When most people say "ulcer" or "bleeding ulcer," they usually mean the type that occurs in the stomach. This type of ulcer is known as a "peptic ulcer," which distinguishes it from other ulcerated tissues. Chronic duodenal (found in the first part of the small intestine) and gastric (stomach) ulcers are the two most common types of ulcers. The digestive acids have damaged and eroded the lining and tissue beneath the ulcers in both types of ulcers, and the stomach has begun to digest itself. This causes irritation and swelling in the surrounding tissues and leaves an open wound inside the stomach or duodenum.

Although some peptic ulcers are asymptomatic, the majority of them cause abdominal pain or discomfort 45 minutes to an hour after eating or during the night. The pain is described as cramping, gnawing, burning, aching, or "heartburn." When stomach acids are neutralized by antacids, vomiting, or drinking water, relief occurs. Headaches, low back pain, choking sensations, itching, and nausea are some of the other symptoms.

Food allergies, a low-fiber diet, stress, medications and over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and other pain relievers, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and infections are all risk factors. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is thought to be the cause of many ulcers and has been found in 95% of ulcer patients.

If an ulcer is suspected and symptoms cannot be controlled naturally, it is critical to seek medical attention to determine the exact nature of the problem. Peptic ulcer complications can be serious and necessitate hospitalization.

To treat peptic ulcers naturally, one must first identify and reduce the factors that may have contributed to the ulcer's formation. Once the underlying causes have been removed, the next step is to heal and protect the tissues through proper supplementation and ongoing lifestyle changes.

dietary recommendations
Limit your intake of sugar, which raises stomach acid. Limit salt because it irritates stomach and intestinal tissues. Remove dairy products from your diet. Food allergies can cause stomach bleeding, so avoid suspected foods. Aspirin, alcohol, coffee, and tea all increase stomach acidity and can impede healing.

Drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. A high fiber diet is important because fiber slows the movement of food and acidic fluid from the stomach to the intestines, reducing the frequency of recurrence. Bananas and banana chips have also been shown to help. Fresh cabbage juice has been shown to hasten the healing of peptic ulcers. Exercise on a regular basis as well.

Vitamin C (buffered only—take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily), vitamin A, zinc, and bioflavonoids are all helpful for peptic ulcers. Clove, pau d'Arco, and licorice are thought to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. GastroHealth contains all of them.

Licorice root soothes inflamed and injured mucous membranes in the digestive tract. It is the most highly recommended single herb for the treatment of peptic ulcers. Licorice root, taken half an hour before meals, has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of ulcers. Myrrh and goldenseal are both antimicrobial and have been shown to help some people with ulcers.

Slippery elm, marshmallow root, and aloe vera, all highly mucilaginous herbs, have a similar mucous membrane healing effect to licorice root.

When attempting to heal an ulcer, it is critical to consume enough fiber and water. While the ulcer heals, it may be necessary to use a herbal Antacid Formula like Stomach Comfort to reduce acid production in the stomach. If you suspect you have an ulcer, go to the doctor for testing or use a home test kit for the bacteria H. Pylori.