What causes stomach ulcers?

What causes stomach ulcers?

Introduction: Why Stomach Ulcers Need a New Approach

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. While conventional medicine often focuses on managing the pain, at Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to treat the root causes of stomach ulcers. Our holistic treatments aim to balance your digestive system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing naturally.

We focus on the whole person—not just the ulcer.

What Are Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are painful lesions that form when the stomach’s protective mucus lining is damaged by the acid it produces. This damage can be caused by a number of factors, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol consumption.

Types of Stomach Ulcers:

  • Gastric ulcers: Occur on the inside of the stomach lining.
  • Duodenal ulcers: Form in the upper part of the small intestine.

Ulcers can cause symptoms such as burning stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, and bloating, which often worsen after meals. If left untreated, ulcers can lead to more serious complications, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach lining.

What Are Stomach Ulcers?

Common Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

Many people with stomach ulcers may not initially experience severe symptoms. However, common signs of stomach ulcers include:

If you experience these symptoms, especially persistent stomach pain or signs of bleeding, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Stomach Ulcers?

Functional medicine focuses on identifying the root causes of your stomach ulcers, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses these issues. Common causes include:

  • H. pylori Infection: A bacterial infection that can weaken the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to acid.
  • Chronic NSAID Use: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol can irritate and inflame the stomach lining.
  • Stress: While stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms and delay healing by increasing acid production in the stomach.
  • Poor Diet: Diets high in refined foods, sugar, and processed meats can lead to increased acid production and weaken the stomach lining.
  • Smoking: Smoking interferes with the stomach’s ability to produce protective mucus and increases acid production.
  • Gut Imbalance: An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) may play a role in the development of ulcers by disrupting the gut lining.
  • Chronic Inflammation: Ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract can make the stomach lining more susceptible to damage from stomach acid.
Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Stomach Ulcers?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we perform advanced diagnostic tests to uncover the root causes of your stomach ulcers and help create an effective treatment plan:

H. pylori testing (breath test, stool antigen, or biopsy)

Gastroscopy (endoscopy) to check for ulcers or damage in the stomach or duodenum

Stool test to assess gut health and detect infections or imbalances

Blood tests to check for anemia (which can occur from blood loss due to ulcers)

C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory markers to assess systemic inflammation

Liver function tests to ensure alcohol-related liver damage hasn’t contributed to ulcers

Integrative Treatments for Stomach Ulcers

Gut Health Restoration

We focus on restoring optimal gut health through the following approaches:

  • Healing leaky gut: Targeted protocols using glutamine, collagen peptides, and digestive enzymes to repair the gut lining
  • Fungal and bacterial balance: Managing gut dysbiosis using antimicrobial herbs and probiotics to reduce harmful bacteria and promote healing
  • Detox protocols: Helping the body eliminate harmful toxins that may contribute to inflammation and gut irritation

IV Vitamin Therapy

IV nutrient therapy can be used to deliver high-dose vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly to the bloodstream, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Common IV therapies for ulcer healing include:

  • Vitamin C for tissue repair and immune function
  • Magnesium to reduce muscle tension and support digestion
  • Glutathione for its antioxidant effects and detoxification properties

Stress Reduction

Stress is a major factor that can exacerbate ulcer symptoms by increasing stomach acid production and slowing healing. We offer stress reduction therapies that include:

  • Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress levels
  • Acupuncture to promote digestive health and reduce stress-induced acid production
  • Adaptogenic herbs, such as Ashwagandha, to reduce cortisol and support adrenal health

Nutritional Therapy

We provide customized nutritional plans designed to heal the digestive system, reduce inflammation, and promote ulcer healing. Key recommendations may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Gut-healing foods: Bone broth, fermented foods, and prebiotic-rich vegetables help restore a healthy gut lining and balance gut bacteria.
  • Alkaline foods: Reducing acid-producing foods and focusing on alkaline-rich foods like leafy greens and non-citrus fruits can help calm the stomach lining.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Essential for restoring balance in the gut microbiome, especially after an H. pylori infection.

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Several natural supplements have been shown to help manage stomach ulcers, promote healing, and balance gut health. Some of the most effective options include:

  • Licorice root (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice – DGL) to soothe and protect the stomach lining
  • Slippery elm to reduce irritation and promote healing
  • Probiotics to restore gut flora and improve digestion
  • L-glutamine to support gut health and promote tissue repair
  • Zinc carnosine for its ability to protect and heal the stomach lining

Real Case Study: Tom’s Healing Journey

Tom, 50, came to us with chronic stomach ulcers that had been aggravated by years of NSAID use and stress. He had ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent nausea. After testing, we found that Tom had H. pylori and gut dysbiosis, along with low levels of essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc.

We developed a comprehensive treatment plan for Tom, which included:

  • Antimicrobial herbal therapy to treat H. pylori
  • Gut-healing foods and supplements like DGL licorice and L-glutamine
  • Probiotic therapy to restore gut flora balance
  • Stress reduction through meditation and adaptogenic herbs
  • IV nutrient therapy to support healing and reduce inflammation

Within three months, Tom’s symptoms significantly improved. His stomach ulcers healed, and he reported feeling more energetic and less stressed.

Real Case Study: Tom’s Healing Journey

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Stomach ulcers are commonly caused by H. pylori infection, NSAID use, excessive alcohol, or stress. Nutritional deficiencies and gut imbalances can also contribute.

While stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can worsen existing ulcers by increasing stomach acid production.

Diagnosis is typically done through endoscopy, H. pylori testing, and blood tests to check for anemia or nutrient deficiencies.

Some minor ulcers may heal with lifestyle changes, while others require medical treatment to fully heal.

Depending on the cause and severity, stomach ulcers may take a few weeks to months to heal with the right treatment.

It’s advisable to avoid spicy and acidic foods as they may irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms

Not always. Some ulcers may not cause pain but can still lead to other symptoms like nausea or digestive discomfort.

Yes, probiotics can help restore balance in the gut and may aid in healing ulcers caused by H. pylori.

Yes, we offer comprehensive testing for H. pylori infections, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies.

Yes, by addressing diet, managing stress, and avoiding NSAIDs and excessive alcohol consumption, ulcers can often be prevented.

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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