*TOPIC PEPTIC ULCERS* Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers occurring in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers occurring in the top part of the small intestine. However causes and treatment are essentially the same. These ulcers can be caused by wrong food or too much food. They can also be induced by severe nervous and mental stress. The walls of the stomach pour a powerful acid into the stomach ( hydrochloric acid, or HCI ). This powerful fluid is needed to digest protein. Although the walls of the stomach are protein, they are not normally disturbed by the fluid. But when there are problems with people or with the food then trouble can begin. Two problems bring trouble when stomach acids begin digesting the walls of the stomach, because too much HCI is being produced, or protective mucus, in order to protect the walls, is not being produced. These ulcers can occur in the esophagus, but generally occur in the stomach or small intestine. Gastric ulcers ( peptic ulcers in the stomach) occur 2 1/2 times more often in men than in women, most frequently in the 40-55 age group. Duodenal ulcers ( peptic ulcers in the small intestine) occur in the first 11 inches of the small intestine and are caused by excess HCI from the stomach. **Many factors affect stomach acid secretion which are:* Stress, and anxiety increase it. Aspirin, steroids, anti inflammatory drugs, and smoking all increase HCI production. Here is how to find out: when you have the pain, swallow 1Tbsp of apple cider or lemon juice, if the pain disappears, you do not have enough HCI: if it makes it worse you have an excessively acid stomach.