A peptic ulcer is a hole in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer), duodenum (duodenal ulcer), or esophagus (esophageal u

lcer). An ulcer occurs when the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells corrode the lining of these organs. Peptic ulcers are a common condition and affect an estimated 5 million Americans each year.
For many years, stress, anxiety and excess acid were believed to be the major causes of ulcer disease. While acid is still considered to play a significant role in the formation of ulcers, the leading cause of ulcer disease is currently believed to be "Helicobacter pyloridus"(H. pylori), which is an infection of the stomach. This infection is very common. More than a billion people worldwide have H. plyori. It is estimated that 10 % to 15% of those infected wind up with ulcer disease.

Chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are also believed to have high risk factors. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), and etodolac (Lodine) are a few of the examples of NSAIDs. These types of medications interfere with prostaglandins, which are substances that play an important role helping the gut linings resist corrosive acid damage.

Cigarette smoking also plays an important role in the cause of ulcer formation and ulcer treatment failure. Aside from causing ulcer formation, it also increases the risk of ulcer complications such as ulcer bleeding, stomach obstruction and perforation.

Symptoms of ulcer disease vary from person to person. Many people experience minimal indigestion or no discomfort at all. For others, burning in the abdomen or hunger pain are common.

Patients with ulcers generally function quite comfortably and some ulcers actually heal on their own. The major problems associated with ulcers are the complications that they bring with them. Some complications include ulcer bleeding, ulcer perforation, and gastric obstruction.

When suffering from stomach pain, a simple test can determine whether or not the problem is caused by excess stomach acid. When the pain is present, swallow a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If this diminishes the pain, you most likely have too little stomach acid. If it worsens your symptoms, chances are you have an over acidic stomach.

People suffering from ulcers should avoid foods that promote acid in the stomach and irritate the stomach lining. These foods include:

- Spices

- Coffee

- Tea

- Soda

- Alcohol

- Citrus Fruits and Juices

- Chocolate

- Fried and Fatty foods

- Tomato Based Products

- Milk

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what you should include:

Acidophilus (2-3 capsules, 1-3 times a day) - Improves assimilation of nutrients and aids in digestion.

L-Glutamine (500 mg daily on an empty stomach with water or juice but never with milk) - Important in healing peptic ulcers.

Pectin (take as directed on label) - Helps relieve ulcers by creating a protective coating in the intestines.

Vitamin E (400-800 IU daily) - Potent antioxidant that reduces stomach acids and relieves pain. Also promotes healing.

Bromelain (250 mg 3 times a day) - Enzyme from pineapple that improves digestion and relieves ulcer symptoms.

Essential Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Shields the stomach and intestinal tract from ulcers.

Digestive Enzymes (take as directed on label) - Aid in digestion and reduces inflammation.

Cat’s Claw - Cleans & heals the digestive tract.

Aloe Vera - Aids in pain relief and speeds healing.

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