If you are feeling a dull pain in the stomach, frequent burping, feel a burning sensation in the chest, and feeling full often,then you might be developing a stomach ulcer. But jumping to a conclusion doesn't make sense. So let's dig a little deeper into ulcer, its effects, and remedies to rescue your stomach.
Stomach ulcers, also called peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach which are either caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori or when the digestive acid eats the tissue at the lining of the stomach.
Symptoms
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Belching- emit air noisily from the stomach through the mouth.
- Sudden sharp pain in the stomach
- Weight loss
- Heartburn
Myths about ulcer:
- Ulcers are caused by stress. This is not true!
Ulcers do not occur as a result of the stress,they occur due to loss of appetite, consuming acidic foods frequently, and importantly the infection due to H.pylori bacteria.
- Stomach ulcers can be symptoms of stomach cancer. This also isn't true.
Leaving stomach ulcer untreated may make the situation worse but claiming that it would cause cancer is not true. Ulcers cause open sores in the stomach so when left untreated there are high chances of infection by other bacteria. Due to this reason, we might say ulcers make the body more prone to infection.
Home remedies: Ingredients that soothes stomach ulcer
Bananas
Bananas are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They are natural antacids which are essential to stop the development of an ulcer. Also, bananas naturally have enzymes that help in increasing the lining of the stomach and protect the stomach from further damage caused by an ulcer.
Try to eat three bananas a day to reduce ulcers. You can have bananas as a smoothie or simply as it is. It is better to have bananas every day so you don't develop an ulcer or you could reduce the symptoms of an ulcer. Always choose non-acidic fruits like mango, papaya, and vegetables like a carrot to speed up the ulcer healing process
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for the digestive system. Foods like
Miso - a paste made from fermented soya beans and barley or rice malt
Kimchi- a spicy pickled cabbage.
Sauerkraut- chopped pickled cabbage.
Kombucha- is a fermented, slightly alcoholic green tea,
are rich in "good" bacteria.
Yogurt
Yogurt have natural antibodies which helps to fight infection caused by H.pylori bacteria and iritation caused by acidic or spicy foods.
Almonds
Another food which is rich in vitamins, proteins, calcium would definitely be Almonds. The nutrients of almonds reduce ulcer symptoms and help in the recovery process. Make it a habit to eat a handful of almonds every day.
Honey
You will be experiencing a fiery stomach when acid proportion goes high in the stomach. Hence healing the open pores is vital to stop the burning sensation. Honey strongly fights bacteria; hence it helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria further and soothes the stomach.
Stop making these mistakes
Do not eat raw vegetablesTry to eat cooked vegetables because raw vegetables can be acidic and cause irritation.
Eat non-acidic fruits.Acidic fruits like oranges, berries, lemon, and grapes might increase stomach acid and cause erosion of stomach lining.
Say no to frequent alcohol intakeIntake of excessive alcohol will aggravate the ulcer and ulcer healing process gets complicated which leads to surgery.
Avoid smokingLike drinking, smoking too increases the ulcer by interacting with the bacteria that cause an ulcer. So try reducing the amount you smoke gradually.
Once you confirm the symptoms of stomach ulcer it is always advisable to help medical professioals. Don't attempt to treat yourself if you have been diagnosed with an ulcer. Additionally maintaining a proper diet and making certain lifestyle changes will help to relieve you from a stomach ulcer.