A stomach ulcer can feel like a sharp pain in your belly that just won’t go away. It can be really uncomfortable, but the good news is that there are ways to help it heal faster. If you’re wondering how to make your stomach feel better, we’ll go over some things you can do to help relieve the pain and support healing.

Why Do Stomach Ulcers Happen in the First Place?

Stomach ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, happen when the lining of your stomach gets damaged. The stomach lining helps protect your stomach from digestive acids, and when it gets damaged, these acids can create sores or ulcers.

The most common cause is a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). When these bacteria infect your stomach, they weaken the lining, making it more likely to get hurt by stomach acid. Taking too many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, can also cause ulcers. Stress and spicy foods don’t usually cause ulcers, but they can make them worse if you already have one.

Ulcers can be painful, but the sooner you deal with what’s causing them, the sooner you’ll feel better. The key is to treat what’s causing the ulcer to keep it from sticking around.

What Treatments Work the Fastest to Heal Stomach Ulcers?

1. Prescription Medications Are Usually the Best Option

To get quick relief, doctors often recommend medicines that reduce stomach acid or kill the H. pylori bacteria. These treatments usually work faster than home remedies:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medicines, like omeprazole or pantoprazole, lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. Reducing stomach acid helps prevent further irritation to the ulcer, allowing it to heal faster.
Antibiotics: If your ulcer is caused by H. pylori, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria. This treatment is usually very effective.
H2 Blockers: Medicines like ranitidine and famotidine also reduce stomach acid and can help treat ulcers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that these medicines can heal most ulcers in 4 to 8 weeks if taken as directed.

2. Lifestyle Changes to Help Heal Ulcers Faster

Medicines are important, but lifestyle changes can also help a lot. For example, getting enough sleep each night can reduce stress and help your body heal more effectively. These changes can reduce symptoms and prevent future ulcers:

Avoid NSAIDs: Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach. Instead, use acetaminophen if you need pain relief.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Big meals can put stress on your stomach. Smaller, more frequent meals can lower acid production and help the ulcer heal faster.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow down ulcer healing. Quitting them can help your stomach heal more quickly.

3. Probiotics and Natural Remedies

Some people wonder if natural remedies can help ulcers heal faster. While scientific evidence is limited, these remedies should be used with caution and only under a doctor’s guidance to ensure safety. There are a few options that may help:

Probiotics: These “good” bacteria, found in foods like yogurt, help keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Some studies suggest they might help fight H. pylori.
Honey: Raw honey has antibacterial properties that could help heal ulcers. Some studies suggest it might speed up healing.
Cabbage Juice: People have used cabbage juice for years to help treat ulcers. It may have natural compounds that support healing.

Remember, these natural remedies are complementary—meaning they should be used along with, not instead of, the treatments your doctor gives you.

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid to Help Cure Your Ulcer Faster

What you eat can help heal a stomach ulcer. Here are some foods to eat and avoid to make healing faster.

Foods That May Help

Lean proteins like chicken and fish
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
Yogurt with live cultures (probiotics)
Oatmeal, which is gentle on the stomach

Foods to Avoid

Spicy foods, which can make your stomach hurt more
Citrus fruits, because they are acidic
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some sodas, which can increase stomach acid
Alcohol, as it can irritate your stomach

Dr. Iroko Anita (a certified medical doctor) recommends eating a balanced diet with gentle, non-acidic foods to help your stomach heal.

When to Call a Doctor for a Stomach Ulcer

If you have a stomach ulcer, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat it. Sometimes, ulcers can lead to more serious problems like bleeding. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

Severe stomach pain that doesn’t get better
Throwing up or throwing up blood
Blood in your stool, which might look black or tarry
Unintended weight loss

Make an appointment right away if any of these symptoms happen, as they could mean a more serious condition. Delaying treatment for these symptoms can lead to complications, so prompt medical attention is very important.

The Takeaway: Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations for Fast Ulcer Relief

The fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer is to take the medicines your doctor prescribes, avoid things that irritate your stomach, and make healthy lifestyle changes. Natural remedies like probiotics and honey might also help, but the best treatment will come from your doctor. By following these steps, most people start to feel a lot better in just a few weeks. Always talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.

Remember, getting the right care and changing some of your habits are the best ways to heal that ulcer quickly and keep it from coming back.

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