Gastroenterology experts in Nigeria have decisively debunked a long-standing misconception that spicy foods or prolonged fasting are the primary causes of stomach ulcers. According to seasoned medical professionals, a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori is the actual root cause of this painful gastrointestinal condition.

Although consuming spicy foods may worsen ulcer symptoms in individuals already suffering from the condition, these foods do not directly cause ulcers. In a series of interviews with health correspondents, the gastroenterologists emphasized that while certain lifestyle choices can aggravate ulcer symptoms, the main contributors to developing the disease include H. pylori infection and the excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Busting the Myth: Spices and Fasting Not to Blame

In many parts of Nigeria, particularly in Yoruba-speaking regions where spicy cuisine is popular, it is widely believed that pepper-laden meals can “burn holes” in the stomach lining, thereby causing ulcers. However, Professor Agona Obembe, a gastrointestinal physiologist at the University of Calabar, categorically refuted this belief.

She argued that if pepper alone caused ulcers, people from the Yoruba ethnic group, known for their spicy culinary traditions, would statistically have the highest rates of the condition. “That’s not the case,” she said. “The real culprit is Helicobacter pylori, which spreads through unhygienic practices like not washing hands after defecating or even kissing.”

The Real Causes: Bacteria and Medications

Stomach ulcers, also referred to as peptic or gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop in the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. Symptoms often include a burning or gnawing pain in the stomach, bloating, nausea, and heartburn.

Experts link most cases of these ulcers to H. pylori infection or the misuse of NSAIDs, which can damage the stomach’s protective lining. A study published in the Nigerian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology revealed that Nigeria has a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, with approximately 87% of the population affected, and northern regions showing higher infection rates.

Consultant gastroenterologist Dr. Muyiwa Bojuwoye also confirmed that spicy food and fasting are not direct causes of ulcers. Instead, he described peptic ulcer disease as a condition caused when stomach acid harms the protective mucous lining due to factors like H. pylori or drug misuse.

“Spicy food or prolonged fasting may trigger symptoms in people who already have ulcers, but they are not the primary cause,” Bojuwoye emphasized. He further cautioned that not all upper abdominal pain should be assumed to be an ulcer, as other conditions could produce similar symptoms.

Understanding the Role of Fasting

Professor Obembe provided further clarification on the impact of fasting. She explained that while intermittent fasting is generally safe, prolonged fasting can worsen symptoms in individuals already infected with H. pylori.

She likened food in the stomach to a sponge that helps soak up stomach acid. In the absence of food, the acid begins to corrode the stomach lining. “That’s why people who fast for long periods and are already infected experience more severe symptoms,” she said.

Prevention and Treatment Options

Fortunately, experts agree that stomach ulcers are both preventable and treatable. Prevention primarily involves improving hygiene, moderating the use of NSAIDs, avoiding alcohol, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet. Proper handwashing, especially after using the toilet, plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of H. pylori.

Regarding treatment, the discovery of H. pylori significantly changed the medical approach to ulcers. Dr. Bojuwoye highlighted the use of a “triple therapy” regimen, which includes two antibiotics and a stomach acid suppressant, as the standard method to eradicate the bacterium and heal the ulcer.

“This approach revolutionized the treatment of peptic ulcers,” he said. “We now treat it much like an infectious disease because we know the infection is what causes the damage.”

Risks of Self-Medication and Misuse of Painkillers

Bojuwoye also warned against the frequent and unregulated use of over-the-counter pain medications for ailments like joint or back pain. Many patients, he said, either self-medicate or continue using prescribed drugs without consulting a doctor, thereby increasing their risk of developing ulcers.

He added that certain steroid medications and underlying health conditions, such as chronic liver disease, may also raise the risk of ulcers.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

While lifestyle and infections play significant roles, genetics may also contribute to the development of ulcers. Individuals with a family history of ulcers or those with blood type O may be more prone to the condition.

“Having a parent with an ulcer doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop one, but it does increase your susceptibility,” said Bojuwoye. “However, genetics alone isn’t enough; it needs to be combined with other risk factors.”

Public Awareness and Health Education Urged

Experts urge Nigerians to move beyond folklore and cultural myths by relying on scientific evidence when it comes to their health. They stressed the need for accurate health education, especially in rural areas where misconceptions about ulcer causes are widespread.

Both Obembe and Bojuwoye encouraged those experiencing persistent stomach discomfort to seek proper medical evaluation and avoid resorting to traditional remedies or unverified treatments, which may complicate the condition.

Conclusion: Focus on Facts, Not Folklore

In summary, medical experts have reiterated that stomach ulcers are caused by identifiable and treatable factors—most notably, Helicobacter pylori and the misuse of NSAIDs. Spicy foods and fasting may exacerbate symptoms but do not cause the condition themselves.

By adopting good hygiene, limiting unnecessary use of painkillers, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking medical treatment when necessary, individuals can effectively prevent and manage ulcers. Dispelling myths and prioritizing scientifically backed information remains crucial in combating the spread and impact of this common gastrointestinal disease.