Peptic Ulcers:

The Symptoms,
The Diagnosis,
and The Cures

_________________________________
Researched and Prepared by Boen Publishing
© 2006-2007 Boen Publishing
 Table of Contents

Introduction and Overview to Peptic Ulcers ....................................................................... 1

Signs and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers ............................................................................... 2
Tests Used to Determine the Diagnosis ............................................................................. 4
Differential Diagnosis ........................................................................................................ 5
Long Term Effects if Left Untreated .................................................................................. 6
What Causes a Peptic Ulcer ............................................................................................... 7
Healing the Ulcers ............................................................................................................ 10
Get Rid of the Bacteria! ....................................................................................... 10
Lower the Level of Acid Production! .................................................................. 11
Avoid Aggravating the Situation! ........................................................................ 12
Heal the Damaged Tissue! ................................................................................... 12
New Lifestyle Choices! ........................................................................................ 14
Highlighted Home Remedies and Tips! ............................................................... 14
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 17
References and Resources for Peptic Ulcers .................................................................... 18

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Notes:

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 Peptic Ulcers:
Everything You Will Ever Need To Know
About the Symptoms, the Diagnosis and the Cures

Josh, a 29 year old real-estate agent, husband to Becky and father to 1-year old
Matthew, has been feeling a great deal of pain in his stomach for the past few weeks. The
pain has become progressively worse and is especially noticeable when he forgets to eat
or doesn’t have time for a meal. Additionally, he has been waking around 2 am every
morning with the same, persistent aching in the abdominal region. Upon urging from his
wife and several colleagues, he has made an appointment to see a doctor.

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW TO PEPTIC ULCERS

Unknowingly, Josh has just joined the ranks of 20 million other Americans who
will develop a peptic ulcer sometime in their life. In fact, the statistics show that nearly 4
million Americans each year will be diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. For 40,000 of these
patients, symptoms can become so severe or problematic that surgery is required. And,
although a tiny percentage, close to 6,000 Americans will die each year from some form
of ulcer-related complication.
Because ulcers can be treated and sometimes prevented, it’s important for all
people to know why ulcers occur and how to avoid them, if possible. From highly
advanced technological procedures to simply prepared and applied home remedies, there
are a wide variety of option for treating an ulcer depending on its symptoms, severity,
and, of course, its cause. As you progress through this report, please keep in mind that
ulcers should be dealt with as quickly as possible lest they become a major health issue.
The Lingo: Most commonly referred to by the name peptic ulcer, stomach ulcers
can also be referred to as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, or esophageal ulcers depending
on where they are located. If the ulcer is located in the esophagus, usually the lower
region, it is referred to as an esophageal ulcer. This form of ulcer is most commonly
associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastric ulcers occur in

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the stomach while duodenal ulcers can be located in the first part of the small intestine,
the duodenum. Duodenal ulcers are four times more common than gastric ulcers. Some
health care providers and researchers refer to the condition of having any type of ulcer as
Peptic Ulcer Disease or PUD.
In reality, an ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of the
stomach, esophagus or duodenum. If the sore becomes deep enough it will cause an
erosion or small hole in the lining of the stomach region. If the sore heals and the scar
tissue is large, further problems are possible such as obstructing the pathway of food
from the stomach into the intestines. A wide range of other physical signs and symptoms
are frequent as well.
For a majority of peptic ulcer sufferers, the first and most common sign that
something is amiss is a pain in the stomach region. Pain, however, is not a defining
symptom for an ulcer, specifically; therefore, there are special tests designed to be used
by your doctor in determining if the pain you are experiencing is associated with an ulcer
or some other condition.
The statistics kept by the medical community fail to show any correlation between
gender and an increased risk of having peptic ulcers, nor does ethnicity or race alter your
chances of getting an ulcer. What does tip the scales in favor of developing ulcers are the
following conditions (each will be discussed further in a later section of this book):

You have an H. pylori infection

You use non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs often

You smoke

You drink alcohol

You have relatives with peptic ulcers

You are 50 years or older

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PEPTIC ULCERS

There are several warning signs that something might not be right. However,
keep in mind that everyone is unique and not all symptoms will be seen in every patient
with an ulcer, while some patients will experience all of these symptoms and more!

