Peptic Ulcers Tips

Peptic ulcer, often referred to as stomach ulcer, is usually a misunderstood disease. Most people are unaware of the reasons why the ulcer is caused and are also unaware of the early symptoms of the disorder.

Here is a look at some of the strange facts about peptic ulcers that you may not know.

1. Stress does not cause ulcers: The myth that stress causes ulcers is just that- a myth. Ulcers are not caused by stress and tension. However, if you are already affected by an ulcer, stress can alleviate the symptoms and make matter worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers. So, if you have already been diagnosed with peptide ulcer, try not to stress too much.
2. Ulcer pain is not caused due to food: Contrary to popular belief, ulcer pain is not alleviated when you eat something. In fact, the pain increases if your stomach remains empty for a long period of time. So, if you are an ulcer patient, make a point of eating at regular intervals. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology claims that people with ulcers do not need to follow a bland diet in order to recover from the condition.
3. Heartburn medication is effective against ulcer: Stomach acid is the common link between heartburn and ulcer, as both of these disorders are caused as a result of excess acid formation in the stomach. This is why physicians often prescribe antacids to ulcer patients.
4. Untreated ulcers can be problematic: Ulcers are easy to cure and can be completely treated with proper medication and adherence to restrictions. However, you should seek treatment for ulcers as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, this ulcer may go on to cause severe issues for the patient. For instance, untreated ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and scar tissue. The same also impede the digestive process. So, do not leave ulcers untreated and think that they will be repaired automatically over time.
5. Endoscopy is the best way to diagnose ulcers: Even though X-rays may often reveal ulcers, a normal X-ray cannot detect certain smaller ulcers. Endoscopy is the best way to detect the disorder. In this process, a small tube, containing a light and a camera, is inserted inside the patient’s esophagus. The camera reveals any abnormal growth or infection inside the stomach. If you suspect an ulcer, book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Peptic ulcer, often referred to as stomach ulcer, is usually a misunderstood disease. Most people are unaware of the reasons why the ulcer is caused and are also unaware of the early symptoms of the disorder.

Here is a look at some of the strange facts about peptic ulcers that you may not know:

1. Stress does not cause ulcers: The myth that stress causes ulcers is just that- a myth. Ulcers are not caused by stress and tension. However, if you are already affected by an ulcer, stress can aggravate the symptoms and make matter worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers. So, if you have already been diagnosed with peptic ulcer, try not to stress too much.
2. Ulcer pain is not caused due to food: Contrary to popular belief, ulcer pain is not aggravated when you eat something. In fact, pain increases if your stomach remains empty for a long period of time. So, if you are an ulcer patient, make a point of eating at regular intervals. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology claims that people with ulcers do not need to follow a bland diet in order to recover from the condition.
3. Heartburn medication is effective against ulcer: Stomach acid is the common link between heartburn and ulcer, as both of these disorders are caused as a result of excess acid formation in the stomach. This is why physicians often prescribe antacids to ulcer patients.
4. Untreated ulcers can be problematic: Ulcers are easy to cure and can be completely treated with proper medication and adherence to restrictions. However, you should seek treatment for ulcers as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, this ulcer may go on to cause severe issues for the patient. For instance, untreated ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and scar tissue. The same also impedes the digestive process. So, do not leave ulcers untreated and think that they will be repaired automatically over time.
5. Endoscopy is the best way to diagnose ulcers: Even though X-rays may often reveal ulcers, a normal X-ray cannot detect certain smaller ulcers. Endoscopy is the best way to detect the disorder. In this process, a small tube, containing a light and a camera, is inserted inside the patient’s esophagus. The camera reveals any abnormal growth or infection inside the stomach. If you suspect an ulcer, book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Apart from these, alcohol and nicotine can inhibit or reduce secretion of mucus and bicarbonate, increasing acid secretion.

People can alleviate the effect of the condition through a diet rich in fibers and avoiding chocolates. Coffee and spicy peppers also aggravate ulcer. There is greater need of protein and some micronutrients such as Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin C in treatment of peptic ulcer.

A stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer refers to the defects or breakdown in the mucosal lining in the stomach. The stomach contains acid, which helps in digestion and any break in the tissue lining may result in severe pain or bleeding in some cases. The pain is usually felt in the abdomen.

Stomach ulcers cause great discomfort and should be treated effectively. Here are the primary ways of treating stomach ulcers:

1. Antibiotics: In the case of H. pylori infection, you should take a course of more than two antibiotics, to be taken twice a day and must be continued for a week. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin or metronidazole may be used in case of such stomach ulcers. However, it is always recommended to consult a specialized doctor before consuming any of these medicines. After several weeks of using the antibiotics, you should get a test done for detection of H. pylori bacteria. If they are still present, you have to take different antibiotics.

