no real licorice.
Licorice Medicine
When used in large doses, licorice root can have dangerous side effects. To reduce these, licorice roots are processed to remove the harmful compound resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). DGL should be taken as a chewable tablet, as saliva activates it. Take 30 minutes before meals.
Undo Ulcers
Ulcers can be uncomfortable and also dangerous. Practice good prevention, but if you develop an ulcer, treat it quickly with vitamin C, probiotics, DGL, cranberry juice, and, if you’re brave, some cabbage juice.