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Some individuals may have extremely mild symptoms while others have more painful
and acute indicators. If you are unsure whether you may have a peptic ulcer or not, make
an appointment to see your health care provider for a checkup and examination.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers:

A burning pain in the region of the stomach or gut (basically anywhere from the
breastbone down to the belly button).

The stomach region may be tender to touch.

The internal pain may be dull and aching, or sharp and abrupt.

The pain will wane and then return over a period of several days or weeks.

Most commonly, the pain returns within several hours of eating and will go away
after eating. The pain sometimes will remain for only a few short minutes, while
other times it may last for hours.

The pain usually returns at night or when the stomach is empty.

A feeling of not wanting to eat.

Associated pain while eating.

Antacids or other acid-buffers will sometimes alleviate the pain temporarily.

Severe signs and symptoms which should be investigated by a physician immediately

include:

Vomiting blood (can be red or black, resembling coffee grounds).

Black or tarry substance in the stool – dried blood.

Chest pain.

Vomiting or feeling nauseous while eating.

Unexplained weight loss (from obstruction of the intestines if the ulcer is large).

If and when you discover that you are experiencing any or a combination of the
above symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your health care
physician as soon as possible. When ulcers first form the pain associated with their
existence is from the stomach acids (which are secreted when food is ingested) hitting the
open wall of the stomach or intestines. Over a period of time of the acid coming in

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contact with the mucosal lining, a small hole or erosion can form. If this hole breaks
open to the outside of the stomach or intestines the stomach acid and contents can begin
leaking into the tissues spaces of the body – this is an emergency situation!
However, before this occurs – if proper intervention is applied – the ulcer can be
healed. In fact, if the ulcer is in its beginning stages, with fast and accurate treatment it
can be eradicated within a matter of a few short months – no more pain, no more hassles!
So, before “waiting it out,” or “just a few more days and then I’ll make an
appointment,” get an appointment with a doctor sooner than later. You’ll thank yourself
in the long run.

TESTS USED TO DETERMINE THE DIAGNOSIS

When you head in to see your doctor, chances are he or she will first go through a
series of verbal questions (health history questionnaire) followed by a physical
examination. They will be looking for abdominal tenderness as well as checking for any
other abnormalities that may point to other health conditions. Next, your doctor will run
a series of tests. Tests can include an upper GI x-ray to outline the esophagus, stomach
and upper intestinal tract. You will drink a white liquid called barium that will coat these
regions and make them visible on the x-ray. Sometimes this will immediately show
where the ulcer is located and its seriousness. In fact, approximately 70% to 80% of
peptic ulcers are diagnosed in this manner. Other times further tests may be required.
An endoscopy can be performed as well. This is considered the “gold standard”
of ulcer diagnosis. In this procedure a small tube with a miniature camera on the end is
inserted through the mouth, into the throat and down into the digestive tract. Through it
the esophagus, stomach and duodenum can be viewed and an ulcer can be visualized. If
an ulcer is found, the physician will remove a small section of it (called a biopsy) for
examination under a microscope to rule out a cancerous tumor. With this same piece of
tissue, the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the major causations of
ulcers, can be detected.
Finally, three other not-so-invasive techniques can be used aid in the diagnosis of
an ulcer. They include a blood test, a breath test, and a stool test.

