Authored by Donna Ryan in Alternative Health 
Published on 11-02-2009

Ulcers result from two main causes. One of the main reasons for ulcer formation is Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, a bacterium found in the layer of mucous that shields the tissues making up the small intestine and the stomach. The bacterium is innocuous in and of itself unless there is some type of agitation in the stomach area. Then an ulcer occurs. It’s generally believed that the sufferer’s small intestine or stomach lining has already been harmed to some degree before H. pylori attacks the area resulting in an ulcer.

The second cause associated with development of an ulcer is the frequent, long-term use of pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). If you have an ulcer and need a pain medication, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the prescribed medicine of choice.

It’s important to treat an ulcer immediately when you find out you have one as this type of ailment can develop into a far more serious health issue. Bleeding in the stomach and small intestine can occur if the ulcer is left untreated.

A peptic ulcer can be indicated by a variety of symptoms. Normally, the patient will experience a loss of appetite and an unexplained loss of weight. Also, nausea, bloating and vomiting are common occurrences. The pain from an ulcer can be severe enough at times to wake the patient during the night.

Before resorting to any type prescription medicine, there are several alternative measures you can take to alleviate the symptoms of an ulcer and effect a cure.

A natural cure for anyone suffering from an ulcer is licorice root. The root is an anti-inflammatory and therefore has been proven to be a curative for healing the wall of the stomach and small intestine. This type of treatment can be administered in a tincture. However, if you suffer from high blood pressure it’s not a recommended cure.

Another natural cure is the banana. This food is useful in neutralizing the gastric acids in the stomach lining. Many people who have relegated themselves to eating a banana every day have found this food to provide relief from their ulcer symptoms.

Certain raw vegetable juices have also been found to assist in alleviating ulcer symptoms. Cabbage juice has been hailed as being an effective cure along with the juices from spinach, cucumbers and beets.

Limes are another known natural remedy. The acid in the lime assists in digestion.

Goat’s milk too has been proven to alleviate the distress of those suffering from an ulcer.

To prevent ulcers and reduce the symptoms, avoid foods that are spicy or greasy. In addition, avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee, tea or cola. It’s also recommended that one eat smaller more frequent meals. Smoking and drinking are both forbidden as well. A nonprescription antacid like Tums can help relieve pain and symptoms as well as an acid reducer such as Pepcid AC or an acid blocker as Prilosec.

Use of the above information should help bring some relief. However, consulting your doctor is of primary importance if you want your ulcer to heal.