If you have a stomach ulcer, you might be suffering from a great deal of pain. But, don?t despair! Depending on what caused your issue there are a number of ways to heal stomach ulcers.

Previously it was thought that the majority of stomach ulcers were caused by stress and a poor diet. They were also thought to occur most frequently in middle aged men who typically were workaholics. However, recent studies have shown that a large amount of stomach ulcers are caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria called H. pylori. H. pylori lives in the stomach lining and, when it flourishes, can irritate that area, making it susceptible to damaging stomach acids. The only way to heal this type of stomach ulcer is by attacking the bacteria with a course of antibiotics, and retesting to make sure that did the trick. Of course, natural methods will always help encourage the healing process once the bacteria are gone.

Another thing that can cause an ulcer is pain medications. Over the counter pain medications, like Aleve and Ibuprofen (NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) halt the production of the stomach lining?s protective enzymes, which leaves it vulnerable to stomach acids. This can easily damage the lining and result in an ulcer. Other pain killers that have a similar effect and the same results are Aspirin and even prescription pain killers. In order to heal this type of ulcer, avoid taking pain killers during treatment. Try other methods to relieve pain, like a massage or a warm bath to relieve back or joint pain, and a nap in a dark room to relieve a headache.

Smoking is also thought to cause ulcers, among the long list of other health problems it causes. It also makes the body?s healing process rather sluggish. Quitting can help restore balance to your body, and help it heal that much quicker, in addition to keeping ulcers from being a recurring problem.

Stress is one thing that scientists and doctors are having trouble pointing fingers directly at as a cause for ulcers, but most agree that stress can worsen an ulcer and prohibit the healing process. In order to help heal your stomach ulcer, relax. Take deep breaths, count to 10, even take a course on meditation and practice the techniques you learn regularly. This can help reduce acid production in your stomach which aggravates an already sensitive area.

No matter the cause of your ulcer, there are a few basic things you can do to help it heal in addition to the aforementioned items.

1. Eat smaller meals more often. That will help your body absorb and digest all the food without putting too much pressure on the stomach. The pressure caused by eating large meals can actually worsen an ulcer.

2. While a bland diet isn?t entirely necessary when you?re trying to recover from an ulcer, eating the right foods can help your body heal. Target low fat foods, like lean meats, and foods that are high in the vitamins and antioxidants your body needs to heal, like fish and blueberries. Additionally, foods that can cause heartburn or indigestion should be avoided ? things like citrus, onions, garlic, alcohol and caffeine.

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