When the stomach lining begins to erode, there is a peptic ulcer.Symptoms include burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel, belching, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, loss of weight, and feeling tired and weak.If you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, your medical provider may prescribe antacids, acid blockers or antibiotics to reduce the pain and heal the ulcer.In addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, there are several things you can do to prevent future flare-ups.
Step 1: All prescribed medication should be taken.
Antibiotics are needed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori if your health care provider determined it was the cause of your peptic ulcer.H. pylori weakens the stomach's protective coating and 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: NSAIDs are anti-Inflammatory drugs.
NSAID 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 and 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 cautious of antacids.
Over the counter antacids can 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 lower its effectiveness.Doctors recommend taking antacids at least an hour before you take your medication.There are antacids that can be easily accessible.
Step 4: The production of stomach acid is increased by food.
People have different foods that may irritate ulcers.Some people can eat whatever they want, but this isn't true for everyone.Over time, you will have to figure out which foods cause your problems and limit them in your diet.In the future, it helps to prevent ulcers.Foods which 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 lead to irritation and an increase in stomach acid.
Step 5: Avoid food that may irritate your ulcer.
Some foods can irritate your ulcer more than others because they can cause increased production of stomach acid.This will vary from person to person, but there are some general recommendations for those with an ulcer.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 acidic drinks and foods.If you drink highly acidic orange or lemon juice it could cause pain.Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and heavily seasoned food should be avoided.
Step 6: Eat a lot of fiber.
Diets rich in whole grains and fiber rich foods help control the production of stomach acid.You need to get a lot of vegetables in your diet.Your body may not be able to heal your ulcer if you aren't consuming enough vitamins.Whole-wheat bread, pasta and brown rice are good sources of fiber.Limit your intake of lean meat and low fat dairy products.You should talk to your doctor about what food causes you irritation, because there isn't a single recommended diet for those with an ulcer.Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals may also be eaten.Continue to drink water as a part of your diet.
Step 7: You should eat meals on a regular schedule.
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 with acid levels in the stomach.Small regular meals may be better for your stomach.You should not eat 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 lead to an inflammation of the stomach that can take a long time to heal.
Step 9: Cut down on coffee.
Coffee can increase the production of stomach acid, which in turn increases the chance of your ulcer becoming irritated.Stimulants that have this effect 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're unsure.Decaffeinated coffee can increase stomach acid production.It is possible to avoid even decaffeinated coffee.
Step 10: Do not use nicotine.
Smoking can cause second-hand smoke.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 idea to reduce stress.
When emotional stress in a person's life increases, so does the 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.