Question on smoking and gastric ulcer

Smoking has a very negative impact on almost all organ systems (including the digestive system)  in the body due to the toxic chemicals which are ingested.  You have only to type in "smoking and ulcers" in your search engine to find the extensive research which supports the negative impact of smoking.  Smoking is a difficult habit to break, but it is one of the best gifts you can give yourself!


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Dr. Karen Benton, Naturopathic Physician

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus, as a result of the erosion of the same by the acid in the stomach. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is gnawing pain and discomfort. Gastric ulcer is peptic ulcer that occurs in the stomach.

Nicotine in tobacco increases the concentration and quantity of the acid, increasing the probability of an ulcer. Generally the hydrochloric acid of the stomach is buffered by the food we eat. The unbuffered acid that enters the duodenum is quickly neutralized by sodium bicarbonate, an alkali produced by the pancreas. Smoking reduces the bicarbonate produced by the pancreas, thereby interfering with the buffering action in the duodenum.  Smoking may also slow healing during ulcer treatment.

For more information on home remedies, visit,
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/232/medicines-and-remedies/learn-about-peptic-ulcer.html

Radhika Kartik, Consultant Dietitian