Everything you must know about Gastric Ulcers
Gastric Ulcers remain sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine. It occurs when the protective mucus that lines the stomach stops working as it should.
The stomach produces strong acid that supports digesting food and protects against germs. Protecting the body’s tissues from this acid also secretes a thick mucus layer.
If this layer wears down and stops working successfully, the acid can harm stomach tissue and cause an ulcer. It expects that one in ten people in Western countries will have an ulcer in the stomach or small intestine at some point in their life.
Gastric ulcers are relatively easy to heal, but they can cause significant problems if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to have a support system that understands the importance of what you are going through.
Symptoms of Gastric Ulcers
Pain is the main symptom of a gastric ulcer, either around the stomach or slightly higher. The classic sign of a gastric ulcer is indigestion, also called dyspepsia.
Indigestion causes pain or anxiety in the stomach area. This symptom can be disordered with heartburn, which can happen simultaneously.
Heartburn can be affected by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs slightly above the stomach and feels in the lower chest. It should note that not all gastric ulcers cause indigestion.
Gastric ulcer symptoms tend to be different from heartburn, but the symptoms may not be apparent. An ulcer tends to produce burning or dull pain in the stomach area. This pain is sometimes described as a “bite” or “stabbing” pain. In addition, some people describe a feeling of hunger.
Other symptoms include:
- weight loss
- nausea and vomiting
- stop eating due to pain
- burps
- swelling
- pain may be calmed by eating, drinking, or taking antacids
Some gastric ulcers go unnoticed and do not show the typical indigestion pains. These ulcers are less common and likely to be diagnosed after the ulcer has started to bleed. Some ulcers can origin a hole in the stomach wall. It is known as a piercing and is a severe condition.
Gastric ulcer symptoms often change over time and can be challenging to detect.
Diet for Gastric Ulcers
Diet changes can help prevent gastric ulcers from developing.
People at risk of developing stomach ulcers should include more of the following nutrients in their diet:
Fruits and Vegetables: Eating various fruits and vegetables is primary to a healthy digestive zone lining. These foods are annoying in antioxidants, inhibit acid secretion, and have cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2017 study indicates that these are essential factors in preventing and treating ulcers.
Fiber: Diets rich in soluble dietary fiber reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers.
Probiotics: Foods with active bacterial content, such as probiotic yogurt, can help reduce a Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection. Probiotics have been shown to improve indigestion symptoms and antibiotic side effects slightly.
Vitamin C: This effective antioxidant can be effective in helping to eradicate H. pylori, especially when taken in small doses over a long period. Fruits, legumes, and vegetables, for example, oranges and tomatoes, contain high levels of vitamin C.
Zinc: This micronutrient is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and healing wounds. Oysters, spinach, and beef contain high levels of zinc.
Selenium: This can reduce the risk of complications from infections and can also promote healing. It is advisable to consume Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, and halibut for their high selenium content.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also help lower your risk, as they both cause the body to produce more gastric acid. It can lead to gastric ulcers.
It is essential to use diet to support a treatment plan for the most effective result, rather than relying on diet alone.
Causes of Gastric Ulcers
A period of pain relievers known as NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.
The two leading causes of gastric and small intestine ulcers are:
Bacteria H. Pylori
A class of pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Here are some less common causes of stomach ulcers:
Excessive heartburn or hyperacidity: This can occur for various reasons, including genetics, smoking, stress, and some foods.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: This rare disease causes excess acid to produce in the stomach.
