Ulcers are very common; in fact, about four million American adults have an ulcer. In addition, there are approximately three-hundred and fifty thousand new cases diagnosed each year. As common as they are, some experts do not understand why more people do not get them more often.

Digestion begins in the mouth and continues in the stomach. The stomach must shower foods with acid to allow it to pass through the intestines for further digestion. The acid in the stomach is strong enough to damage the lining along with the duodenum. The duodenum is the part of the small intestines that is closest to the stomach. This acid is so strong that it is able to break down protein and fat. The only reason that the acid does not do us harm is because of a protective, sponge like mucous lining that resists the acidic assault.

Most ulcers are small painful sores that are most likely about the size of a pencil eraser. These sores occur when corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Helicobacter pylori bores through the lining of the duodenum or stomach and clears the way for acid to scar and damage the delicate sensitive tissue underneath. Similar problems can be caused by over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications although common are notorious for stripping away the stomach’s protective lining.

Fortunately, ulcers go away after one to three weeks after the person stops taking the tissue-damaging medication. If bacteria caused the ulcer, it will have to be treated in order for the ulcer to heal.

Home Remedies for Ulcers

During ulcer flare-ups, take an antacid. This is the quickest way to relieve the pain according to experts. Antacids contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or a mixture. However, each of these ingredients can be problematic to certain people. Therefore, choose an antacid that you are comfortable taking.

Treat ulcers with over-the-counter medicines like H2 blockers, which are among the best treatments. These medicines include Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB 200, Axid AR, and Zantac 75. They have an effect on the acid producing cells in the stomach; therefore, reducing pain and discomfort along with allowing for speedy healing.

Take Pepto-Bismol. The main ingredient in this pink liquid is bismuth subsalicylate. It protects the stomach lining and the duodenum, while it decreases the amount of H. pylori in the digestive tract.

Stop drinking orange juice for as long as you can, or until the ulcer heals.

Avoid milk at all cost. Do not believe the old practice of drinking milk to soothe the problem. Long ago doctors encouraged people to drink milk as a remedy. The thinking behind this practice is that milk’s smooth texture would coat and soothe the ulcer. Now we know that the protein and the calcium in milk actually encourage acid production making the ulcer worst.

Although you should avoid milk, yogurt however, can soothe ulcers. In fact, there are studies that show that men and women who eat lots of yogurt reduced their risk by 18 percent. The friendly bacteria present in yogurt may be the therapeutic substance. Get the yogurt that contains Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. acidophilus live cultures.

Eat lots of garlic. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and it is believed to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the bacterium that causes ulcers.