Ulcers happen when the lining of the stomach is damaged. Natural ulcer cures involve eliminating stomach irritants to allow the body to heal itself. However, if your ulcer is caused by the bacteria H. pylori, you will probably not be able to completely cure your ulcer naturally.

H. pylori is a fairly common bacteria spread by close contact and consumption of contaminated water and food. It grows in the stomach lining, which irritates it and makes it vulnerable to harmful acids meant to break down foods. Generally, it can only be resolved with antibiotics. However, using natural techniques in addition to antibiotics can help the healing process along.

If your ulcer isn’t caused by H. pylori there are a number of things you can do to help relieve pain and allow the body to heal. First, watch what you eat. Although a bland diet is no longer generally necessary when you suffer from an ulcer, eating smart can help. Fatty and spicy foods increase the production of stomach acids, which can be detrimental to the healing process. Additionally, highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices as well as tomatoes can have a harmful effect on a healing ulcer. Instead, go for whole grain breads, lean and lightly seasoned meats, low fat milks and dairy products, and other such easily digestible foods.

Also, watch how much you eat. Large meals can cause pressure build up in your stomach and cause pain and heartburn indigestion. That’s counterproductive when trying to let an ulcer heal. However, eating less doesn’t necessarily mean eating less. Just eat smaller meals more often, rather than a few large meals every day. That way your stomach receives tidbits of nutrition throughout the day, keeping your digestive system from getting overwhelmed.

Another thing that can majorly exacerbate an ulcer is pain killers. While ulcers can be terribly painful, and it is very tempting to reach for some Aleve, or even a prescription medication, resist! Pain killers can often cause ulcers and make the healing process virtually impossible. NSAIDs – or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – like Ibuprofen restrict the body’s production of enzymes that protect the stomach lining from harmful acids. Without those enzymes damage occurs, resulting in ulcers and even worsening existing ulcers. The bottom line is: Resist pain killers when you have an ulcer. If you get a headache, try a massage or a dark room. If you have joint pain, try a hot or cold compress.

Stress is another element that can keep your ulcer from healing. Stress signals the body to produce extra stomach acid, which can stall the healing process. To prevent this, relax! Get a massage, add exercise to your routine, take a deep breath, anything that will help you stay cool, calm and collected. Stress is being blamed for a number of health problems ranging from heart diseases to gastrointestinal problems, so reducing stress in your life can help you have a healthier mind and body in addition to helping your ulcer heal.

Finding natural ulcer cures just takes a bit of patience and common sense. It doesn’t take much too simply give your body the time and space it needs to heal.

For more information on natural ulcer cures, visit www.refluxremedy.com.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus.? While medicines are widely used to treat heartburn, there are a number of inexpensive home remedies that can be tried before rushing out and spending a healthy sum on a month’s supply of medication.

• First of all, try changing your eating routine a bit. Eat smaller more frequent meals instead of a few giant ones. This helps prevent the buildup of acid and pressure in the stomach from too much food. Also, avoid eating before bed. Gravity helps keep acids where they belong, and lying prostrate allows them into the esophagus if the stomach is full.
• Watch your weight. Extra pounds on the chest and abdomen create pressure build up in the stomach causing reflux.
• Try putting a few pillows under your head when you sleep. This will help gravity do its job. In addition, when napping during the day, sleep in a chair or in a semi-upright position.
• Stop smoking. Heartburn is only one of the many health issues caused by smoking.
• Watch what you eat. Certain foods can trigger heartburn. Garlic, caffeine, alcohol, citrus and onion are a few common triggers. Monitor what sets you off and then stay away from that food.
• Don’t wear clothes that are too tight. They put pressure on the abdomen, causing acid to back up into the esophagus.
• Avoid medications known to cause heartburn, like calcium, iron, potassium and NSAID pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Drink a glass of water. This helps dilute the stomach acids and flush contents through the system.
• Chew gum. Your body responds similarly to drinking water when chewing gum. Excess saliva helps flush your stomach contents and dilute acids.
• Ginger is an effective natural remedy for many stomach conditions, including heartburn. When taken in pill form, as tea, or candied it can help treat and prevent heartburn.
• Fennel or chamomile tea, when sipped warm, can help soothe acid reflux.
• Milk can help absorb stomach acids, but should be used in moderation as it also contains fats that are difficult to digest and causes acid production.
• Papaya contains a helpful digestive enzyme that aides in the breakdown of foods. When taken before meals, it helps prevent the buildup of pressure in the stomach.
• Glutamine, an amino acid, can help heal damage done to the esophagus as a result of frequent acid reflux and eliminate damaged cells.
• Just a few tablespoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar can eliminate heartburn. When diluted in water, it acts as a preventative.
• Just a handful of almonds contain soothing oils that help relieve heartburn.
• Unflavored yogurt has helpful bacteria that aid in the healing process of the esophagus and helps tighten esophageal muscles.

For more ideas on natural heartburn remedies, please see our Reflux Remedy Report.