Ulcer: Physician Advises On Eating Habits

A medical doctor at the Minna General Hospital, Niger State,  Dr Ben Uchegbu, has advised Nigerians to adopt positive eating habits to avoid stomach ulcer.

Uchegbu said in Abuja last Thursday that it was wrong for people to regularly skip meal in the name of keeping shape.

Uchegbu said stomach ulcer was an erosion of the mucosal surface of the stomach wall, which, he added, caused pains, bleeding or perforation.

Stomach ulcer (also called a peptic ulcer) is a small erosion (hole) in the gastrointestinal tract.

He said people on regular medicines should also ensure that they eat well before taking their drugs.

The doctor advised that people should ensure that they eat balanced diet and at the right time.

Uchegbu said things like stress, taking drugs (steroids), prolonged fasting, and consumption of too much spices could also cause ulcer.

“Health is wealth and as such, we should adopt a positive attitude toward our eating habit, avoid abusing alcohol and smoking.

According to him, those suffering from ulcer should avoid exacerbating factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, reduction or stoppage of consumption of hot spices. “There is the need for rest to avoid stress,’’ she said.

Uchegbu suggested surgery in case of uncontrollable bleeding ulcer. According to him, ulcers that form in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. An ulcer is not contagious or cancerous.

“Duodenal ulcers are almost always benign, while stomach ulcers may become malignant,’’ the doctor said.