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 Blood test – Blood is taken from the patient and tested for antigens against the
bacteria H. pylori. The downside to finding these antigens in the blood is that it can not
be determined if there was a prior infection with the bacteria or a current infection.
However, coupled with the results from the next two tests a more definitive diagnosis can
be made:
Urea breath test – This test can most definitively determine if there is an active
infection with H. pylori. The patient will ingest a small amount of urea that is labeled
with carbon 13 or carbon 14. If the bacteria are present ,they produce an enzyme called
urease which will break down the carbon. When the patient exhales, instead of giving off
the original carbon 13 or carbon 14, carbon dioxide will be produced.
Stool test – This test is usually used as a follow up test after treatment has been
rendered and in order to determine if the treatment has been successful and the H. pylori
eradicated. However, in some cases the stool test can be used to diagnose the condition
as well.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Physicians recognize the importance of properly diagnosing illnesses and

conditions in a patient. It is no different with an ulcer. If not correctly diagnosed, there
is a wide range of complications that can occur – some more serious than others.
Likewise, it is important that the proper diagnosis be made! Other possible diseases and
conditions that can sometimes exhibit similar symptoms as an ulcer include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (usually associated with esophageal ulcers),
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), some
form of neoplasm (cancers such as gastric carcinoma, lymphoma and pancreatic
carcinoma are the most common), angina, heart attacks, and dissecting aneurysm. By
quickly identifying whether the symptoms are associated with an ulcer or something
more serious and life threatening, a patient’s life can literally be saved. So, if you are
having any of the symptoms listed in the above sections, be sure to check with your
doctor as soon as possible to rule out any critical conditions.

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 LONG TERM EFFECTS IF LEFT UNTREATED

A person can only live so long with an open sore in the stomach or duodenum
before it becomes extensively problematic. When an ulcer advances beyond the sore
stage it becomes an erosion – or a hole in the lining of the mucosal wall of the intestine or
stomach. When this happens the fluid within the digestive tract, which includes partially
digested food and stomach and bile acids, begins to leak into the abdominal cavity.
Because the pH levels between these two regions are dramatically different, the acidic
nature of the intestinal tract contents will quickly damage the organs and tissues within
the cavity. Infection will follow – this is called peritonitis – requiring immediate
emergency treatment. If your ulcer progresses to this stage, you will know because of the
acute, severe pain – different from the aching pain associated with an ulcer that has not
eroded through the wall.
Some ulcers will slowly bleed – this continual loss of blood in small amounts can
result in an anemic condition. However, if the ulcer is bleeding, there are other signs
which can show up as well. They include the vomiting of blood (black, dried blood
resembling coffee grounds, or fresh, red blood), and/or blood in the stools (usually
appearing as a dark red color and/or tarry feces).
Often ulcers will heal themselves without the patient even being aware that they
existed in the first place. After healing they sometimes leave behind large scars which
block the opening between the stomach and the small intestines, thus obstructing the
pathway of food through the digestive tract. This is called stenosis. A hallmark sign of
duodenal stenosis includes vomiting after eating, weight loss, and a feeling of being full
after only eating small quantities. Ulcer scar tissue usually requires surgery to treat.

“Well, Josh, it looks like you have a peptic ulcer. Luckily, you came in before it
took a turn for the worse – we can get rid of it without any further complications,” said
Dr. Morgan, Josh’s doctor for the last fifteen years of his life.
“What? A peptic ulcer? But, Doc, you know that I don’t smoke, I’m not a big
spicy food eater, and I really don’t have very many things to stress about in my life. Why
would I have an ulcer?” an astonished Josh asked.

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 WHAT CAUSES A PEPTIC ULCER?

The myths regarding peptic ulcers are about as numerous as kernels on a cob of
corn. Before the discovery of Helicobacter pylori – the bacteria primarily responsible for
peptic ulcers – the causation of peptic ulcers was blamed on a whole host of conditions:
stress, spicy food, too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, etc. In this next chapter we will
debunk the false information surrounding the causes of peptic ulcers and set the record
straight with more reliable, accurate and up-to-date material.

