Stomach Ulcer Symptoms You Can’t Ignore and How to Naturally Treat Them

Chances are that if you haven’t experienced one yourself, you at least know someone who’s had a stomach ulcer at one point or another. Estimates show that about 500,000 new cases of peptic ulcers are reported each year in the U.S. alone, and at any given time about 5 million people are affected. In addition, one in 10 adults can expect to deal with painful ulcers at one point or another.

For many years, doctors thought that high amounts of stress alone could cause a stomach ulcer to form by increasing production of stomach acid. Then research emerged in the 1980s showing that frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs, a poor lifestyle and especially a type of bacterial infection caused by the strain Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are the real culprits of the majority of ulcers.

Fortunately, according to an article published in the Lancet, prevalence of H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer diseases have become substantially less prevalent than they were two decades ago.

Wondering how to treat a stomach ulcer if you’ve already developed one? Below we’ll cover much more about stomach ulcer treatments — including medications, stress management and dietary changes.

What Is a Stomach Ulcer?

Stomach ulcers (often called peptic ulcers) are painful sores that develop in the lining of your digestive system. They usually form in the stomach but can also sometimes develop in the small intestine (especially a part called the duodenum) or the esophagus.

Here’s the basics of how ulcers work:

Ulcers form when any combination of excess gastric acids, bacteria, drugs or other “toxins” cause damage and small openings to the mucosa, the tissue that lines the stomach, parts of the small intestine and other organs. Mucosa normally protect particles from leaking out.

When someone has an ulcer, hydrochloric acid and pepsin (a type of digestive enzyme that digests proteins) build up and destroy parts of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach usually manages acid/pepsin by creating a thick mucus coating that is supposed to act as a buffer between the stomach lining and the acids inside the stomach.

The mucus coating itself usually produces certain chemicals that help repair the stomach lining, keep blood circulating and carry out cellular renewal processes, but some part of this process can become disturbed. When that happens, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract can become exposed, forming small sores (ulcers).

When you eat a meal, food washes the acid in your stomach away temporarily, as it’s used to break down the nutrients in the recently consumed food. Then once your food is digested, the acid once again accumulates in the stomach and can wash against the “raw base” of the ulcer, exposing and opening it up. This causes a burning, painful sensation, sometimes one that’s very strong.

Do stomach ulcers go away? Research shows that by making changes to your diet, plus reducing stress and inflammation, you can help lower your chances of suffering from a stomach ulcer in the first place. If you already have an ulcer, the chances of it healing with lifestyle changes and medications is very good.

Types

Ulcers can develop in various parts of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Contrary to popular belief, research shows that men develop duodenal ulcers (located in the small intestines) more often than any other kind, including stomach ulcers.

On the other hand, the opposite is true for women: They tend to develop more stomach ulcers and fewer ulcers of the duodenal.

Many doctors refer to stomach ulcers simply as peptic ulcers. A few other types of ulcers and names that ulcers sometimes go by include:

• Duodenal ulcers: The duodenum is the proximal portion of the small intestine that is about 10 inches long and plays an important role in the digestion of food, since it holds bile. The bile duct and pancreatic duct both empty into the duodenum, so it can be obstructed or dilated when bile production changes in response to other things going on in the body.


• Esophageal ulcers: This is a peptic ulcer that develops just above your stomach in your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth down to your digestive organs.


• Bleeding ulcers: Unresolved ulcers can start bleeding, which causes other complications. Bleeding ulcers are considered the most dangerous of all. Bleeding internally can also contribute to ulcers when there’s a broken blood vessel in your stomach or small intestine.


• Gastric ulcers: In some people with ulcers, there’s an increase in the amount of hyperacidity of the gastric juices, changing the effects that stomach acid has on the lining of the GI tract. In general, gastric ulcers are another name to describe small openings in the stomach lining that lead to stomach ulcer formation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ulcers have a unique and interesting history when it comes to their suspected “causes.” For decades, stomach ulcers were considered to be “psychosomatic,” meaning a high-stress lifestyle was to blame.

At the time doctors started identifying high rates of ulcers in hard-working businessmen who smoked a lot of cigarettes and were likely sleep-deprived, and then animal studies further confirmed stress-triggered ulcers. Rats producing high amounts of stomach acid experienced a decrease in stomach ulcer symptoms when researchers fed them antacids, so a connection was then drawn between ulcers, chronic stress and an increase in stomach acid, which changed ulcer treatment approaches forever.

A bacterium called H. pylori was then discovered that seemed to be present in nearly everyone suffering from ulcers. It was also found to run in families and was connected to other digestive disorders, including stomach cancer. In patients given medications/antibiotics to kill H. pylori, ulcers were often resolved at least for a period of time.

However, today it’s more common to treat ulcers using less risky acid-reducing drugs in combination with lifestyle and dietary changes, rather than prescribing antibiotics to kill H. pylori, which can come with complications and lead to antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics used to combat H. pylori may be effective in the short term in reducing the bacteria, but they do not appear to prevent its return without additional interventions.

There are several reasons why ulcers can develop, with the most common stomach ulcer cause being infection in the digestive system caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Other causes include long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, a weakened immune system, smoking, excessive alcohol use, genetic predisposition, older age, and rarely, the growth of tumors. Symptoms of ulcers can vary in severity and may include abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, changes in appetite, and trouble sleeping. Complications from ulcers can include infections, changes in appetite, and ongoing nausea/vomiting.

Stomach ulcer treatments aim to reduce pain and inflammation, boost the immune system, prevent complications, and lower the chance of future ulcers. Conventional treatment options include stopping the use of NSAIDs, alcohol, and cigarettes, as well as using antacids and acid-reducing medications for healing and pain relief.

Taking antacids for a stomach ulcer may provide temporary relief from pain, but unless the underlying cause of the ulcer is addressed, the pain will continue to return. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as proton pump inhibitors, histamine blockers, or H2-receptor antagonists to reduce stomach acid and protect the ulcer. However, it is important to focus on managing symptoms naturally in the long term rather than relying on medications, as they may not provide a permanent solution. In severe cases, acid-blocking medications may be administered intravenously, and antibiotics may be used to control H. pylori infection. In cases of severe bleeding, blood transfusions may be necessary, and surgery may be required for perforated or bleeding ulcers.

To effectively treat stomach ulcers, it is important to boost immunity against H. pylori, limit the use of NSAID pain relievers, manage stress, and follow a stomach ulcer diet. Boosting immunity can be achieved by adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Limiting NSAID use and managing stress can help reduce inflammation and protect the stomach lining. Additionally, following a stomach ulcer diet that includes fresh, whole foods and avoids spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for stomach ulcers. Some individuals who suffer from painful ulcers may reduce their overall food intake to avoid discomfort, which can lead to inadequate calorie and nutrient consumption. This risk is further heightened if the diet lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Additional dietary tips for managing ulcers include:

- Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
- Identifying and avoiding common stomach irritants and allergens, such as gluten and dairy products
- Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking to prevent gut irritation
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
- Avoiding very hot foods and drinks
- Refraining from eating within three hours of bedtime

In conclusion, approximately 500,000 new cases of peptic ulcers are reported annually in the United States, with about 5 million people affected at any given time. Symptoms of stomach ulcers include abdominal pain, burning sensations, bleeding, nausea, changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. Fortunately, up to 90% of ulcers can be resolved without surgery or extensive medication. Men are more likely to develop duodenal ulcers, while women tend to experience stomach ulcers more frequently. Treatment options include reducing NSAID use, managing stress, boosting immunity, controlling inflammation, and following a nutrient-rich diet.

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