Stomach ulcers are open sores within the lining of the stomach. The most common cause is an infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Other common causes include stress, smoking, excess alcohol consumption and the overuse of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Conventional anti-ulcer treatment typically relies on medications that can cause negative side effects like headaches and diarrhea. For this reason, interest in alternative remedies has steadily risen and been fueled by both medical professionals and individuals with ulcers alike. Research has shown that there are also some natural home remedies that may be useful in managing a stomach ulcer.
People can relieve these symptoms using the following home remedies:
- Probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer an array of health effects. Their benefits range from improving the health of your mind to the health of your stomach, including its ability to prevent and fight ulcers. Studies have shown that probiotics may be helpful in wiping out H. pylori and increasing the recovery rate for people with ulcers when added to the traditional regimen of antibiotics. You can find probiotics in many common foods, particularly fermented foods. These include yogurt, buttermilk, miso, kimchi, kefir, and so on. You can also take probiotics in supplement form.
- Honey
Honey is far from simply sweet. It is an antioxidant-rich food linked to a range of health benefits. These include prevention to the formation and promote the healing of many wounds, including ulcers. Moreover, honey is believed to have powerful antibacterial properties that can help fight H. pylori growth.
- Plantain bananas
Plantains are a type of banana. Research suggests that unripe plantains may have a positive effect on peptic ulcers. Unripe plantains contain a flavonoid called leucocyanidin. Leucocyanidin increases the amount of mucus in the stomach. This fruit may also reduce acidity, which can help prevent and relieve symptoms of ulcers.
- Colorful fruits
Many fruits contain compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids contribute to the rich colors of some fruits. Research suggests that flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, may be an effective additional treatment for stomach ulcers. They can also help a range of other digestive issues, including spasms and diarrhea. Flavonoids are referred to as “gastroprotective”, which means they defend the lining of the stomach and could allow ulcers to heal. They do this by increasing stomach mucus, which inhibits the growth of H. pylori. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties. Flavonoids are present in fruits such as apple, blueberry, cherry, lemon and orange, and nuts.
- Cabbage juice
Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer remedy. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers. It’s rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections. Early studies observed that daily consumption of fresh cabbage juice appeared to help heal stomach ulcers more effectively than the conventional treatment used at the time.
Certain foods may increase the likelihood of developing ulcers and delay their healing. Milk, alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, spicy and fatty foods are few examples of foods that contribute in the development of ulcers.
In addition to avoiding the foods above, consuming small meals at regular times, snacking throughout the day, eating slowly and chewing your food well can help reduce pain and promote healing.
