What are the main causes of stomach ulcers. How do stress and diet affect ulcer development. What are the key symptoms to watch out for. When should you seek medical treatment for stomach ulcers. How long do ulcers typically last and what are the best treatment options.

Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes and Risk Factors

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, they are not primarily caused by stress or spicy foods. The two main causes of stomach ulcers are:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen

While psychological stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can exacerbate symptoms in people who already have them. Physiological stress from illness, trauma, major surgery, or extreme physical activity can contribute to ulcer development.

Are certain people more at risk for developing stomach ulcers? Those who smoke, drink alcohol excessively, are over 50 years old, or have a family history of ulcers may be at higher risk. Additionally, people who take steroids or blood thinners in combination with NSAIDs face an increased risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers can cause a range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other digestive issues. Common symptoms include:

• Burning pain in the abdomen, especially between meals or at night
• Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
• Intolerance to fatty foods
• Heartburn
• Nausea

In more severe cases, ulcers may cause:

• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Dark stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes

Do stomach ulcers always cause pain? Not necessarily. Some people with ulcers, particularly older adults, may not experience the typical burning pain. Instead, they might have other symptoms like nausea or weight loss.

The Link Between Stomach Ulcers and Fatigue

While fatigue isn’t typically listed as a primary symptom of stomach ulcers, there is growing evidence suggesting a connection between peptic ulcer disease and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports explored this potential link.

How might stomach ulcers contribute to fatigue? Several mechanisms have been proposed:

• Anemia due to bleeding ulcers, leading to fatigue
• Chronic inflammation affecting energy levels
• Disrupted sleep due to ulcer pain
• Nutritional deficiencies from altered eating habits

Is fatigue always a sign of a stomach ulcer? No, fatigue can be caused by many factors. However, if you’re experiencing persistent fatigue along with other gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Diagnosing Stomach Ulcers: Tests and Procedures

If your doctor suspects you have a stomach ulcer, they may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

1. H. pylori tests: Blood, stool, or breath tests to detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria
2. Upper endoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach lining
3. Upper GI series: X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine after drinking a contrast liquid
4. CT scan: To rule out other causes of abdominal pain

How accurate are these diagnostic tests? While each test has its strengths and limitations, combining multiple tests can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate testing approach based on your symptoms and medical history.

Treatment Options for Stomach Ulcers

The treatment for stomach ulcers depends on their cause. Common treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori infection
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production
• H2 receptor blockers, which also decrease acid production
• Antacids for symptom relief
• Cytoprotective agents to protect the stomach lining

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal with treatment? With appropriate medication, most ulcers heal within 2-3 months. However, it’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve sooner.

Can stomach ulcers recur after treatment? Yes, ulcers can return, especially if the underlying cause (such as H. pylori infection or NSAID use) isn’t adequately addressed. Following your doctor’s recommendations and making necessary lifestyle changes can help prevent recurrence.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage and Prevent Stomach Ulcers

While diet doesn’t cause ulcers, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and promote healing:

• Avoid foods that trigger discomfort
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Use caution with NSAIDs and discuss alternatives with your doctor

Are there any specific foods that can help heal stomach ulcers? While no food can cure an ulcer, some studies suggest that foods rich in flavonoids (like apples, cranberries, and garlic) may inhibit H. pylori growth. However, these should be considered complementary to medical treatment, not a replacement.

Complications of Untreated Stomach Ulcers

Left untreated, stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications:

• Internal bleeding
• Perforation (a hole through the stomach wall)
• Gastric outlet obstruction (blockage of the passage from the stomach to the small intestine)
• Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining)

How common are these complications? While serious complications are relatively rare, occurring in about 25% of ulcer cases, they can be life-threatening. This underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Can stomach ulcers lead to stomach cancer? While ulcers themselves don’t cause cancer, long-term infection with H. pylori is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Regular follow-up with your doctor can help monitor for any concerning changes.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• Vomiting fresh blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools
• Dizziness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a bleeding ulcer or perforation, both of which require urgent medical intervention.

