What are Peptic Ulcers?
Peptic Ulcer is a serious health condition that occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The most widespread triggers of peptic ulcers are contamination with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori). However, there are many other causes of peptic ulcers. A person with this condition may suffer from several symptoms including heartburn, nausea, severe stomach aches, back and shoulder pain, etc.
What are the Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers?
There are many symptoms of Peptic Ulcers. The symptoms vary based on the severity. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- A person suffers from burning pain in the stomach after meals or at night. In most cases, the pain is located in the middle or upper side of the stomach.
- There are instances when the pain momentarily vanishes if you consume food or take an antacid.
- Most people with this condition suffer from heartburn and bloating. They also experience nausea and vomiting.
What are the Causes of Peptic Ulcers?
There are two main causes of Peptic Ulcers:
- If you get infected with the bacterium helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori)
- Also, if you happen to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for the long term you might get Peptic Ulcers. This happens because NSAIDs block or reduce the enzymes in your body. The chemical from enzymes protects the stomach lining from stomach acid. So, when it is reduced or blocked it causes Peptic Ulcers.
In very rare cases, some uncommon cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the stomach, pancreas, or duodenum can cause Peptic Ulcers.
When to see a Doctor?
This is a serious health condition and if it is left untreated, it might cause several other health complications. So, visit your doctor in case you experience the following symptoms:
- In case you are feeling weakness or fatigue or may feel like fainting, you should immediately call your doctor.
- If you notice any blood in your stool or vomit, that may be a cause of concern and need urgent medical intervention.
- If you are experiencing trouble breathing or have intense pain in your stomach, you should not delay and need to visit your doctor immediately.
Lifestyle Prevention of Peptic Ulcers
As we know the main triggers of Peptic ulcers, it is possible to prevent them. So, let us understand some of the preventive measures of Peptic Ulcers.
- The most important preventive measure is to be careful with your pain reliever. As we have already discussed, NSAIDs are one of the major causes of Peptic Ulcers. So try to use the lowest possible dose in case you can’t avoid it completely. Also, try to avoid alcohol during this medication.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol are the two major causes of the peptic ulcer as they both thin the mucus lining that safeguards your stomach from acid. That may lead to peptic ulcers. So, stop smoking and drinking.
- Try to manage your stress. So, stress may trigger and worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcers. Meditation, eating clean, etc. will help you manage stress.
- If the cause of your disease is H. Pylori, then it is less likely to be prevented as this bacterium lives inside our gut. However, H. Pylori doesn’t harm unless you have more of them which makes your good bacteria hard to fight H. Pylori. This bacteria can spread from person to person so, following some measures will decrease your possibility of getting the infection.
- Try to wash your hands frequently. Particularly before eating. Cook fish and meat all the way through. Try to avoid drinking water which you think is not clear.
Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Peptic Ulcers
There are numerous Ayurvedic remedies that can cure peptic ulcers. Some of the herbs and spices such as, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Yashti Madhu, Shankhpushpi , Shatavari, garlic, Cayenne pepper, Chamomile, etc. are very effective on Peptic Ulcers.
- Yashtimadhu: Yashtimadhu is very effective on any type of ulcers. Take a quarter teaspoon of Yastimadhu powder and mix it with a teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of melted ghee. Take this twice daily for a few weeks.
- Garlic: Drinking garlic milk is very useful in treating Peptic ulcer. Antioxidant property of garlic helps in fighting bacteria. Use 6 to 8 cloves of smashed garlic cloves and boil it with 60 mil of milk. For about 15 minutes and then strain the milk and drink.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is known to be a great healer for any type of infection. Made from 3 g dried flowers in 1 cup of water, twice or thrice a day.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
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