An ulcer is a small open wound in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. It was once thought that ulcers were caused by stress, spicy food, and high stomach acid, but conventional understanding has changed completely. We now know that the overwhelming majority of gastric and duodenal ulcers are caused by a specific bacterial overgrowth. Helicobacter pylori, aka h.pylori, is a normal part of a healthy microbiome, however, an overgrowth can combine with stomach acid and enzymes to degrade the membrane lining the digestive tract. Symptoms may or may not include pain, heartburn, nausea, headaches, or lower back pain. Note that diet alone will not be enough to eradicate h.pylori overgrowth, but it will help to soothe and rebuild the gut lining while starving and antagonizing the bacteria, creating a perfect foundation for herbal or prescription antibiotics.