Spicy food and stress cause stomach ulcers.
False.The truth is, almost all stomach ulcers are caused either by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, the so-called nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Advertisement

Most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Spicy food and stress may aggravate ulcer symptoms in some people, but they do not cause ulcers.

Smoking a cigarette helps relieve heartburn.
False. Actually, cigarette smoking contributes to heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphinctre - muscle between the oesophagus and stomach - relaxes, allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to splash back into the oesophagus. Cigarette smoking causes the sphinctre to relax.

A bit of undiluted vinegar will put an end to heartburn
False.If you are suffering from heartburn, drinking vinegar is just about the worst thing you can do. Consumption of vinegar will increase, not decrease, the acid levels in your stomach. Long-term consumption of vinegar will cause diarrhoea and can do damage to your stomach lining.

Read more:
Are you at risk for peptic ulcers?
Medical zone

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Operations Manager R20,000-25,000 Per Month Cost To Company Incl Benefits Gauteng - East Rand Financial Accountant: CA(SA) R400,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Key Account Manager Gauteng Java Developer-CT Western Cape - Cape Town Java Developer-Jozi Gauteng Account Manager R460,000-540,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Plus Benefits Gauteng Account Manager R460,000-540,000 Per Annum Market Related Plus Benefits South Africa Case Manager R210,000-220,000 Per Annum Negotiable Gauteng - Pretoria Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job