For decades, stomach ulcers were considered to be psychosomatic, in other words 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.
A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori was then discovered that seemed to be present in nearly everyone suffering from ulcers, although only about 10% of people with H. pylori will go on to develop an ulcer.
Antibiotics used to combat H. pylori can work short term to lower the bacteria, but don’t seem to keep it from returning without other interventions.
Here are some signs stomach ulcers may be an issue for you:
- Abdominal pains and burning sensations, including bloating (especially after eating and between the tummy and breastbone)
- bleeding when vomiting or going to the loo
- nausea and vomiting
- darker stools
- loss of appetite and changes in body weight
- trouble sleeping due to pain
- other digestive complaints like heartburn, acid reflux, feeling gassy
- diarrhoea can occur as a symptom even before other stomach ulcer symptoms start.
Additionally, you may experience dehydration and fatigue if you’re not eating and drinking properly as a result of having these unpleasant stomach ulcer symptoms.
Needless to say, if you’re experiencing symptoms like these then do get a diagnosis from your doctor first, to ensure ulcers are definitely what you’re dealing with.
Medications such as antacids and PPIs may be prescribed for ulcers BUT they’re not really a long term answer – managing your symptoms naturally, and getting to the underlying cause will give you the lasting results that you want.
Here are some common triggers, so these need to be avoided if you want to overcome ulcer symptoms.
1. Overeating. People with ulcers tend to eat one or two large meals each day, so try cutting down to smaller meals.
2. Hot, spicy foods may be a trigger for some people.
3. Processed food.
4. Sugar – stay away from this as far as you can, it’s highly inflammatory and with ulcers you definitely want to avoid further inflammation.
5. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen.
6. Caffeine and alcohol.
There seems to be a big stress link with ulcers, and indeed anything gut related, so undertake stress relieving activities such as meditation, outside exercise, etc whatever floats your boat. I’ve got loads of videos and blogs with relaxation techniques so do check those out if you need some inspo.
If you’d like to learn more about eating to prevent a recurrance of ulcers or to soothe the gut in general, I’d highly recommend downloading my online course The Ultimate Gut Health Programme to help support your digestive system whilst avoiding triggering symptoms.
It’d be impossible to include all you need to know in one blog, but the programme will have all you need to know to ensure you’re soothing your digestive system, whilst eating delicious and filling foods.
Bone broth
Bone broth is very healing for the gut, so aim for one cup two or three times a day to ease symptoms.
Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and is very soothing to the gut lining. It has also been shown to be very healing for ulcers and H. pylori.
Cabbage juice
Some people find cabbage juice to be very healing for stomach ulcers. It can also be mixed with bone broth to make a very soothing soup.
Chamomile
Two or three cups of chamomile tea in quick succession is fabulously soothing for the gut. It will also help a lot with sleep and relaxation.
There are some great supplements and probiotics available which would need to be tailored to your unique situation, including whether or not they’re compatible with other medications you’re taking.
The stool test I use routinely checks for H. Pylori infection, so do get in touch if you’d like more info about that.
If you would like to speak to me about any aspect of your gut health, then please use this link to book into my diary for a FREE 30 minute chat so I can find out more about what is going on for you. Alternatively please use the ‘Learn More’ link below.
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