Stomach ulcer: Symptoms, diet and treatment

The stomach ulcer, as its name suggests, affects the digestive system. It may not show symptoms so continues, but the truth is that when it is very annoying, as this makes it difficult to underestimate them and ignore them. Much of the key to its prevention, as well as its treatment in case of appearance, is in the diet. It is important to check the power, as some foods or habits may be seriously affecting our stomach and causing appear ulcers.

What is it?

The stomach ulcer is an injury to the upper layer of the gastric mucosa, which typically have oval or round. In severe cases it can affect the deeper layers of the gastric mucosa.

An unbalanced diet, a diet too rich in fats, snuff, the alcohol and even stress can make us more vulnerable to stomach ulcer, whose appearance is also linked to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Under normal conditions, the mucosa of the internal walls of the stomach, with the help of the defense mechanisms, protect and repair the tissues of the aggression of the gastric juices. When defenses do not work properly, the mucosa ends up being eroded resulting in the appearance of the ulcer.

The symptoms

It is difficult to ignore, and sometimes stand as stomach ulcer it may be accompanied by pain and severe heartburn after meals, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and bloating in the abdomen.

Diagnosis

To detect the presence of ulcers, and determine whether there are other risk factors, it is essential to consult a specialist and undergo a series of tests. Specifically, the endoscope is the most common diagnostic test, allowing direct visualization of the size, location and shape of the ulcer, using special tools, such as endoscopes (small tubes equipped with camera, introduced through the throat) to visualize the inside of the stomach.

Treatment

In the case of stomach ulcer, the specialist may prescribe the taking of specific drugs, usually antisecretory, or a rare combination of drugs to fight the infection of Helicobacter pylori (but must be first consult with doctor).

Useful Tips on Diet

In addition to pharmacological treatment, it is essential to review the habits at the table. Healthy eating is the best way to prevent the symptoms appears.

Similarly, in the case of smokers, avoid the snuff, because the smoke is harmful to the stomach, slowing the healing of mucosal lesions. Alcoholic beverages also are best avoided, because these irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. Regarding the use of other medications, avoids anti-inflammatory.

As for the diet, to keep heartburn and ulcers, has to be careful with what we eat, avoiding too abundant meals, loaded with fat and spices, too much rich in spices (especially piquant) or taking dishes or drinks too much warm or too cold. We must also take care of mealtimes, i.e., planning schedules (5 meals a day), stop binge eating before going to bed or abuse snacks between meals.