In recent years, one of the most common health problems in America is the gastric ulcer. We are currently seeing more ulcers in young Americans then ever before. Why? We can blame it on a couple of things. First the ever competitive, and pressure packed corporate jungle, and secondly, our insistence on living in a fast-paced world.

With time having become such an important commodity, people are placing less importance on the time necessary to eat properly. Whether always eating "on the run," or participating in the American obsession to diet, our emphasis on proper diet has seriously eroded.

As a result of this growing culture of dieting and/or working oneself to death, it is estimated that approximately 20 million Americans will be affected by ulcers at some point in their life. With each passing year, 4 million people are being added to the list of gastric ulcer sufferers. Of this group, over 40,000 will suffer from persistent symptoms that will require them to undergo surgery, and 6000 affected Americans will die every year as a result of ulcer complications.

Gastric ulcer, by definition, is a problem characterized by the development of a hole in the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract; particularly in the stomach. This intestinal lining produces mucus that protects the stomach from stomach acids, and other digestive juices that tend to accumulate during digestion. Any hole in this protective lining can cause mayhem in the digestive system that could include internal bleeding, which can inadvertently cause anemia, and other complications.

Susceptibility to this problem depends on a number of factors. As with most diseases, family history predisposes one to be susceptible to the development of a gastric ulcer. Smoking, and excess consumption of alcohol are other factors that may exacerbate the condition, or make it easier for the body to develop the problem. Long-term overuse of aspirin based products, or of anti-inflammatory drugs that include aspirin, or corticosteroids, can also effect the development of a gastric ulcer.

Improper dieting, the skipping of meals, blood type, and stress are also believed to play a role. Does blood type surprise you? Statistics have proven that people with the blood type O, will most likely develop duodenal ulcers.

Gastric ulcers may also develop as a result of an existing health condition. Those who suffer from a liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and emphysema may find themselves more likely to develop ulcers. Many experts believe that the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can also play a role in the development of gastric ulcers.

Symptoms Of Gastric Ulcer

* a burning sensation in the stomach

* gnawing aches in the stomach, and sometimes in the abdominal areas

* pain in the stomach area that is immediately relieved by eating, vomiting, or the taking of medications such as antacids

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