2. Proton Pump Inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs helps in the reduction of the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This prevents damage to the ulcer and lets it heal naturally. PPIs are generally taken for four to eight weeks. The most common PPIs which are used for treating stomach ulcers are omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole.

3. H2 Receptor Antagonists: H2 receptor antagonists reduce the production of stomach acid and function the same as PPIs. The most common H2 receptor for treating stomach ulcers is ranitidine.

4. Antacids/ Alginate: All measures to treat stomach ulcers take several hours to show results. Your doctor may prescribe antacid medications for neutralizing the stomach acid. This will provide relief for the moment, but the relief is quite temporary and for a short span of time. By this time, the strong medicines most likely start working. There is a certain antacid medicine known as alginate. This develops a protective coating on the stomach lining. Antacids are available at all over the counter medicine stores and you should consult your doctor to get the best antacid which would work effectively on your stomach ulcer symptoms. You should take antacids before going to sleep or after taking meals.

5. Natural Remedies: Stomach ulcer can also be treated at home using natural remedies. Medicines may sometimes cause further digestive complications, so home remedies are much more easy to follow and do not have side effects. The best way is to follow a proper diet, which is comprised of certain food items that help in curing stomach ulcers. You should consume bananas, honey, garlic, green leafy vegetables like cabbage, liquorice and capsaicin.

Stomach ulcers cause great pain and also bleeding in several cases. Proper treatment procedures should be taken in case of stomach ulcer. There are many medical remedies, as well as home remedies for treating stomach ulcers.

The name 'fast food' comes from the fact that it can be prepared and served in a jiffy and not mention, tastes delicious. Don't be fooled by the smell and the taste, they have such little to no nutritional value that they can hardly be called food. They are rich in calories, fat and sugar that lead to various kinds of health conditions. Popular junk foods include gums, sweets, carbonated drinks, desserts, fried foods; you probably love them now but after knowing their effects on your health you might want to eliminate them from your diet.

Here are some of the conditions which can be caused by the consumption of excessive fast food:

1. Heart diseases-
Fast food contains high amounts of trans or saturated fats that can clog your arteries and lead to high level of cholesterol later in life. People who have junk food more than four times a week increase their risk of dying by 80%.

2. Obesity-
Adolescents who have poor eating habits are at high risk of being obese. Gaining a lot of weight beyond a recommended proportion can cause many health problems. Junk foods have sugar and calories that lead to weight gain. It has also been noticed that people who are prone to eating more fast foods are less likely to consume fruits and vegetables and this further weakens their immune system.

3. Peptic Ulcer-
Peptic ulcer is a disease that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract; it is acidic in nature and causes extreme stomach ache.  Spicy oily and salted food combined with stress and alcohol can lead to this condition. 

4. Diabetes-
Busy work schedule prevents many people from cooking at home and they take resort in fast food but it is advisable not to let work get in the way of your health. Consuming regular fast food coupled with poor lifestyle and lack of exercise leads to obesity which in turn causes type 2 diabetes.  
Cut down on junk foods and incorporate fruits and vegetables and also make time to include a daily exercise routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian life science that requires you to make various lifestyle changes along with the use of medication that is based on herbs and condiments with massages and Yogic postures. This field of medicine believes in getting to the root of the problem so as to cure it and prevent it in the future as well. Gastritis is no different and enjoys the same kind of attention when it comes to Ayurveda. Here is everything you need to know about the Ayurvedic perspective of gastritis.

Definition: As per Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhva Amlapitta, which can lead to the occurrence of stomach ulcers when the inflammation of the stomach lining goes untreated for a prolonged period of time. This inflammation is the basic outcome of the condition.

Causes: Problems in the Vata Dosha, one of the four Doshas in the body, can cause this condition. Also, a build up of Ama or toxins due to poor digestive health, can lead to the occurrence of this disease. As per Ayurveda, there are many reasons that may cause this toxin build up and the imbalance in the Vata Dosha. This includes eating spicy food on a regular or frequent basis and taking too many drugs like pain killers and analgesics which can lead to this condition. Also, too much of alcohol consumption and greasy food can cause gastritis. Further, one of the main causes of gastritis as per Ayurveda, is the presence of too much stress and worry, and the lack of a proper routine when it comes to eating, sleeping and exercising.

Symptoms: The main symptoms include appetite loss and nausea, as well as discomfort and pain in the abdomen. Gastrointestinal bleeding and blood discharge may also occur for patients suffering from this condition. Headaches and vomiting are also common symptoms of this condition.

