Severe burning sensation in the lower abdomen or middle chest immediately after eating, acid reflux, chronic nausea, and bloating—ulcers are a serious digestive problem that bothers most people today. Scientifically, it is called Peptic Ulcer Disease. Ulcers are sores that occur in the soft lining of our stomach (Gastric Ulcer) or in the initial part of the small intestine (Duodenal Ulcer). Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind this:
H. Pylori Bacterial Infection: The most important scientific reason behind stomach ulcers is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium enters the body through contaminated water or food. This reaches the stomach and destroys the protective layer of the mucous membrane. As a result, the strong hydrochloric acid in the stomach directly hits the skin and turns into large ulcers.
Excessive use of painkillers (NSAIDs): Painkillers (NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Aceclofenac, Aspirin) that are bought from medical stores and taken regularly for headaches, joint pain, and fever without the prescription of a doctor can lead to ulcers. These drugs prevent the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining from acid. This weakens the stomach walls and can easily cause ulcers.
Excessive Smoking & Alcohol: Smoking affects the production of bile in the stomach and slows down the healing process of ulcers. Along with this, excessive alcohol consumption directly erodes the natural acid protective layer of the stomach. This increases the amount of acid and causes flatulence and ulcers.
Severe stress and insomnia: Although stress does not directly cause ulcers, in people with chronic severe stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which causes the stomach to produce twice as much hydrochloric acid (HCl) as it should. This excess acid can worsen existing ulcers.
Wrong diet and acidic foods: Due to not eating on time and prolonged starvation (fasting), when there is no food to digest, the acid produced in the stomach starts to digest the stomach walls. Along with this, excessive consumption of spicy foods, spices, pickles, meat dishes like chicken and beef, tea and coffee increase inflammation in the stomach (Gastritis) and turn it into ulcers.
