17 Home Remedies for Ulcers

A stressed-out, aggressive businessman is no longer the typical ulcer patient. About  five million Americans,  including women, have ulcers.

Not long ago, the stereotype of a person with ulcers was that of an aggressive, stressed-out businessman who worked long hours, surviving on three-martini lunches and too much spicy food. Many sufferers took a strange pride in that pain in the gut, considering it evidence of their ambition and selflessness.

What a letdown: Scientists proved in the 1980s that most ulcers are caused not by too much sweat and toil but ... by bacteria. What's more, while males were once thought to be the most common victims of this gastrointestinal menace, doctors now diagnose ulcers in women just as often as men. An estimated five million Americans have ulcers.

That doesn't mean stress, spicy foods, and alcohol aren't important. In fact, these and other lifestyle factors seem to worsen ulcers for some patients. So, what can you do to avoid the burning sensation in your abdomen, nausea, or other symptoms related to ulcers?

In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms for ulcers. We'll also review traditional medical treatment as well as steps you can take at home to care for your digestive tract. Let's get started with a look at the fundamentals of this condition.


An ulcer is an erosion (open sore) on the surface of an organ or tissue. Ulcers most commonly erupt in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, in which case they are known as peptic ulcers. About five million Americans have peptic ulcers.


The problem begins, in most cases, with a spiral-shaped germ that seems to live for one purpose, digging holes in our stomachs. This bacterium, known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori for short), is very common: It's found in about half of all people under 60 years old in the United States. H. pylori never causes problems in most people, but in an unlucky minority, the bug burrows through the stomach's protective mucous coating. The bacteria and stomach acid irritate the sensitive lining beneath, causing ulcers to form.

In some cases, H. pylori isn't the villain, however. People who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin for pain relief over long periods can develop ulcers.







Physicians diagnose peptic ulcers primarily on the basis of an X-ray examination after the patient has swallowed a special chalky substance called barium. The barium makes the digestive tract visible on X-ray film, allowing the doctor to view any abnormalities.

A second diagnostic technique is called an upper GI endoscopy (also called gastroscopy). The doctor inserts an endoscope (a flexible, lighted, tubelike instrument) through the mouth and down the esophagus to directly view the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An endoscopic examination and a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample for analysis) are necessary to confirm that an apparent ulcer is not actually a cancerous growth. Helicobacter pylori can be diagnosed with endoscopic biopsy or through a blood or breath test.









Once they leave the doctor's office, ulcer patients can help their condition by watching their diet. Check out the next section for home remedies to take care of your digestive tract.


  • Curious about what causes stress? Visit How Stress Works.
