Are ulcers caused by stress?

Why Ulcer Treatment Needs a Functional Medicine Lens

Stomach ulcers—once thought to be purely stress-related—are now understood to be more complex. While stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it significantly contributes to their development and severity. At Patients Medical, our integrative care model blends conventional gastroenterology, functional diagnostics, and natural medicine to help you identify and heal the underlying causes of ulcers—especially those linked to chronic stress.

We don’t just prescribe antacids.
We restore your gut, nervous system, and whole-body balance.

What Are Stomach Ulcers?

Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers occur when the protective mucus layer erodes, allowing stomach acid to damage the underlying tissue.

There are two main types:

  • Gastric Ulcers: Occur in the stomach lining
  • Duodenal Ulcers: Found in the upper small intestine

Can Stress Really Cause Ulcers?

Not directly—but indirectly, yes. Chronic stress can lead to:

  • Increased stomach acid production
  • Weakened immune defenses against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
  • Reduced blood flow to the stomach lining
  • Poor digestion and gut permeability (leaky gut)
  • Elevated inflammation and cortisol levels
    Together, these factors create the perfect storm for ulcers to develop or worsen.

Common Symptoms of Ulcers

Ulcer symptoms can vary in intensity but often include:

If you’re experiencing any of these, a thorough evaluation is crucial.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop an Ulcer?

We go deeper than symptom control to ask: Why did this happen in the first place?

Functional medicine helps identify:

  • Chronic H. pylori infection
  • Stress-related cortisol imbalance
  • NSAID overuse (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
  • Food sensitivities (e.g., gluten, dairy)
  • Alcohol and smoking
  • Gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance)
  • Leaky gut and inflammation

Advanced Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we leverage functional and integrative testing to create your customized plan:

H. pylori breath and stool testing

Gut microbiome analysis

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) testing

Salivary cortisol stress panels

Food sensitivity and allergy tests

Endoscopy coordination with GI specialists

Inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin)

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) breath testing

Natural & Integrative Treatments for Ulcers

Gut-Healing Nutrition

We use a personalized anti-inflammatory nutrition plan designed to reduce acid irritation, promote gut lining repair, and ease digestion.
Examples include:

  • Bone broth, aloe vera juice, and slippery elm
  • Low-acid, gluten-free diets
  • Elimination diets to identify food triggers

 

IV Therapy for Ulcer Support

Nutrient infusions can accelerate recovery. We often use:

  • Vitamin C (antioxidant and tissue repair)
  • Glutamine (for gut lining healing)
  • Zinc carnosine (mucosal support)
  • B-complex and magnesium (stress support)

 

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Clinically validated supplements for ulcer recovery include:

  • Licorice Root (DGL)
  • Mastic Gum
  • L-glutamine
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Probiotics
    Each is physician-dosed based on lab findings.

 

Stress Reduction & Mind-Gut Healing

We offer integrated therapies like:

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided meditation and breathwork
  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)

Nervous system support protocols
These help lower cortisol and rebalance gut-brain communication.

Addressing H. pylori Naturally

We use physician-supervised, non-antibiotic protocols when appropriate, including mastic gum, probiotics, and natural antimicrobials, or coordinate with GI specialists for medical antibiotic therapy.

Real Case Study: James’ Gut Healing Journey

James, a 40-year-old entrepreneur, came in with chronic bloating, stomach pain, and nightly indigestion. He had been on and off PPIs for years with no lasting relief.

Our testing revealed:

  • H. pylori infection
  • Elevated cortisol
  • Leaky gut
  • Dairy sensitivity

We crafted a 10-week plan with:

  • Herbal H. pylori protocol
  • Cortisol-reducing adaptogens
  • Gut-healing nutritional plan
  • IV glutamine and zinc carnosine

Today, James is medication-free, pain-free, and back to enjoying meals without fear.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Not directly, but stress contributes by increasing acid production, weakening gut lining, and suppressing immunity—creating the perfect conditions for ulcers.

Many patients are able to taper off antacids or PPIs under guidance, depending on their root cause and healing progress.

Yes, we offer both natural and medical protocols depending on the infection severity and patient preference.

We are an out-of-network provider, but we provide superbills for reimbursement. Labs may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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