Medication: There are various Ayurvedic medicines that can help in treating this condition. Sukumara Ghrita are ghee based preparations that can be taken every morning with a glass of warm milk in order to activate the digestive fires and improve the digestive powers. The difference can usually be seen in a matter of days. Dhatri Lauha includes amla juice which should be taken twice a day. Lemon juice, ajwain, amla and ginger are also helpful in such situations.

Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding spicy and greasy food as well as stopping alcohol abuse and smoking can help in curing this condition. One should also stay away from excessively stressful mental and physical tasks.

Taking the right steps at the right time for a proper routine with good habits can help in treating this condition as per Ayurveda.

If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, how can you maximize the effect of Levodopa? The effect of levodopa can be maximized by increasing its absorption from the digestive system. In particular, taking levodopa on an empty stomach is very important. 

1. Take on an empty stomach: Do not eat anything 1 hour before taking levodopa. Do not eat anything for at least 30 minutes and if possible 1 hour after taking it. Take the pill with 2 glasses of water so that it can dissolve. If taking the levodopa on an empty stomach makes you nauseous, confirm that your medication has the right amount of carbidopa in relation to the levodopa (25%). If you continue to feel nauseous, you can eat a piece of white bread around the time that you take levodopa. Do not apply any butter, yogurt, cheese or similar high protein spreads. Protein can drastically decrease the absorption of levodopa. 
2. Get your constipation treated: This is critically important too. Being constipated can slow down the passage of levodopa through the digestive system. In most patients, drinking adequate water and taking stool softeners is helpful. 
3. Get your ulcer treated: It can be difficult to recognize that you have a gastric ulcer. However, if you have a burning sensation in your stomach at any time, or belch frequently, you may have a gastric ulcer. If you think you have an ulcer you should get tested (there is a simple breath test now) and treated with antibiotics (not antacids!) 
4. Do not take levodopa with iron tablets: The iron binds to levodopa and prevents its absorption. Keep a gap of at least two hours between these two medications. 
5. Try taking levodopa with orange juice and carbonated water (soda): Mix equal quantities of orange juice and carbonated water (soda). Take your regular levodopa with a glass of this preparation instead of water. The carbonated water hastens disintegration of the tablet, and the acidity of both things helps in levodopa absorption. There are special tablets of levodopa (dispersible levodopa, Madopar) which can be dissolved in this preparation.

The name 'fast food' comes from the fact that it can be prepared and served in a jiffy and not to mention, tastes delicious. Don't be fooled by the smell and the taste, they have such little to no nutritional value that they can hardly be called food.

They are rich in calories, fat and sugar that lead to various kinds of health conditions. Popular junk foods include gums, sweets, carbonated drinks, desserts, fried foods; you probably love them now but after knowing their effects on your health you might want to eliminate them from your diet.

Here are some of the conditions which can be caused by the consumption of excessive fast food:

1. Heart diseases: Fast food contains high amounts of trans or saturated fats that can clog your arteries and lead to a high level of cholesterol later in life. People who have junk food more than four times a week increase their risk of dying by 80%.
2. Obesity: Adolescents who have poor eating habits are at high risk of being obese. Gaining a lot of weight beyond a recommended proportion can cause many health problems. Junk foods have sugar and calories that lead to weight gain. It has also been noticed that people who are prone to eating more fast foods are less likely to consume fruits and vegetables and this further weakens their immune system.
3. Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcer is a disease that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract; it is acidic in nature and causes extreme stomach ache.  Spicy oily and salted food combined with stress and alcohol can lead to this condition. 
4. Diabetes: Busy work schedule prevents many people from cooking at home and they take resort in fast food but it is advisable not to let work get in the way of your health. Consuming regular fast food coupled with poor lifestyle and lack of exercise leads to obesity which in turn causes type 2 diabetes.  

Cut down on junk food and incorporate fruits and vegetables and also make time to include a daily exercise routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease. How can you maximize the effect of Levodopa? The effect of levodopa can be maximized by increasing its absorption from the digestive system. In particular, taking levodopa on an empty stomach is very important. 