The Future of Stomach Ulcer Treatment and Research

Research into stomach ulcers continues to evolve, with several promising areas of study:

• New antibiotics and treatment regimens for drug-resistant H. pylori strains
• Development of H. pylori vaccines
• Novel gastroprotective agents
• Exploration of the gut microbiome’s role in ulcer development and healing

How might these advancements change ulcer treatment in the future? While current treatments are effective for most patients, these research areas could lead to more targeted therapies, better prevention strategies, and potentially even ways to permanently eradicate H. pylori.

The Potential Link Between Stomach Ulcers and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The 2021 study mentioned earlier in this article explored a potential connection between peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The researchers found that patients with PUD had a higher risk of developing CFS compared to those without PUD.

Why might this link exist? Several theories have been proposed:

• Shared inflammatory pathways between PUD and CFS
• Disruption of the gut-brain axis
• Alterations in the gut microbiome affecting both conditions
• Psychological stress as a common factor in both PUD and CFS

While more research is needed to fully understand this relationship, these findings highlight the complex interplay between gastrointestinal health and overall well-being. They also underscore the importance of comprehensive care for patients with stomach ulcers, addressing not just the immediate symptoms but also potential long-term effects on energy levels and quality of life.

Holistic Approaches to Stomach Ulcer Management

While medical treatment is crucial for healing stomach ulcers, some patients find complementary approaches helpful in managing symptoms and promoting overall digestive health:

• Probiotics: May help restore balance to the gut microbiome
• Herbal remedies: Some herbs like licorice root and aloe vera have shown potential benefits, but should be used under medical supervision
• Acupuncture: May help reduce stress and alleviate pain
• Mind-body techniques: Practices like meditation and yoga can help manage stress

Is it safe to use these complementary approaches alongside conventional treatment? While many of these approaches are generally safe, it’s essential to discuss any complementary treatments with your healthcare provider. Some herbs and supplements can interact with medications or have side effects.

Living with Stomach Ulcers: Tips for Daily Management

For those diagnosed with stomach ulcers, daily management can help reduce symptoms and promote healing:

1. Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods
2. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
3. Avoid lying down immediately after meals
4. Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking large amounts of liquid with meals
5. Consider eating more fiber-rich foods to promote digestive health
6. Manage stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques

How can you balance ulcer management with social activities and dining out? Planning ahead can help. Review restaurant menus in advance, eat a small snack before events to avoid arriving overly hungry, and don’t hesitate to ask about food preparation methods when dining out.

The Role of Gut Health in Overall Well-being

The increasing focus on stomach ulcers and their potential connection to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome reflects a broader trend in medical research: the recognition of gut health’s crucial role in overall well-being.

How does gut health impact other aspects of health? The gut microbiome has been linked to various aspects of health, including:

• Immune function
• Mental health
• Cardiovascular health
• Metabolic processes

This holistic view of health underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system, not just for preventing conditions like stomach ulcers, but for promoting overall health and potentially preventing a range of other health issues.

As research in this area continues to evolve, it may lead to new approaches in preventing and treating not just stomach ulcers, but a wide range of health conditions. This emerging understanding highlights the interconnectedness of our bodily systems and the potential for comprehensive, integrative approaches to healthcare.

Ask a Doc: What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

CS-Blog

Cedars-Sinai Blog

Dec 16, 2018
Cedars-Sinai Staff

Daily psychological stress isn’t clearly the sole cause of ulcers. But it can make symptoms worse.

The holidays can bring goodwill, cheer, and…ulcers?

Hosting relatives and last-minute shopping can cause stress—a rumored culprit of gastric (stomach) ulcers. And let’s not forget the potential for overindulging in winter cocktails and holiday feasts.

Can all of this holiday cheer lead you to opening antacids instead of presents?

To better understand ulcers and what causes them, we spoke with Dr. Quin Liu from the Interventional Gastroenterology program at Cedars-Sinai.

Is it true that certain foods can cause gastric ulcers?

