Stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in men.
Read to the end to get the most useful information.
The disease is characterized by the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum as a result of contact of hydrochloric acid with pepsin (an enzyme secreted by the glandular cells of the stomach).
Signs of a stomach ulcer
The most common sign of stomach ulcers is discomfort or pain that appears in the epigastric region (just below the ribs) shortly after eating. In a large group of patients, pain may also appear in the morning or at night. Unfortunately, these symptoms often accompany an already progressive illness.
Causes of stomach ulcers
The most common causes of peptic ulcer disease are the spiral bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) and abuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen). Lesnevsky-Crohn's disease, lymphoma, stomach cancer, chemotherapy and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome also contribute to the development of the disease.
An estimated 84% of adults and 32% of children are infected with Helicobacter Pylori. The pathogen enters the body through the digestive tract. However, Helicobacter Pylori does not always lead to the development of stomach ulcers, since this is largely determined by the genetic characteristics of the bacteria. It has been proven that almost all infected patients suffering from peptic ulcer disease were infected with Helicobacter Pylori with the cagA gene.
The disease is also influenced by other factors: genetic predisposition (the formation of ulcers is promoted by the 1st blood group), smoking (makes it difficult to treat ulcers), salt abuse, insufficient intake of probiotic foods, and antioxidants.
Contrary to popular belief, stress does not significantly affect the development of peptic ulcer disease.
Stomach ulcer treatment
Removal of Helicobacter Pylori bacteria is of great importance in the treatment of stomach ulcers, due to which the risk of recurrence of the disease is largely reduced. For this purpose, antibiotics are used. Therapy usually lasts two weeks. Proper nutrition is also very important.
During the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, it is recommended to consume an easily digestible food low in animal fat and fiber. It is necessary to follow the food intake regime - the optimal amount is five to six times. It is also important that the portions are small. The temperature of the dishes should be the same - not too high or too cool.
Eating should be done in a relaxed environment so that each bite is chewed carefully and slowly.
What products should be discarded
● legumes,
● cabbage,
● asparagus,
● bow,
● cereals and bread made from wholemeal flour,
● hot spices.
You can also not eat meat or bone broths, meat and fish jelly, as well as broths from highly aromatic vegetables, as they stimulate increased secretion of gastric juice. Coffee, strong tea, and alcohol have similar effects.
What foods are needed for stomach ulcers
The way of cooking is very important. Fried foods are not recommended. Vegetables, meat and fish should be boiled or steamed, or baked in foil.
The secretion of hydrochloric acid is inhibited by vegetable fats and fats present in milk, therefore, the diet should not contain lack of natural fermented dairy products that have a calming and stabilizing effect on pH stomach.
It is very important to drink the medicines used in the treatment of ulcers only with water. Since there is an interaction between the antibiotics used and the flavonoids of juices and calcium in milk. The natural substances in these drinks can weaken the effect of drugs and increase the risk of side symptoms.
What spices can be used for stomach ulcers
Dishes can be seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, basil, tarragon, thyme, dill and parsley. It is also beneficial to consume herbs that have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, such as marjoram, chamomile, rose hips and lemon balm.
A diet for stomach ulcers does not exclude the use of high-quality honey, on the contrary, it has been proven that the presence of methylglyoxal (an organic compound from the glyoxal group) inhibits growth Helicobacter Pylori. A high concentration of this substance is found in manuka honey.
How to reduce the risk of relapse
Lack of proper hygiene and preventive measures can contribute to relapse of the disease. Reinfection with the Helicobacter Pylori bacterium is facilitated, among other things, by lack of proper oral hygiene. It is very important to eliminate dental problems, because poorly chewed food lingers longer in the stomach, due to which the secretion of stomach acids increases. The risk of relapse can be reduced by following a healthy diet. Their key element in this case is to limit the consumption of table salt and increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits. It is also important to include in the menu natural probiotics, which can be found in fermented milk products.
Important to remember!
Peptic ulcer disease is a serious disease that should not be underestimated. The ulcer can damage the blood vessels and leak blood into the stomach. Stomach ulcers are a direct route to anemia due to iron deficiency.
But the most dangerous complication of peptic ulcer disease is ulcer perforation, that is, the occurrence of a through defect in the stomach wall, in which hydrochloric acid enters the abdominal cavity. This condition requires immediate surgical intervention.
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