*HOW STOMACH ULCERS FORM AND WORSEN* Despite all we know about stomach ulcers, they still plague us, Most people don’t know how they form, why they do, the habits that perpetuate them and ways of avoiding or healing them. Here’s everything you need to know. *WHAT ARE ULCER SORES?* A stomach ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. These sores form when the protective mucus lining in the stomach is damaged or weak, allowing acid burn through the tissue. *HOW DO THEY FORM?* Ulcers form when the natural balance between stomach acid and mucus lining is disturbed. What causes this disturbance? - H. Pylori infection - Prolonged used of NSAIDs - Smoking and alcohol (Disturbs the lining) Stress and poor diet worsen acid levels and makes healing difficult. *HOW DO ULCERS WORSEN?* If the root cause isn’t treated, the ulcer eats deeper into the tissue. This is when complications begin to show up, for instance: - Bleeding ulcer: Blood in vomit or dark stools - Perforation: A hole forming in the ulcer wall - Bowel obstruction: Blockage of food from passing due to scarring - Chronic pain and weight loss. *FACTORS THAT MAKE IT WORSE* - Skipping meals or eating heavy at night - High caffeine or acidic diets - Poor stress management - Smoking and abuse of alcohol - Untreated H. Pylori infection - Continued use of NSAIDs - Non adherence to treatment. *CAN ULCERS BE STOPPED AND REVERSED?* Yes. Ulcers can also heal completely, if the cause is treated and healing is supported. - Make sure you complete the treatment regimen recommended by the doctor - Stop the use of NSAIDs or switch to safer alternatives - Have a regular eating pattern (small meals) - Avoid foods that trigger your sores (Spicy or acidic foods) - Learn to manage stress (Meditate, journal or take a break) - Stay hydrated *HOW TO PREVENT ULCERS IN THE FIRST PLACE* Prevention is better and less painful. - Avoid long term use of NSAIDs - Wash your hands after using the loo - Observe good personal hygiene - Cut back on smoking and alcohol - Eat on time and avoid late night meals - Treat H.pylori immediately Ulcers don’t just happen. They develop through neglect, habits and misinformation. The good news is, with the right knowledge and action, you can prevent them, treat them and live pain free. - Treat the cause of ulcer - Adopt habits that promote healing - Eat healthy foods *WHAT FOODS SHOULD YOU EAT?* - Foods rich in fiber like oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, unripe plantain, carrots, spinach, ugu and okra. - Probiotic rich foods like yogurt, fermented milk, ogi(pap), nunu and sour pickles. - Flavonoid rich foods like apples, bananas, pears and green tea. - Lean proteins like boiled eggs, chicken and fish Foods to avoid: - Fried or fatty foods - Citrus fruits - Spicy meals - Fried tomatoes - Alcohol and soda.