Helicobacter pylori and Stomach Acids

The history of peptic ulcer causation is an interesting one. It wasn’t until the early
1980s that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was even considered to be a factor in the
appearance of ulcers. Further study and research has still not definitively defined what
comes first – the excess stomach acid or the bacteria. Let me explain.
Most studies show that patients with ulcers have an unusually high level of
stomach acid present. Normally, the tough, protective mucous layer of the stomach
protects the organ from being harmed by the strong stomach acid. Additionally, there is
an enzyme in the intestinal tract called pepsin. When it, too, is exposed to the lining of
the stomach, it will destroy the tissue.
The current school of thought believes that some people, for a wide variety of
reasons, produce extra stomach acid and higher levels of pepsin than is normal. The
greater quantities of these two substances irritate the lining of the stomach and small
intestine enough to begin causing small erosions or tears in the walls. That’s where the
bacteria H. pylori come into the picture. The bacteria get into and infect the small
openings of the lining of the digestive tract. Very soon after, the symptoms of a peptic
ulcer begin to manifest.
Other research makes a case for a different order of circumstance. Some believe
that the H. pylori infection comes first, aggravating the lining of the stomach and
duodenum giving the acid of the stomach a chance to irritate the wall even further. What
it basically comes down to, however, is that there is a complicated interplay in a majority

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of patients with this condition – acids, enzymes and bacteria – something comes first,
second and third – but, the final result is the same – a case of peptic ulcers.
Regardless, what is this Helicobacter pylori that we keep mentioning? The
bacterium is a spiral-shaped organism that produces the enzyme urease (recall the urea
breath test that is used to diagnose a H. pylori infection). When the body becomes
infected with the bacteria, just as in any infection, the immune system launches an attack
and in the process makes antibodies to the bacteria (this is why a blood test that looks for
antibodies to the bacteria will also help to detect the presence of the organism). Infection
with H. pylori is probably contagious. More than likely it can be passed through food,
water, cups, silverware, etc. Interestingly enough, however, a majority of the population
is already infected with the bacteria but there are no complications involved. Once again,
scientists have not quite figured out why some people with the bacteria get ulcers while
others can go their entire lives with the bacteria and no ulcers.

Drugs: OTCs, Glucocorticoids and NSAIDs

As the story continues, acids and bacteria aren’t the only things that can trigger
ulcer development. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also
prompt the formation of peptic ulcers. Some of these drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen
(Advil), Feldene, Voltaren, Indocin, naproxen sodium (Naprosyn or Aleve), Lodine, and
many other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This list of medications is
known to cause irritation of the mucosal stomach lining. When irritated enough, the
lining becomes torn and begins breaking down, bleeding occurs and eventually the acids
from the stomach will further irritate the exposed regions causing the infamous
ulcerations and erosions.
Regular use of these drugs – whether for arthritis or chronic pain relief – can lead
to problems on down the road. If you find yourself using these medications for a long
period of time, consider speaking with your health care provider to identify possible
alternative therapies or treatments to at least partially replace the use of the drugs.

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Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
This is a very rare condition, usually not appearing until after the patient is in their
late 40s or early 50s. The syndrome produces hard-to-treat tumors in the pancreas or in
the upper part of the small intestine. These tumors secrete large quantities of gastrin, a
hormone that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. Large amounts of gastrin lead to
high levels of stomach acid, in turn leading to a greatly increased risk of developing
peptic ulcers. Unfortunately, the peptic ulcers found in those with Zollinger –Ellison
syndrome do not respond well to conventional treatment and, in many cases, it will
reappear even after a full round of targeted treatment. Medication and surgery are the
most popular options for this population of patients.

