How to Treat a Stomach Ulcer

The intestines, stomach, esophagus and duodenum make up the digestive tract, which commonly forms sores called ulcers. The duodenum is the first part of the intestines and is the sight where most ulcers occur. There are several things that can cause them to develop such as a bacteria called helicobacter pylori, long-time use of anti-inflammatories and mental or physical stress. When ulcers appear in the stomach, there are several ways they can be treated.

Instructions

• 1

  Give up some bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcohol are already known as pollutants to the body. When it comes to ulcers, they can cause irritation to the lining of the stomach.

• 2

  Reduce the acid. Ulcers are caused from acid eating a hole in the lining of the stomach. To help alleviate this, avoid foods that are high in acid. Some examples are deep-fried foods, coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, citrus fruits and anything spicy.

• 3

  Use an antacid. Antacids help protect ulcers from being contacted with acid that can make them worse. Antacids should be taken with meals and before bed. An example of an antacid medicine is sucralfate.

• 4

  Increase your fiber intake. Fiber is a nondigestible substance that helps promote regularity and also protects the lining of the stomach. Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oat bran and legumes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women should get 20 grams of fiber a day and men 30 grams a day.

• 5

  Get triple therapy. Triple therapy is a treatment option whereby two antibiotics are taken along with an acid suppressor. This is usually done for two weeks, and it helps to prevent the reoccurrence of an ulcer. It also kills the helicobacter pylori bacteria. Some examples of antibiotics used are tetracycline, amoxicillin and metronidazole.