Dr. Liu: No, that is a myth.

Foods themselves do not cause ulcers, but certain foods can cause typical symptoms of ulcers such as abdominal pain, burning sensation in the abdomen or chest area, or any abdominal discomfort.

When should I seek treatment for these symptoms?

Dr. Liu: You should seek treatment if the abdominal pain persists and intensifies to the point where it affects your daily life.

Seek treatment if you notice decreased appetite, fatigue, pain that interrupts your sleep or other normal activities, and change in your bowel habits. Most worrisome would be blood in your vomit or stool.

Read: Not Just a Stomach Ache: Symptoms of Appendicitis

Is it true that stress leads to ulcers?

Dr. Liu: Actually, this is partially true.

The two big causes of ulcers are physiological stress and infection. Physiological stress can come from a previous illness or trauma, undergoing a major surgery, and extreme physical activity/exercise.

Daily psychological stressors are not clearly sole causes of ulcers, but they can make symptoms of ulcers worse.

When an ulcer occurs because of infection, antibiotics and stomach-acid-blocking medicines will treat it.

Can taking too much aspirin give you an ulcer?

Dr. Liu: Yes, aspirin can cause ulcers, as can other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications and steroids.

Read: Tummy Troubles: Don’t Suffer in Silence with IBS

How long do ulcers typically last?

Dr. Liu: There are many causes of ulcers  and the vast majority of them can be initially evaluated and treated in noninvasive ways, such as blood/stool/breath testing and lab work.

If an ulcer is treatable with appropriate medications, then it may take about 2-3 months to heal.

How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight

. 2021 Apr 6;11(1):7520.

doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z.

Chien-Feng Kuo ^{# 
1
 
2
 
3}
, Leiyu Shi ^# 
4
, Cheng-Li Lin 
^5
 
6
, Wei-Cheng Yao 
⁷
, Hsiang-Ting Chen 
⁸
, Chon-Fu Lio 
⁸
, Yu-Ting Tina Wang 
⁸
, Ching-Huang Su 
⁸
, Nai-Wei Hsu 
^1
 
8
, Shin-Yi Tsai 
^{9
 
10
 
11}

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• ² Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• ³ Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
• ⁴ Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• ⁵ College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
• ⁶ Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.
• ⁷ Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Tao-Yuan, 330, Taiwan.
• ⁸ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
• ⁹ Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan. [email protected].
• ¹⁰ Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan. [email protected].
• ¹¹ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. [email protected].

^# Contributed equally.

• PMID:

  33824394

• PMCID:

  PMC8024330

• DOI:

  10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z

Free PMC article

Chien-Feng Kuo et al.

Sci Rep.

2021.

Free PMC article

. 2021 Apr 6;11(1):7520.

doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z.

Authors

Chien-Feng Kuo ^{# 
1
 
2
 
3}
, Leiyu Shi ^# 
4
, Cheng-Li Lin 
^5
 
6
, Wei-Cheng Yao 
⁷
, Hsiang-Ting Chen 
⁸
, Chon-Fu Lio 
⁸
, Yu-Ting Tina Wang 
⁸
, Ching-Huang Su 
⁸
, Nai-Wei Hsu 
^1
 
8
, Shin-Yi Tsai 
^{9
 
10
 
11}

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• ² Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• ³ Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
• ⁴ Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• ⁵ College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
• ⁶ Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.
• ⁷ Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Tao-Yuan, 330, Taiwan.
• ⁸ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
• ⁹ Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan. [email protected].
• ¹⁰ Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan. [email protected].
• ¹¹ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. [email protected].

^# Contributed equally.

• PMID:

  33824394

• PMCID:

  PMC8024330

• DOI:

  10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z

Abstract

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been defined as unexplained relapsing or persistent fatigue for at least 6 consecutive months. Immuno-inflammatory pathway, bacterial infection, and other causes play essential roles in CFS. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of foregut inflammation, leading to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk of CFS development between patients with and without PUD. Other related factors were also analyzed. We performed a retrospective, nationwide cohort study identifying patients with or without PUD respectively by analyzing the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), Taiwan. The overall incidence of CFS was higher in the PUD cohort than in the non- PUD cohort (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.75-2.30), with the same adjusted HR (aHR) when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The sex-specific PUD cohort to the non-PUD cohort relative risk of CFS was significant in both genders. The age-specific incidence of CFS showed incidence density increasing with age in both cohorts. There is an increased risk of developing CFS following PUD, especially in females and the aging population. Hopefully, these findings can prevent common infections from progressing to debilitating, chronic conditions such as CFS.

