How To Cure Stomach Ulcer With Honey

Stomach Ulcer

There are different factors that cause stomach ulcers. The major factors that contribute to the development of ulcer or worsen it are due to the way we live. Good hygiene must be adopted to prevent exposure to this ailment. Contaminated food and water habitate some bacterias and viruses which when ingested to the body can cause fatal outcome. Stomach ulcer if not properly taken care can become severe and also leads to death.

What is stomach ulcer?
Stomach ulcer also called peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine.

Stomach ulcer is distinctively of two types, which are:-

1. Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
2. Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) and the long term use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Symptoms of stomach ulcer ranges from minor to severe.

The symptoms of minor stomach ulcer include:-

• Burning stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
• Fatty food intolerance

The severe symptoms are:-

• Vomiting of blood which may appear red or black
• Dark blood in stools or stools that are black or tarry
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes
• Feeling faint
• Back ache

Honey

Honey is a natural product produced by both honey bees and stingless bees. Both types of honey contain unique and distinct types of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of variable biological and clinical importance.

 Honey is the most effective natural products used for wound healing.
Honey which has been used for over 5000 years for different therapeutic uses, has antimicrobial effects against H. Pylori (bacteria responsible for the ulcer).

 Honey act by reducing the upward flow of stomach acid and undigested food by lining the esophagus and stomach. It has also helped to reduce the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which can cause inflammation, acid reflux and heartburn.

For the healing of ulcer, 2 tablespoons or more of unprocessed honey, it should be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning before eating and two hours after eating at night before going to bed everyday, till you are completely healed.

Some other medications given to stomach ulcer patient are:-

• Proton pump inhibitors also called PPIs reduce stomach acid by blocking the action of the part of cells that produce acid.e.g. Lansoprazole, rabeprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole.
• Histamine (H2) blockers reduce the amount of stomach acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves ulcer pain and encourages healing. e.g. Famotidine, cimetidine and nizatidine.
• Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Antacids can provide symptoms relief, but generally aren't used to heal ulcer.
• Cytoprotective agents that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine. e.g. Sucralfate and misoprostol.

Some stomach ulcers that don't heal with treatment are called refractory ulcers. This can be as a result of some H. Pylori are;

• Resistant to antibiotics
• Not taking medications as prescribed
• Regular use of aspirin and NSAIDS e.g. advil, aleve etc
• Smoking
• Extreme over production of stomach acid e. g. Crohn's ddisease

The treatment for refractory ulcers generally involves eliminating factors that may interfere with healing, along with using different antibiotics.
If you have serious complication from an ulcer, such as acute bleeding or a perforation, you may require surgery.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Avoid eating shortly before bedtime and try to get enough sleep.
• Smoking increases stomach acid and may interfere with the protective lining of the stomach making it more susceptible to the development of an ulcer.
• Excessive use of alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining in your stomach and intestine, causing inflammation and bleeding. The consumption of alcohol should be completely avoided.
• Stress may worsen the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcer. You need to rest alot and control stress.
• Sometimes drinking milk will make your ulcer pain better, but then later cause excess acid which increases pain.
• If you use pain reliever regularly, ask your doctor whether acetaminophen (Tylenol, other) may be an option for you.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin A and C, vegetables, and whole grains so it won't be difficult for your body to heal your ulcer. Eating pepper and spicy food don't cause ulcer but can aggravate the ulcer.
• Foods containing probiotics such as yogurt, aged cheeses, miso and sauerkraut also promote ulcer healing.