The common misconception is that peptic ulcers are mainly brought on by stress, spicy foods and acid. These may contribute to the development of ulcers or agitate an underlying condition, but we now know that roughly 9 out of 10 peptic ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that lives on the stomach lining. Unfortunately, the source for H. pylori is not yet known. There's no proven way to prevent ulcers, but your greatest chance at reducing your risk is through lifestyle changes.
Healthier eating: The previous thread listed a couple of modifications that may be of some benefit in the prevention of ulcers, such as eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber, reducing or eliminating the consumption of dairy, caffeine and high fat foods, along with taking vitamins A, E, and zinc.
Protect from infections: Frequently washing hands with soap and water, eating completely cooked foods and drinking water from safe, clean sources may help protect from H. pylori bacteria.
Stop smoking: Smoking and chewing tobacco may increase your susceptibility to H. pylori and it increases your chance of developing ulcers two fold compared to nonsmokers.
Alcohol intake: Consume no more than two alcoholic beverages daily.
Be cautious with pain relievers: The regular consumption of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen make you more susceptible to peptic ulcers through inhibition of the body's production of prostaglandins, hormones that promote gastric mucus secretion to protect stomach lining. To help reduce this risk you should take your medication with meals. Also, avoid the consumption of alcohol when taking your medication.
Another way to reduce your risk is through talking to your doctor about finding the lowest possible dose of NSAIDs that still allows for pain relief. A possible replacement would be an acetaminophen like Tylenol instead. If you must take these medications, have your doctor test for H. pylori bacteria first. Your doctor may have you take acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPI). There have been some recent studies on proton pump inhibitors showing that they might do more intestinal damage than what they're prescribed to prevent. You may also have to take misoprostal, which helps to prevent ulcers by protecting the stomach lining and decreasing stomach acid secretion.
There is no guarantee that you'll be able to prevent an ulcer from occurring, but your best bet for staying healthy would be to make smarter lifestyle choices on a daily basis.
References
(2008). U.S. National Library of Medicine
MedicineNet.com
George F. Longstreth, MD, (2011). Medline Plus
(2011). Mayo Clinic
(2009). U.S. News Health Hospitals with Johns Hopkins Medicine
Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor , (2011). American Gastroenterological Association
(2010). American Gastroenterological Association
(2005). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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