Add Some Spice in Your Life

Open sores that develop inside the lining of your stomach as well as the upper portion of your small intestine are referred to as peptic ulcers. They often cause stomach pain and if left untreated can cause obstruction of the digestive tract, internal bleeding, and infection. Some people try to avoid certain foods, such as spicy foods, to avoid getting these peptic ulcers when, in fact, the spicy foods aren't the problem at all. Peptic ulcers are usually caused by bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, and medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are usually pain relief drugs like ibuprofen. You can reduce your chances of getting peptic ulcers by protecting yourself from infections. A lot of bacteria spreads from person to person so it is essential to wash your hands often with soap and water. H. pylori can be found in food and water so it is essential to properly cook food that could be contaminated. Another way to reduce your chances of acquiring a peptic ulcer is to reduce your pain reliever intake or take the medication with food or an antacid. Avoiding alcohol while taking pain relievers may also reduce your chances of getting a peptic ulcer. Spicy foods do not cause ulcers but can make them worse and take a longer time to heal. This is why patients are encouraged to avoid them once they have a peptic ulcer. This is where this common misconception comes from that spicy foods cause ulcers. They don't cause them, spicy foods just make them worse if you already have one. If you don’t have a peptic ulcer in the first place, eat as many jalapeno peppers as you desire!