Ulcers : Stress Still Matters

The startling discovery that bacteria cause ulcers made the earlier blame on stress as the culprit looks absurdly naive. But just as the excitement subsides, studies are again showing that stress still matters and is making a gut-wrenching comeback.

Scientific data showed that the bacterium, called helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, is indeed the main cause of ulcers; use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is the second leading cause. But why do other people develop ulcers with neither of these factors?

An expert forum conveyed by the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research cited the evidence implicating stress as the missing piece in some individuals by stimulating excess secretion of stomach acid that can damage the stomach lining particularly when it is already weaked by infection or NSAIDs or worsen an existing ulcer.

Stress may weaken the body’s resistance to the H. pylori and slow the healing of ulcers. And it may lead people to sleep less and smoke and drink more- all of which may contribute to ulcers. So, it is wise to manage your stress, keep calm, and if possible, deal with the underlying causes of the pressure, particularly if you have a history of ulcer.