More than 4 million Americans are diagnosed annually with peptic ulcer disease. The resulting gastritis—inflammation of the stomach—causes heartburn, nausea, acid reflux, gas, and stomach pain. For years, relief from these symptoms came in the form of antacids, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery. When it was discovered that ulcers were actually caused by a bacterium, antibiotics became the treatment of choice. While more effective than previous attempts at relief, this
