Stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers are open sores developed on the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum. It occurs due to erosion of the protective mucus lining. This allows the gastric acids and digestive enzymes to eat away the tissues that line the stomach and duodenum, causing a stomach ulcer.

The sores are usually open and painful and get irritated by the acid. Stomach ulcers are common and treatable. If left untreated for a longer time, they cause serious complications such as internal bleeding. Over time, stomach ulcers can also cause a medical emergency.

Role of homeopathy in stomach ulcers

Homeopathy offers supportive care for stomach ulcers by managing the symptoms. It also focuses on the person’s constitution and underlying cause of the ulcer. Homeopathy aims at altering the individual’s predisposition to stomach ulcers.

Six effective homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers

Nux vomica

Common name: Poison nut

Nux vom. is indicated where pain is felt in the stomach from eating highly spiced food, from overeating, and from an irregular diet. The stomach region is very sensitive to touch, with a sensation of weight and pain. Spicy food, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks worsen the symptoms.

Flatulence and tightness may be felt after eating. Sour or bitter eructation with constant nausea after eating may accompany the above symptoms. People with a sedentary lifestyle and who are intolerant to tight bandages around the waist are prescribed this remedy.

Argentum nitricum

Common name: Silver nitrate

Argentum is indicated for mucosal irritation that gives rise to gastric inflammation. There is a sharp ulcerative or burning pain felt in the stomach that radiates to other regions of the abdomen. The pain is gnawing in nature. Symptoms such as belching, nausea, and vomiting may also be present along with stomach ulcers. There is great abdominal distension with flatulence but no relief. There is a desire to eat sweets.

Arsenic album

Common name: White oxide of arsenic

Ars. alb. acts effectively in stomach ulcers in individuals who can’t bear the smell or sight of food. There is burning pain with intense heat in the pit of the stomach after eating. Great anxiety is accompanied by restlessness and pain. There is nausea and vomiting of food and water as soon as it reaches the stomach due to inflammation and irritation of the mucus membranes.

The vomitus is of black bile and blood and the diarrhea is accompanied by prostration. There is spasmodic colic with burning in the abdomen. Dyspepsia is caused by taking vinegar, acids, ice cream, or ice water. A sensation that everything that the person swallows gets lodged in the esophagus, making it closed for no food to pass.

Kalium bichromicum

Common name: Potassium bichromate

Kali. bi. is found to possess a great affinity for mucus membranes of the stomach, bowel, and air passage. The gastric complaints generally are stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers caused by the harmful effects of alcohol. There are complaints of constant weight in the pit of the stomach and loss of appetite.

Punched-out stomach ulcers with pain in small spots that are covered with the tip of a finger warrant this remedy. There is a great desire for beer and acids, which brings on nausea and vomiting. Stitching pain is felt in the regions of the liver and spleen and throughout the spine. All gastric complaints are aggravated after eating with vomiting of ropy, stringy mucus, and blood.

Carbo vegetabilis

Common name: Vegetable charcoal

Carbo veg. is indicated for heartburn and stomach pain. The person suffers from weak digestion which causes excessive flatulence. Simple food causes accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines, particularly in the epigastric region. There is frequent eructation and passing of flatus.

The person feels as if the abdomen will burst open due to the accumulation of excessive gas. The complaints are worse after eating and drinking rich food, butter, and milk and are relieved by eructation and passing flatus.

Lycopodium clavatum

Common name: Club moss

Lycopodium is indicated for burning, constrictive pains with marked flatulence, and bloating of the abdomen. Bloating starts soon after eating. There is excessive gas accumulation and flatulence, especially in the lower abdomen, with grumbling, rolling sounds that do not relieve even after eructation, or passing flatus. Individuals are always blenching with sour eructation and sour vomiting, heartburn, and water-brash. The complaints are better when taking warm water or drinks.

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Causative factors of stomach ulcers

H. pylori infection

These bacteria live in the stomach. In many people, this doesn’t cause any problems, but in some individuals, the bacteria continue to multiply, eating the stomach lining and causing inflammation. Up to 60% of duodenal ulcers and 40% of gastric ulcers are related with H. pylori infections.

Overuse of NSAIDs

Common over-the-counter pain relief medications can irritate the stomach lining. Up to 50% of peptic ulcers are caused by overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Less common causes of stomach ulcers include Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and severe physiological stress.

Signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers

  • Burning stomach pain
  • Bloating, fullness, or belching
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Burping or acid reflux
  • Vomiting or vomiting of blood
  • Trouble breathing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Appetite changes
  • Dark blood in stools, or dark stools, tarry
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

Treatment of stomach ulcers

Treatment varies depending on the causes of your ulcer. Different tests, such as endoscopy, imaging, blood, stool, and H. pylori breath tests are carried out to determine the cause. Most stomach ulcers are treated with prescription medications, which include antibiotics for H. pylori infection, proton pump inhibitors to block the acid-producing stomach cells, probiotics to improve gut bacteria, and bismuth supplements.

Diet and lifestyle modifications for stomach ulcers

  • Follow a healthy diet, which includes grains, alkaline foods, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks or other herbal teas.
  • Avoid celery, meat, or processed foods.
  • Avoid spicy dishes and sauces.
  • Avoid overeating.
  • Cut down the intake of sugar and salt.
  • Avoid beers or liquors with a spicy punch.
  • Reduce the use of NSAIDs.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Engage in recreational activities to relieve stress.
  • Perform moderate exercises like daily walking or light yoga.

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers are prevalent and treatable. A stomach ulcer means that your stomach lining is eroded by gastric acid, and it has to be managed immediately. Lifestyle changes may help you along with the treatment for the underlying cause of stomach ulcer. This can be prevented if the factors contributing to your stomach ulcers, such as NSAID use, smoking, and alcohol, are stopped. You won’t completely heal your ulcer till you eliminate the cause.

Even after successful treatment, you can get an ulcer. Your healthcare provider can help to prescribe the right medicine for stomach ulcers. Homeopathy for stomach ulcers helps tackle the symptoms and provide relief. The medicines are safe and from natural resources and cure the stomach ulcers permanently. If left untreated or poorly managed, stomach ulcers can lead to severe complications.

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