Aggravators of Peptic Ulcers

Before the discovery of H. pylori, peptic ulcers were blamed on stress and anxiety
coupled with an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Well, we can’t dismiss these ideas so
quickly. In fact, although we now know that up to 80% of peptic ulcers are caused by the
bacteria, there are still aggravating factors that can make the ulcers worse.
Anything that increases the levels of stomach acids has the potential to exacerbate
an ulcer. This would include excess stress and anxiety, frustration, a highly acidic diet,
too much alcohol, smoking, and a diet high in processed and fast foods.
Alcohol consumption, when heavy and on a regular basis, leads to irritation of the
stomach lining, tears, and finally, ulcers. What’s not clear is whether the bacteria H.
pylori must also be present. What is obvious, however, is that alcohol consumption leads
to increased stomach acid production.
Smoking has a similar cascade of events: the nicotine found in tobacco leads to a
spike in stomach acid production. Additionally, the nicotine can slow the actual healing
process down when the ulcers are being treated.
Stress – yes, we all have it in our lives – will also lead to higher levels of stomach
acid. Emotions directly translate to physical signs … think about that the next time you
feel frustrated, angry, or stressed.

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 Josh sat across the table from his wife, Becky, explaining his condition. “Dr.
Morgan said I have peptic ulcers. They aren’t life-threatening, but I do need to get them
treated soon to avoid any other problems. I will have to take antibiotics and I want to
change the way I eat, too – no more donuts and fast food, and I’m going to cut back on
how much alcohol I drink.”

HEALING THE ULCERS

As we’ve seen throughout the past pages, most stomach and duodenal ulcers have
the same causation triggers: bacteria and excess acid. Treatment, then, should be built
around fixing these problems. In the next section we will thoroughly discuss the best
methods to a) get rid of the bacteria, b) decrease high levels of stomach acid production,
c) heal the already damaged tissue of the stomach or intestines, d) avoid aggravating
situations, and e) implement certain lifestyle changes to avoid the chances of ulcer
reoccurrence. Throughout these next pages you will notice that each section may contain
both conventional and alternative methods of therapy. Additionally, there are quite a few
“home remedies” that have been highlighted due to their ability to greatly help the
healing process, as well as quell the pain while waiting for the ulcers to heal.
We feel that it is not necessary to worry about whether a treatment is considered
“modern medicine,” “natural therapy,” or a “home remedy” – our goal is simply to
provide as many effective options to you as possible. This way you can choose those
remedies which seem to best fit your lifestyle, your tastes and their availability in your
region of the world. What is common to all of these remedies is that they have worked
for others and can work for you.

Get rid of the Bacteria!

The most important thing to do when you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer is to
get rid of the H. pylori that are causing you so much trouble in the first place. More than
likely, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for you. So far, the medical research
shows that using the heavy guns of antibiotics is the only sure-fire way to get rid of the
bacteria for good. Be sure that you finish the entire prescription, don’t stop taking the

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medication just because you start feeling better! Once the bacteria have been eradicated,
the wounds can start healing (see Heal the Damaged Tissue to see what you can do to
promote quick healing). In fact, most practitioners will tell you that within several weeks
of starting your antibiotic regimen the ulcers will no longer be a problem. Some patients
may take as long as eight weeks, but the reality is that no longer do we have to “live with
it” – there are ways to get rid of ulcers today.
Health care providers that work with herbs may offer other antibacterial remedies
in conjunction with the antibiotics. Garlic, a potent antimicrobial herb, can be used
together with antibiotic treatment. The antimicrobial powers of garlic have the potential
to help the body eradicate the bacteria quicker than just by using antibiotics alone. Add
garlic supplements (capsules or powder form is best) to your diet. You can find these
supplements at any health food store – there are even capsules on the market that are odor
free. If you prefer, add fresh garlic to foods when you are preparing them.

Lower the Acid Level Production!

We mentioned earlier that science still hasn’t determined whether the bacteria or
the extra stomach acids came first. It really doesn’t matter for us, though, because we
need to decrease the level of acids anyway. So, here are some suggestions to make that
happen:

There is a supplement called Acid-Ease made by Prevail. This supplement helps
to balance the acidity in the body and return it to normal levels.

Vitamin E is not only a great antioxidant helping in keeping the entire body
healthy, it also works to keep stomach acids at an acceptable level.

