Self-Care at Home

Home care for peptic ulcers often centers on neutralizing the stomach acid.

• Don't smoke, and avoid coffee and alcohol. These habits increase gastric acid production and weaken the mucosal barrier of the GI tract, thus promoting ulcer formation and slowing ulcer healing.
  
  
• Don't take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Acetaminophen is a good substitute for some conditions. If acetaminophen doesn't help, talk to your health care provider about alternatives.
  
  
• If your symptoms are mild, try an over-the-counter antacid or nonprescription histamine (H2) blocker to neutralize stomach acid. Usually, however, stronger prescription medications are needed.

No particular diet is helpful for people with peptic ulcers.

• At one time, medical professionals recommended a bland diet and avoidance of spicy or greasy foods.
  
  
• We now know that diet has little effect on ulcers. In some people, however, certain foods seem to aggravate symptoms.
  
  
• A bland diet is no longer considered necessary as a blanket recommendation.
  
  
• Avoid eating any foods that aggravate your symptoms.

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Peptic Ulcers - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

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