HOW TO HEAL ULCER?

Healing an ulcer typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary changes to relieve symptoms and promote healing. Here are the key steps:

1. Medication

• Antibiotics: If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. A combination of two or more antibiotics is often used to prevent antibiotic resistance.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications (such as omeprazole or esomeprazole) reduce stomach acid production, giving the ulcer time to heal and reducing pain.
• H2-Receptor Antagonists: Drugs like ranitidine or famotidine reduce acid production in the stomach, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.
• Antacids: These can provide quick symptom relief by neutralizing stomach acid but don’t directly heal the ulcer.
• Bismuth Subsalicylate: Often used in combination with antibiotics, this can help protect the stomach lining from acid and help eradicate H. pylori.

2. Dietary Changes

• Avoid Irritating Foods: Spicy, acidic, and high-fat foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms.
• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: This helps prevent the stomach from becoming too full and reduces acid production spikes, making symptoms more manageable.
• Include Healing Foods:
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can reduce the risk of ulcers and support gut health.
• Probiotic-Rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods can help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and may reduce H. pylori levels.
• Foods High in Vitamins A, C, and Zinc: These nutrients support tissue repair, immunity, and help maintain the protective mucous lining.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Manage Stress: Stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can lower stomach acid production and help prevent symptom flare-ups.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases stomach acid and delays ulcer healing.
• Limit NSAID Use: If you need pain relief, talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAIDs, as these medications can irritate the stomach lining.

4. Rest and Recovery

• Adequate rest is important for healing. Resting helps reduce overall stress and allows the body to focus energy on healing the ulcer.

5. Follow-Up with a Doctor

• Follow-up appointments are essential, especially if the ulcer is severe. In some cases, further testing may be needed to ensure it has healed fully and that any H. pylori infection is eradicated.

Following these steps consistently and taking prescribed medications as directed typically leads to effective ulcer healing within a few weeks to months, depending on the severity.