Conflict of interest statement

gov/pub-one”>The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1

The selection process of PUD-group…

Figure 1

The selection process of PUD-group and non-PUD group. CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PUD…

Figure 1

The selection process of PUD-group and non-PUD group. CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PUD Peptic Ulcer Disease, LHID National Health Insurance Research database, ICD-9-CM International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification.

Figure 2

Cumulative incidence of chronic fatigue…

Figure 2

Cumulative incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome compared between patients with and without peptic…

Figure 2

Cumulative incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome compared between patients with and without peptic ulcer disease using the Kaplan–Meier method.

See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

signs and symptoms, causes of the disease

Peptic ulcer is a seasonal disease. Its exacerbation occurs in autumn and spring, when the disease, which had not previously manifested itself, shows itself in all its glory, causing a lot of suffering to patients. But does any pain in the abdomen indicate an ulcer and how to recognize that this is it?

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digestive system

Diet for stomach ulcers

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First, let’s look at what a stomach ulcer is. This is the real damage in the gastric mucosa. It is affected by hydrochloric acid, which is present in gastric juice.

Contents of the article

In general, you understand that you should not expect anything pleasant from the fact that hydrochloric acid begins to act on an open wound.

Gastric ulcer is diagnosed in about 5% of the world’s inhabitants. But gastroenterologists are sure that there are many more such sufferers, just not everyone goes to the doctor. If everyone is examined properly, it may turn out that almost every fourth inhabitant of the planet has an ulcer.

A stomach ulcer sometimes gets worse, sometimes it subsides: the damage can be delayed – then a scar forms in its place, or it can reappear – then they say that the ulcer has opened. Ulcer exacerbations usually occur in autumn and spring. The most susceptible to this disease are people aged 30 to 45 years, and not the elderly at all, as previously thought.

Why stomach ulcer occurs

The causes of this disease are different. Here are a few factors that can lead to the development of stomach ulcers.

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Helicobacter pylori bacterium

The main and most important cause of ulcers is the influence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It is quite easy to become infected with it, and very often the infection process itself goes unnoticed. In some cases, the bacterium begins to damage the lining of the stomach, the very defects appear that are affected by the acidic contents of the stomach.

So far, scientists do not have an unequivocal answer to the question why these bacteria in some cases increase the chances of developing an ulcer, while in others they simply exist in the stomach and do not cause any harm to the owner.

Antipyretic drugs

Abuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – this category includes popular drugs for fever and pain. Medicines that harm the stomach are, for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac.

However, this does not mean that the use of these drugs should be abandoned right now – it is important to take them as prescribed by the doctor and in compliance with all the recommendations specified in the instructions. In addition, you need to remember that such a side effect as the occurrence of a stomach ulcer is also prescribed in the instructions. If the patient already has a peptic ulcer, then taking such medications should be done with caution and it is better to consider alternative options, such as paracetamol.

Lifestyle

Unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, constant stress and excess spicy food are the very factors that can provoke an ulcer or cause an exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease.

How do I know if I have an ulcer?

Signs of peptic ulcer are different. Some are associated with the disease, and their appearance clearly indicates the disease, while others can be symptoms of many other diseases, not just ulcers.

It is important to remember that the discovery of one or more of these symptoms is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Abdominal pain

Burning pain in the abdomen is the main and most common symptom. This pain occurs just at the moment when acidic juice gets on an open wound in the stomach. Usually the pain spreads from the lower edge of the ribs to the navel. It can get worse at night and also during the day if you eat less than you need to.

