Stomach ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach. Ulcers cause symptoms of stomach pain, specifically a burning sensation; in severe cases, ulcers can eat away the lining of your stomach or prevent food from passing into the intestine, requiring surgery. Preventing stomach ulcers requires understanding and lowering your risk factors.
Understanding Causes
People mistakenly blame spicy foods or stress for causing stomach ulcers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although spicy or highly acidic foods or high amounts of stress can exacerbate ulcers, they are not the initial cause. Rather, most ulcers are caused by either a bacteria called H. pylori or through overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, doctors believe that the H. pylori bacteria is spread through person-to-person contact or unclean drinking water. The AGA therefore suggests that washing your hands before eating and drinking from known, clean water sources may help you to reduce your chances of H. pylori-caused stomach ulcers.
In addition, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends discontinuing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. NIDDKD suggests asking your doctor about alternative medications for over-the-counter pain relief.
Lowering Risks
Lowering your chance of stomach ulcers means that you must first understand your own risk factors.
The AGA says that if you are over 50 years old, have a family history of stomach ulcers, or a history of smoking and drinking alcohol, you have a higher risk profile. Also, if you are on either blood thinners or steroids, or if NSAIDs have ever caused you complications, such as upset stomach, you have a better chance of developing NSAID-caused stomach ulcers in particular, says the AGA.
Dr. Rallie McAllister, a family physician, suggests that you may lower your risk of stomach ulcers through H. pylori by eating certain foods. Cranberries, broccoli sprouts and garlic, for instance, have each shown properties that block H. pylori from fixing itself to the stomach lining. Red wine and green tea may also help to prevent H. pylori infection, according to McAllister.
The American Gastroenterological Association says that, if you must take NSAIDs, you can lower your odds of NSAID-caused ulcers by lowering your doses and amounts and by not using alcohol in combination with NSAIDs. Make sure that you always read the dosage instructions and warnings before using NSAIDs.
The NIDDKD advises that quitting use of alcohol and tobacco can also help to prevent stomach ulcers.
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