Avoid those foods that tend to be overly acidic or acid-producing. These include:
processed and fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, and many wheat-based products.

Add grains that are less acidifying, such as millet, to your diet.

Incorporate more vegetables and fruits, raw or lightly steamed.

Drink plenty of water! Water is nature’s best medicine. It helps to flush, detox and
cleanse the system from top to bottom. Consume this healthy beverage all day,
every day, by sipping from a water bottle or cup on a constant basis. Stay
hydrated!

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Avoid Aggravating the Situation!
Although the word on the street is that spicy foods don’t aggravate an ulcer, most
patients report just the opposite. In order to give your body the chance to heal and
recover from an ulcer, consider changing your diet to follow a more bland, easily-
digestible food list. Foods that are probably better to avoid include: whole milk, butter,
cream, and egg yolks – these forms of fat tend to digest quickly and leave the stomach
empty allowing the acid of the stomach to begin attacking the lining again. Stay away
from alcohol and any form of caffeine, give up smoking, and cut out spicy and
concentrated foods from your diet. Finally, if possible, avoid the use of NSAIDs and
other stomach-irritating drugs.
Stress will trigger an increase in stomach acids. There are several easy-to-
implement ways to lower your stress levels. When you feel yourself becoming frustrated,
anxious or angry, take several long, deep breaths. Inhale, close your eyes, and hold your
breath for a count of three. Slowly let the air out with your eyes still closed for a count of
three. Do this 3-5 times. You will feel the uptight feelings melt away and flow out of
your body along with your breath on the exhales. Open your eyes, look around, and
realize that everything will be just fine.
Yoga and other forms of meditation and relaxation techniques are excellent
activities to incorporate into your daily life. When practiced on a regular basis, they help
to keep stress levels in check, bodily functions normal, and thankfully, stomach acid
levels low!

Heal the Damaged Tissue!

Healing the tissue that becomes damaged from acid exposure and bacterial
infection is probably one of the most important things that needs to be addressed when
talking about peptic ulcers. If the ulcer heals leaving a large amount of scar tissue in its
place, the digestive tract can become obstructed and backed up. Not good! If the ulcer
fails to heal well and quickly, slow bleeding can lead to an anemic patient. Not good,
either! Any way you look at it, peptic ulcers must heal fast, completely, and well.
Bottom line. Here are some tried and true ways to speed up that healing while doing the
job efficiently.

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 Aloe vera has long been known as one of the wonder plants of the world.
Soothing, cooling, healing, and mucus-like, it will coat the lining of the stomach thus
protecting the ulcer from any more acid exposure. Additionally, aloe vera provides a
large dose of nutrients that aid the healing of the ulcer. Try a food-grade aloe vera gel. It
usually comes in a gel or juice form, so drink 4 ounces each day and let this amazing
plant do its work.
Licorice – DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) – is a favorite of naturopathic
doctors when prescribing herbs for ulcers. Licorice promotes the healing of all forms of
peptic ulcers. The DGL form of licorice is the one to use; you should be able to find it in
any natural health food store. There have been several studies showing that DGL is so
powerful that it rivals the pharmaceutical drug cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine
(Zantac) in its effectiveness for treating peptic ulcer. Be sure to follow the dosage
recommendations on the label of the product. As a side note: always use the DGL form
of licorice and do not supplement with licorice alone. Licorice, when taken over several
days, can increase blood pressure, and can be potentially harmful for patients who
already have high blood pressure.
Vitamin K – greens, alfalfa – These foods are high in Vitamin K, and those
people trying to get rid of ulcers need Vitamin K! Vitamin K helps in the healing process
and will increase the efficiency of the body’s healing mechanisms. Eat plenty of green
vegetables such as chard, broccoli, spinach, kale, collards, mustard greens, etc., and don’t
forget to throw in a supplement of alfalfa. By the way, all of the above foods will also
help to balance the excess acid that is produced in the stomach.
Healing Foods - Foods that are OK to incorporate into your diet while your ulcers
are healing (and, in fact, these foods will give you some beneficial nutrients to help the
healing process!) are: avocados, bananas, potatoes, squash, and yams.
Finally, there are some herbs that have been shown to be especially useful in the
healing of peptic ulcers, but should only be used under the watchful eye of a certified
herbalist or other natural/homeopathic medicine physician. White oak bark and yarrow
are used to slow down and put a stop to any ulcer bleeding as well as help in the soothing
of any the inflammation that occurs on the lining of the digestive tract. Marshmallow
root and slippery elm bark are known for their mucus-like products. Taking these herbs