1. Take on an empty stomach: Do not eat anything 1 hour before taking levodopa. Do not eat anything for at least 30 minutes and if possible 1 hour after taking it. Take the pill with 2 glasses of water so that it can dissolve. If taking the levodopa on an empty stomach makes you nauseous, confirm that your medication has the right amount of carbidopa in relation to the levodopa (25%). If you continue to feel nauseous, you can eat a piece of white bread around the time that you take levodopa. Do not apply any butter, yogurt, cheese or similar high protein spreads. Protein can drastically decrease the absorption of levodopa. 
2. Get your constipation treated: This is critically important too. Being constipated can slow down the passage of levodopa through the digestive system. In most patients, drinking adequate water and taking stool softeners is helpful. 
3. Get your ulcer treated: It can be difficult to recognize that you have a gastric ulcer. However, if you have a burning sensation in your stomach at any time, or belch frequently, you may have a gastric ulcer. If you think you have an ulcer you should get tested (there is a simple breath test now) and treated with antibiotics (not antacids!) 
4. Do not take levodopa with iron tablets: The iron binds to levodopa and prevents its absorption. Keep a gap of at least two hours between these two medications. 
5. Try taking levodopa with orange juice and carbonated water (soda): Mix equal quantities of orange juice and carbonated water (soda). Take your regular levodopa with a glass of this preparation instead of water. The carbonated water hastens disintegration of the tablet, and the acidity of both things helps in levodopa absorption. There are special tablets of levodopa (dispersible levodopa, Madopar) which can be dissolved in this preparation. Talk to your doctor about it.

There may be times when we get completely drained and fatigued and may feel like our insides could jump out because of the pain that we have in our stomachs. We may dismiss the issue as unimportant or due to a stressful day at work, and may think the stomach pain could be because of the extra spicy food we love to have every once in a while. However, a lot of people may tend to ignore this symptom and that is when stomach ache may turn out to be actually because of a peptic ulcer.

Peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer is a common occurrence and happens to a lot of people; however, it must be understood that not treating the problem in time may be troublesome in the long run and increase the recovery time. In order to be able to identify the peptic ulcers and to take the right treatment measures, it may be important for you to understand the problem and know how it is caused, and how it may be treated.

What causes peptic ulcers?

A peptic ulcer is diagnosed as inflammatory sores on the lining of the stomach or the food pipe, which transfers food to the stomach or even in the intestine. There are a number of factors that can cause inflammatory sores in the stomach region. The factors are as follows:

1. The use of medicines that are meant to be painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. The acid levels of the stomach and the food pipe may get disturbed because of these medicines and may give rise to ulcers.
2. In a lot of cases, the ulcers may also take place because of the presence of a tumour or a gastrinoma in the stomach that imbalance the levels of acid in the stomach.
3. High alcohol consumption may also lead to the formation of sores on the stomach lining.
4. Using tobacco or smoking are some other factors that contribute to the acid imbalance in the stomach.
5. In the case of some serious illnesses, a lot of people may fall prey to peptic ulcers.
6. Those who may have undergone radiation treatment around the stomach may also experience ulcers.

Though it may be known that excessive pain in the abdominal region may be due to stomach ulcers, it is important to understand that it happens due to bacterial infections, and when there is a bacterial infection in the body, you may have to undergo proper treatment. The treatment for this problem includes the use of medications as suggested by a qualified doctor, surgery in some severe cases, and most importantly lifestyle changes.

Many times we forget about the importance of our health in the race to pursue our careers and goals. We take our bodies for granted and keep working them without stopping for a breath. While some may have mastered this art, there are many who may not be able to cope with such a lifestyle and may end up falling ill. The most common problem that most people suffer from is stomach upset, gas, or stomach pain, and all of this may be because of not eating right or having irregular eating habits.

It is due to such problems that people fall ill and then goes to the doctor with a problem that may take much longer to treat. However, if the patient starts to check in with the doctor before the stomach pain worsens, it may be easier to treat because very often the pain arises from stomach ulcers. Ulcers are sores that are caused on the lining of the stomach or the oesophagus or even on the intestines. In serious cases, the sores may cause great damage to the stomach and may lead to much worse issues. However, with the right intake of food, the damage may be controlled in combination with medicines and treatment from experts.

Foods to avoid-
In controlling the spread of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, it may be important to know the food that should be avoided so that the medicines and treatments taken for controlling the problem may work better. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid:

1. Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa and milk should be avoided because they cause an acid imbalance in the stomach.
2. Anything that may contain caffeine should also be avoided.
3. Alcohol should be completely avoided by those suffering from peptic ulcers.
4. Citric or sour drinks such as grape or orange drinks should also be avoided for remaining at ease.
5. Any spicy powders or seasonings, such as pepper, chili powder and garlic should be excluded from the diet.
6. Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed.
7. Flavored cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten.
8. Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.
9. Chilies or peppers in any form should be kept away from your diet.
10. Anything that is made from tomato should also be avoided, such as gravy, sauces or raw tomatoes.

When you start to keep your diet clean and healthy, it may be much easier for your doctor to cure you of stomach ulcers.