A guide to treating ulcers

Ulcers and stomach acid can be incredibly painful. Check out this guide for some safe treatments you might want to try.

Better understanding of the causes of ulcers has enabled doctors to devise new treatments.

• If tests confirm the presence of H. pylori, the treatment includes antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and an acid secretion inhibitor to prevent secretion of acids by the cells of the stomach. The bacteria are usually eradicated in a week, but a significant percentage of patients experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea or a metallic taste.
• A daily yogurt supplement with live lactobacilli and bifidobacteria during treatment can reduce these symptoms.

Smoking is one factor closely linked to poor healing and ulcer recurrence.

• Cigarette smokers often continue to suffer from ulcers until they quit.
• People with ulcers caused by NSAID use must discontinue the offending drug.
• People who need ongoing pain relief for a condition such as arthritis should ask their doctor to prescribe a gentler alternative.

Mindful that "it's not what you're eating, it's what's eating you," people with ulcers may benefit from relaxation techniques and biofeedback to cope with stress.

• Regular exercise promotes the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that dull pain and elevate mood.

Many people self-treat ulcer pain with over-the-counter drugs or with home remedies concocted from baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to neutralize stomach acid.

• But long-term use of antacids containing aluminum hydroxide can prevent the body from absorbing phosphorus and result in the loss of bone minerals.
• Prolonged ingestion of baking soda or antacids containing calcium carbonate may lead to a buildup of calcium and alkali, resulting in nausea, headache and weakness, with a risk of kidney damage.
• Check with a doctor before using acid-suppressant drugs.

• One home remedy that seems to work well is a form of licorice called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). DGL is sold in wafer form at health food stores. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
• Another home remedy to try is aloe vera juice. Drink a half cup three times a day.

Keep these treatments in mind and contact your doctor to find a solution that works.