13
internally as a tea or supplement will coat the lining of the stomach and ward off further
attack by bacteria.

New Lifestyle Choices!

Once you find that the H. pylori have been eradicated and the ulcers have healed,
you’ll want to make sure that you don’t have a relapse. To this end, here is a list of
healthy lifestyle choices that you may want to consider implementing into your daily
routine, if you haven’t already:

Rather than eating three large meals a day, choose smaller meals scattered
throughout your day. Don’t overfill the stomach, eat slowly and chew
thoroughly.

If you stopped smoking, drinking alcohol, and reduced your intake of
caffeine while you were allowing the ulcers to heal, consider keeping this
habit as part of a new lifestyle. If you must, engage in these activities only
occasionally rather than on a daily basis.

Continue to practice stress-relieving exercises and activities. It certainly
can’t hurt!

Highlighted Home Remedies and Tips!

Folk medicine, old medical books, and wife’s tales passed down through
generations, and common sense advice all add to the knowledge found in home remedies.
Below we have compiled a list of the most commonly used home remedies to treat, cure,
and palliate the symptoms of ulcers – and, according to those who have used them, they
work!

Banana – Yes, the common banana is one of the most effective home remedies
used to treat a peptic ulcer. I thought you would be shocked! But, consider this; a
banana has the ability to neutralize the excess acid found in the stomach by coating the
stomach lining and blocking the path of the acid to the mucosal layer. Bananas can be
eaten alone on a daily basis or can be mixed into a shake consisting of milk and bananas

14
blended together. Most people say not to use regular cow’s milk, but instead to substitute
almond milk, goat’s milk or even soy milk. If cow’s milk is all you have, though, use it!

Lime – Seems kind of silly to add another acid (citric acid) to an already over-
acidic stomach, right? Without getting into a biochemistry lesson, the quick answer is
that a food's acid- or alkaline-forming tendency in the stomach has nothing to do with the
actual pH of the food itself. The end-products of limes and apple cider produced after
digestion and assimilation are very alkaline ... so apples, apple cider (see below), and
limes actually end up causing alkalinization in the body. It begins by helping to balance
the pH in the stomach, thereby allowing the inflammation of gastritis and peptic ulcers to
subside and the healing to start. So, when your ulcer is acting up, suck on a lime for a few
minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Just as eating a lime to counteract high acid levels seems
counterintuitive, so does using apple cider vinegar to aid in the relief of acid-induced
ulcers. Similar to the way a lime works in the stomach, apple cider vinegar will help to
regulate the digestive system’s acid levels. To use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy
for ulcers: mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a glass of
water. Drink this approximately one half hour before meals.

Vegetable Juice – This home remedy uses the juice of raw vegetables – be sure
to include carrots and cabbages – to help heal ulcers as well as decreasing the pain
associated with them. The juices of vegetables are healthy for the entire body and also
help to speed the process of recovery while adding some pain relief. To obtain the juice
from these vegetables use a juicing machine. If you have trouble obtaining or making
juices from these vegetables, simply eat the vegetables raw and whole instead.
Remember to chew each bite thoroughly and eat slowly. Also, always start with fresh,
raw and organic (if possible) vegetables.
There are quite a few different recipes that have been suggested but the following
seem to show the most promise:

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Mix ½ glass carrot juice with ½ glass cabbage juice and drink.

