Peptic ulcer is a shallow hole in the mucous membrane that lines the upper gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help you digest food damage the walls of the stomach. Ulcers may flare up only once and then subside (with or without treatment) never to recur, but more commonly it may come and go for a few days or weeks. Peptic ulcer is also called duodenal ulcer (type ulcer that develop in the first part of the small intestine), gastric ulcer (ulcer that occurs in the stomach), stomach ulcer, ulcer

Causes. Before, it was believed that the cause of peptic ulcer is stress, improper diet, alcohol consumption, caffeine and smoking, but now health practitioners found out that the real cause of this disease is bacteria and some medication, and that stress and diet can just aggravate the condition.

• Infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori lives and multiplies in the mucous membrane which covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. Often, H. pylori causes no problems. But sometimes it can disrupt the mucous membrane and inflame the lining of the stomach, producing an ulcer. It is believed that this bacterium is transmitted from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. People may also contract H. pylori through food and water.
• Medications. Prolonged use of pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. NSAIDs inhibit production of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that produces prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances help protect your stomach lining from chemical and physical injury. Without this protection, stomach acid can erode the lining, causing bleeding and ulcers. To prevent this it is recommended to take NSAIDs with meals.
• Substantial increase in secretion of gastric juice or gastric acid. This increased secretion of gastric juice is sometimes associated with pancreatic tumors.

Symptoms.

• Pain. The pain that feels like accentuated hunger pangs, it is felt in the pit of the stomach which often radiates to the back. The pain usually comes when the stomach is empty. It is often relieved by eating bland foods and particularly by drinking milk. Spicy or highly seasoned foods tend to worsen the pain, as do smoking, alcohol, and stress. The pain intensity varies and patients occasionally develop ulcers without any pain at all.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding this usually occur when an ulcer erodes through an underlying blood vessel. The bleeding may be so mild that it cannot be detected unless the stool is examined microscopically for blood. Or it may be so severe that the patient vomits blood or passes blood-filled stools. If prolonged extensive bleeding happens a patient may become anemic, and weak. A rapid loss of blood may cause a drop in blood pressure.

Complications.

• On rare occasions an ulcer may extend through the entire thickness of the stomach. Depending on its location, the ulcer may lead to the formation of an abscess.
• Another rare complication of recurrent flare-ups of ulcers alternating with periods of healing is the development of scar tissue that may obstruct the normal passage of food into or through the stomach.
• In rare cases recurrent ulcers in the stomach may be or may become malignant or cancerous.

Treatments. Peptic ulcer will get might get worse if not treated.

• Some relief may be obtained by placing patient on a bland diet with frequent small feedings so that the stomach is not empty for a long period.
• Medicine to block stomach acids or antibiotics to kill ulcer causing bacteria.
• Antacids are sometimes given to neutralize the acid produced by the stomach.
• Surgical treatment for patient with perforations, cancer, obstruction, hemorrhage or unmanageable ulcer pain. The part of the stomach that produces most of the acid is removed, and the remnant is joined to the jejunum.

Recommended Natural Remedy:

• Pure Aloe Vera Gel - anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, cell regenerator, digestive alkaline.
• Licorice - prevents the formation of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
• Bee propolis - natural antibiotics and strengthens the immune system.
• Beta-carotene- powerful antioxidant, helps resist infections, repair and maintains body tissue.
• Alfalfa -highly alkaline, helps neutralize acidity, it also high in fiber content.