Stomach or Gastric Ulcer Treatment - Conventional and Natural Approaches

Here, you will learn about different aspects of stomach or gastric ulcer treatment.

For an entire generation, people have believed that such factors as beverages containing caffeine, spicy foods, and stress not only cause gastric ulcers, but also feed their destruction. This is now known as a misconception disproven by more advanced testing and controlled group studies.

These factors do, however, heighten the formation of gastric acids in the stomach, which in turn aggravates the area that has been damaged.

Gastric ulcer treatment goals are geared toward the relief of pain and to prevent any further complications for the ulcer - bleeding, perforation, obstruction, etc. The first aim is to eliminate what breaks down the stomach lining. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc) and smoking are leading causes due to their ability to eat through the prostaglandins (produced to protect the lining cells).

Conventional Medical Treatment

Possibly the biggest culprit of ulcer formations is a bacteria known as Helicobacter pyloricus. It can be treated with oral antibiotics, successfully in almost all cases. Many times, the elimination of the bacteria is all that is needed to start the healing process of the ulcer, regardless of whether anything else is changed in the sufferer's habits and / or lifestyle.

Antacids are a safe, effective way to neutralize excess acids in the stomach. However, their effect is only temporary and repeated doses are necessary. Gastric ulcer treatment with antacids does not guarantee the ulcer will not return.

What other medical gastric ulcer treatments are there?

Studies have proven that histamine can stimulate acid secretions in the stomach. H2 blockers were designed to block the action of histamines, thereby reducing acid production. They do play a limited role in taking care of Helicobacter pylori without the aid of antibiotics, though, and ulcers often return once the H2 blockers have been discontinued. Inhibitors known as proton-pump are a stronger drug than the blockers in suppressing secretion, and they are very well tolerated.

Natural Treatment and Remedies

How about natural gastric ulcer treatment?

It was once believed that drinking milk not only relieved irritation, but helped a peptic ulcer heal. Milk, however, only helps briefly, and it can increase stomach acid in some people. It is far better to include foods rich in vitamin A, for healing the mucous membrane (lining), as well as zinc, for the repair of tissue; also beef up on vitamin C.

A good herbal formula used for ulcers includes ingredients such as licorice, slippery elm and golden seal root. All three herbs have anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice helps to reduce stomach acidity and heal ulceration, as well as helps the adrenal glands to make cortisone, while golden seal root is an antibacterial agent. Both bee pollen and propolis have rejuvenating properties, are anti inflammatory, and help maintain good immunity.

And there are other useful herbal gastric ulcer treatments.

Aloe vera aids in the relief of pain as well as speeds healing; just four ounces a day is said to help those with chronic episodes. Cat's claw is not only cleansing, but, like aloe, can help in healing - just do not use during pregnancy. Kava kava and St. John's wort are both calming to the stomach and aid in reducing stress brought on by dealing with an ulcer.

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