Stomach ulcers are an extremely painful condition. Ulcer is essentially an open sore or wound in the lining of the stomach that causes various symptoms. These include burning like sensation in the stomach. Heartburn, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite are some other symptoms that stem from peptic ulcers.
However, severe ulcer may also lead to some other serious signs like blood in the vomit or dark stools, which are indicative of bleeding ulcers. Similarly, breathing problems, disorientation and dizziness and weight loss are some of the other serious symptoms that accompany this condition.
Anyone who is suffering from the aforementioned symptoms needs to immediately schedule an appointment with the top internal medicine specialist in Lahore.
Causes of Stomach Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are caused by various factors. These include taking too many pain medications like NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or aspirin etc. Another common culprit of stomach ulcer is the bacteria helicobacter pylori, which is commonly referred to as H.pylori.
There are other elements that aggravate a preexisting condition. These include; stress, alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
Ulcers are tricky to treat as they cause constant agony and pain medication cannot be taken to remedy the situation. The only treatment option then available to people includes holistic approach based on lifestyle changes and reevaluation of the dietary habits.
The do’s of ulcer management
There are certain disease management principles that need to be followed in the case of ulcers to improve the condition of the person. These include:
1 Eat foods that help fight H.pylori
The major cause of ulcer is H.pylori and the body thus needs to be fortified to fight this ulcer-causing bacteria. Foods that are effective against H.pylori include berries like strawberry, green leafy vegetables like kale, apples, cabbage, probiotics like yogurt, olive oil, green tea etc.
These natural foods should be taken instead of the processed, junk and fried foods. All the natural foods rich in antioxidants are great for fighting the bacteria.
2 Take supplements
Our body needs good bacteria, probiotics, to be able to fight the pathogens effectively. It is thus important to take enough probiotics in diet. However, some people need antibiotics to get better from the bacterial infection which can also target the good bacteria in the body. Hence, taking supplements for a more robust action can also be effective.
3 Practice good hygiene
Bacterial infections can also be caused on account of bad hygiene practices. Hence, it is best for everyone and especially those having ulcer issues to observe good hygiene like washing hands before eating, using clean cutlery and dishes, not sharing these utensils with others etc.
The do nots of ulcer management
1 Do not take stress
While stress does not cause the ulcer, it does certainly make it worse.
Stress actually aggravates the symptoms of ulcer due to increase blood supply to the stomach. It is thus important for people to moderate their stress levels. Meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are great for curbing stress.
2 Quit bad habits
Smoking, caffeine and alcohol are all very bad for the ulcer wound in specific and aren’t all that conducive for healthy life either. Although, admittedly, caffeine is certainly less of the evils.
Smoking and alcohol have deeper repercussions for health otherwise as well and hence should be quit sooner rather than later.
3 Do not eat foods that cause acid reflux
The more acid your stomach produces, the more it is going to hurt your ulcer. Hence, a big ‘do not’ is eating things that cause acid reflux. It includes foods like chocolate, caffeine, spicy food, acidic things etc. Fried foods etc. may lead to greater reflux.
4 Pain medication abuse
It is very important to not take pain medications on an empty stomach. Better yet, not take the pills altogether if the situation can be avoided. However, if using pain meds is incorrigible, try at least taking the medication with meals.
Although, the best practice in this regard is talking to the top internal medicine specialist in Rawalpindi and seeking their expert opinion over it.