Mix approximately ½ glass carrot juice with ½ glass spinach juice

Mix approximately ½ glass carrot juice with ¼ glass beet juice and
¼ glass cucumber juice.

Cabbage juice alone

Goat’s Milk – If you can find goat’s milk in your health food store or if you have
a goat nearby from which to obtain the whole, raw milk, this home remedy is a winner.
The goat’s milk will actually help to heal the ulcer. Try drinking a glass of this wonder
beverage three times a day until the ulcer is healed.

Almond Milk – This milk can also be useful in treating and healing peptic ulcers.
The nutrients from the almond are an added bonus along with its excellent source of
protein and its ability to bind extra stomach acid and neutralize it. The milk should be
made from blended blanched almonds.

Milk – if neither of the above milks are available, you can still find relief through
another simple home remedy – a cup of cold, unsweetened cow’s milk. Avoid whole milk
(see Avoid Aggravating the Situation, above). The milk will help to coat the stomach and
decrease the pain associated with the ulcer.

Fenugreek Seed (Tea) – We all know what mucus looks like. Well, when the
seeds of fenugreek become wet (for example, when you make a tea with the fenugreek
seed and water), the seeds become very sticky and mucus-like. Although it may sound
unappealing, when this sticky, mucus-like substance hits the stomach it forms a
protective layer over the mucosal lining of the stomach. While there, it protects the
lining from the acid in the stomach. As it moves on down the digestive tract it also forms
a protective layer over the remainder of the tract thus helping to avoid even further
damage. This is a great home remedy to try: just keep some dried fenugreek seeds in
your pantry or a box of fenugreek tea. You never know when it will come in handy!

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 Treating Peptic Ulcers with Drumstick? I know it sounds crazy. However, we
aren’t talking about a turkey drumstick here, the drumstick in question consists of the
leaves of the kalyana murangal tree (known in its native South India as “drumstick”).
You can find this herb/plant in some world food markets or possibly in herbal stores.
When ten grams of these leaves are ground into a paste, mixed with a half cup of yogurt
and ingested daily, they help heal peptic ulcers.

CONCLUSION
To wrap things up we want to leave you with some words of encouragement. Our
friend Josh went on to complete his round of antibiotics, he cut out all alcohol and
caffeine other than one cup of coffee in the morning and an occasional drink. He
changed his diet so as to eliminate foods that increased his stomach acid production as
well as adding in a few select supplements, such as a multi-vitamin and a daily dose of
aloe vera. These days Josh is doing great. In fact, it’s been three years since his original
diagnosis and he has had no further ulcers develop.
This e-book was written in the hopes that you will finish reading it knowing that
you do not have to live with peptic ulcers – there are cures – many of them! Be sure to
visit with your primary health care provider in order to develop a plan of attack to get rid
of the ulcers once and for all. Along the way, consider using some of the home remedies
that we have described here. Focus on healing and you will be on the road to a full
recovery and a healthy digestive tract in no time!

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 References and Resources for Peptic Ulcers

Web Resources

National Institute of Health’s Medline

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pepticulcer.html

National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

www.cdc.gov/ulcer/

Mayo Clinic Health Website

www.mayoclinic.com/health/peptic-ulcer/DS00242

Print/Book Resources

Mechanisms of Peptic Ulcer Healing by Fred Halter (Editor), Andrew Garner (Editor),
Guido N. Tytgat (Editor) (July 1991)

Ulcer Free! Nature’s Safe and Effective Remedy for Ulcers by Georges M. Halpern
(March 2004)

50 Ways to Relieve Heartburn, Reflux and Ulcers by M. Sara Rosenthal, James Gray
(May 2001)

Coping with Ulcers, Heartburn and Stress by Judy Monroe (July 2000)

2002 Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Peptic Ulcer by Icon Health Publications, Health
Publica Icon Health Publications (July 2002)

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