Nausea and vomiting

A persistent feeling of nausea, especially in the morning, is another common symptom experienced by peptic ulcer patients. Sometimes the matter is not limited to nausea – vomiting may occur, often with blood. The situation is not pleasant, you must admit.

Dark stool

Watch your stool when you go to the toilet. If it is unexpectedly dark, then this may be one of the signs of peptic ulcer. This color may be associated with blood that has entered the contents of the stomach and intestines. I noticed this – urgently see a doctor!

Weight loss

People suffering from peptic ulcer often experience loss of appetite. Because they eat poorly and reluctantly, they may lose weight. With the progression of the ulcer, food may begin to move worse, there may be a feeling of fullness in the stomach: it appears even if the person has not eaten anything.

Increased flatulence

Lesions in the mucous membrane can become scarred and scars appear inside the intestines that interfere with normal digestion. If food stops passing through the intestines normally, the gas that is formed during digestion accumulates in the stomach and intestinal loops, and the person increasingly feels bloated.

Anemia

Anemia is a symptom of a huge number of diseases. Stomach ulcer is also on this list. Moreover, anemia in peptic ulcer disease is accompanied by typical symptoms for it – severe fatigue, dizziness, pallor of the skin.

Anemia can occur because an open gastric ulcer often causes bleeding. In the event that anemia becomes an accidental finding based on the results of tests, it is important not to forget that an ulcer can also be a possible cause of its appearance.

Photo: Getty Images, Shutterstock

Prevention of gastritis and stomach ulcers

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Gastric ulcer is a chronic relapsing disease with periods of exacerbation and remission. Its main symptom is the formation of a defect ( ulcers ) in the wall of the stomach . Often ulcers are formed not only in the stomach , but also in the duodenum ( ulcer duodenum).

Stomach problems occur in many people of all ages. The feeling of heaviness, heartburn or painful discomfort is familiar to almost everyone, and these are the first signs of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. When symptoms appear, it is important to draw the right conclusions, because everyone knows that the disease is better to prevent than to cure.

Causes that cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are usually divided into two categories – external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous). External causes include malnutrition, exposure to stress, exposure to pathogens, long-term use of drugs, alcohol and nicotine abuse. Internal causes are genetic predisposition, immune system failure, congenital pathologies. At the same time, the violation of the principles of proper nutrition is the most common factor. This is food on the run, love for fast food and fatty, spicy, smoked snacks with an abundance of salt and spices, marinades, sauces. And if at the same time a person is in a state of neuropsychic stress, smokes and regularly consumes alcoholic beverages, then digestive problems become his constant companions. Recently, most researchers have started talking about the detrimental effect of Helicobacter pylori on the occurrence and progression of gastritis and ulcers.

According to some reports, more than 90% of cases, one way or another, are associated with this infection. Under the influence of bacteria, the continuous secretion of mucus in the stomach is disrupted, defective areas appear, devoid of a protective barrier, which are exposed to the destructive effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Over time, these pathological processes, coupled with an increase in the activity of gastric juice, impaired blood supply and hormonal disruptions, lead to the inevitable development of peptic ulcer. It can be said that all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are caused by the influence of a combination of factors – neuropsychiatric, bacterial, chemical and physical. Practice shows that the prevention of gastritis and peptic ulcer allows you to maintain health and a full quality of life.

The main measure for the prevention of gastritis and peptic ulcer is a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing new here, but this voluminous concept includes the rejection of bad habits, and regular physical education and outdoor sports, and normal sleep, and the ability to quickly overcome stressful situations.

In addition, it is necessary to monitor the body mass index in order to avoid gaining extra pounds or significant weight loss. Another important preventive measure is a medical examination, which must be carried out regularly, even in the absence of complaints. And people over 40 also need to do an ultrasound of the abdominal organs every year. Only this will help to detect the slightest changes in the digestive system in time and respond competently to them in order to prevent the development of pathologies.

A complete, balanced and regular diet, in which the body is fully provided with all the necessary substances: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, micro and macro elements, vitamins.