Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcer is also called stomach ulcer, a condition whereas there is a raw eroded area in the lining of the stomach. Gastric ulcers are most common in males between the ages of 55 and 70.

Causes of Gastric Ulcer

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Other causes:

• Smoking tobacco
• High caffeine intake
• Infection in the stomach
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
• Decreased resistance of the lining of the stomach to gastric acids
• Increased production of gastric acids

Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Stomach pain especially at night

If the person experiencing gastric ulcer with bleeding symptom, the patient may vomit bright red blood or digested blood that looks like brown coffee grounds and/or have black, tarry objects included in the bowel movements.

Treatment / Home Remedies for Gastric Ulcer

Surgical treatment of ulcers is usually recommended if there are complications and malignancies.

Coconut water:
By giving coconut water is one of the home remedies available in temporary managing the effects of gastric ulcer. It provides certain vitamins and minerals needed to relax the stomach.

Banana:
Take a diet consisting of 1 banana a day. Do this 3 or 4 times a day with a glass of milk. Banana contains a special compound that neutralizes the over-acidity of gastric juices and reduces stomach irritation.

Wood apple:
Another one effective home remedy for Gastric ulcer is by soaking 15 gm of wood apple leaves in 250 ml of water. Strain in the morning then drinks it. Continue treatment for a few weeks to relieve pain and discomfort.

Bale leaves:
One of the noted home remedy for gastric ulcer is by drinking beverage prepared using bales leaves. It has mucilage contain that coats the stomach mucosa, which reduces inflammation and heals ulcer completely.

Lime:
One of the oldest practices of home remedy for Gastric ulcer is drinking Lime juice for it contains mineral salts that helps improve digestion.

Cabbage:
Boil 250 gm of cabbage in 500 ml of water until it is reduced into half. Leave to chill then drink twice daily. Raw cabbage juice is also effective. Mix with 125 ml of carrot juice to neutralize its strong flavor.

Fenugreek seeds:
Wash fenugreek seeds in water. Its mucilaginous properties protect the stomach and the intestines from ulcer bacteria.

Drumstick:
Ground 10 gm of kalyana murangal leaves into fine paste. Mix with ½ cup of yogurt. Drink daily.

Vegetable juices:
Mix 300 ml of carrot juice, 200 ml of spinach juice and drink it. You can also try mixing 300 ml of carrot juice, 100 ml of beet juice and 100 ml of cucumber juice to create 500 ml of these juices.

Almond milk:
Blend dry almonds to create almond milk. It is a good source of quality protein and eliminates excess acid in the stomach.

Marigold:
Take 1 tablespoon of marigold infusion twice daily.

Prevention for Gastric Ulcer

Patients with gastric ulcers can make several lifestyle changes to prevent their recurrence
this includes:

• Giving up smoking
• Avoiding unnecessary use of aspirin
• Cutting down on alcohol, tea, coffee and other substance with caffeine

Other preventative measures for gastric ulcer include:

• Managing stress
• Have plenty of rest
• Exercise regularly
• Eating balanced, nutritious meals