When the stomach lining starts to erode, a peptic ulcer develops.Symptoms include burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel, belching, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and feeling tired and weak.Antacids, acid blockers or antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer.In addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, there are several other things you can do to prevent future flare-ups.
Step 1: All prescribed medication must be taken.
Antibiotics are needed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori if your health care provider believes it was the cause of your peptic ulcer.The stomach's protective coating is weakened by H. pylori, which can cause damage to the sensitive layers below."Triple Therapy" is what you will be prescribed if you have H. pylori.Three kinds of medication are taken for a period of time.You will need to take two antibiotics.The acid production will be reduced by the inhibitor.
Step 2: Don't use nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs.
NSAID's can cause pain and irritation.The stomach can be made more vulnerable to acid and pepsin by taking common drugs.Nonprescription drugs can be used to treat headaches or muscle pain.Don't forget to check the ingredients and talk to your doctor about whether or not you can take NSAIDs.
Step 3: Be careful of antacids.
Over the counter antacids can be used to relieve irritation and pain of indigestion.They won't cure or treat an ulcer.If you want to take antacids, be sure to speak to your doctor first as they can block the absorption of your prescribed medication, and therefore lower its effectiveness.Doctors recommend taking antacids at least an hour before you take your medication.There are antacids that are easily accessible.
Step 4: The production of stomach acid can be increased by food.
People have different foods that may irritate ulcers.Some people can eat whatever they want, but not everyone.Over time, you will have to figure out which foods cause your problems and limit them in your diet.It helps to prevent ulcers in the future.Foods that increase stomach acid production are a good place to start.Diets rich in red meat, fried or fat foods, and refined foods should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcers.Don't eat dairy foods with whole milk or cream.Minty foods increase the production of stomach acid.Diets heavy in these foods can cause irritation and an increase in stomach acid.
Step 5: Don't eat food that may hurt your ulcer.
Some foods can irritate your ulcer more than others because they can cause increased production of stomach acid.There are some general recommendations for those with an ulcer, but this will vary from person to person.Attempting to avoid eating spicy food is the first of these.If you have an ulcer, you can feel the sting of spicy food in your stomach.The second recommendation is to avoid drinks that are acidic.If you drink highly acidic orange or lemon juice you could get blisters.Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and heavily seasoned food should be avoided.
Step 6: You should eat a lot of fiber.
Diets rich in whole grains and fiber rich foods, with limited dairy, help control the production of stomach acid.Make sure you get a lot of vegetables in your diet.Your body may not be able to heal your ulcer if you don't eat enough vitamins.Whole-wheat bread, pasta, and brown rice are good sources of fiber.Limit the amount of lean meat and low fat dairy products.If you have an ulcer, you should think about what food causes you irritation and talk to your doctor about it.Fruits and vegetables with high levels of vitamins and minerals may also be eaten.Continue to drink water as part of your diet.
Step 7: You should eat meals on a regular basis.
A person with a peptic ulcer shouldn't eat meals that vary in size.Doing so may cause a disruption in the normal production of stomach acid.Keeping meals small and regular can help reduce stomach acid.Small regular meals may be better for your stomach than large irregular ones.You should not eat anything before you go to bed.
Step 8: Drink less of alcohol.
People who drink a lot of alcohol are more likely to develop peptic ulcers.If you have been diagnosed with an ulcer and continue to drink alcohol, you should avoid it.This is true for strong alcohol.Alcohol can cause an inflammation of the stomach that can take a long time to heal.
Step 9: It's a good idea to cut down on coffee.
Coffee can increase the production of stomach acid, which in turn increases the likelihood of your ulcer becoming irritated.Stimulants are best avoided when you have an ulcer.Coffee, tea, energy drinks and soda are some of the drinks that contain caffeine, so be sure to check the label if you aren't sure.Decaffeinated coffee can increase stomach acid production.It is possible to avoid even decaffeinated coffee.
Step 10: Avoid nicotine.
Second-hand smoke can be avoided if you quit smoking.The stomach lining can be weakened by the chemicals in cigarette smoke.Nicotine can cause an increase in the production of stomach acid, which can irritate an ulcer.Nicotine can cause inflammation which can affect the healing process.
Step 11: It's a good thing to reduce stress.
When emotional stress in a person's life increases, so does their ulcer irritation.A program that reduces stress can help you.Try relaxing with yoga, meditation or tai chi.It has been suggested that a formal stress reduction program with a class might be more effective for people with an ulcer.