Healthytalk8 Stomach ulcers are known as gastric ulcers, caused by a bacteria, called (H-pylori), which allow gastric acid to eat the stomach lining.
It mainly occurs in older age person, especially those 60 and above, and men are more prone to gastric acid than women.
Stomach ulcers cause pain, burning sensation, heartburn, indigestion, and loss of appetite in the stomach.
Its treatment depends on its symptoms and how severe it is.
Natural Remedies for Stomach Ulcers
Contents
There are many natural ways, or home – remedies, and food to eat and avoid. Which helps in curing stomach ulcers.
Wormwood
It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for fevers, swelling, headaches, bleeding, and malaria, and is found in the Himalayan ranges.
Studies have shown that Artemisia extract was quite efficient in boosting ulcer healing at the early phase of ulcer healing.
Wormwood showed strong activity against Helicobacter pylori (H-pylori) bacteria, highly responsible for stomach ulcers (2).
In addition, it is believed that wormwood stimulates digestion and gives relief to stomach spasms (3).
Garlic
One study reviewed that garlic has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
A vivo study suggests that S-allyl cysteine (SAC) prevents stress-induced gastritis through increasing antioxidative activity.
But consuming too much may cause diarrhea. And also acts as a blood thinner, so talk to the doctor, if you taking medicines.
Studies showed that raw garlic has an antibacterial effect against H. pylori bacteria, and may be prescribed with medical treatment.
However, not all studies are not in favour, that it can help in healing stomach ulcers. And more studies are needed on it (4).
Liquorice (sweetwood)
Studies have shown that it has anti-H pylori effects, and is also shown to be effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers (5).
Licorice protects the mucus lining in the stomach, (when the mucus lining is damaged then stomach ulcers occur) (6).
Also, it is traditionally used in treating sitting voice (which looks after a lot of screaming)
It’s rich in G. glabra and GutGard, (which has anti-H. pylori activities) (7) which help the body to fight against the bacteria.
However, some studies showed no effect on ulcers, therefore, more research is needed on it.
But it may interfere with other medicines and lead to pain in muscles or numbness in the hand, or foot (8).
Luffa (Ridge gourd)
During an investigation by Pimple et al, luffa, its extract increased the mucosal glycoprotein and antioxidant enzymes in diabetes rats.
It has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help manage peptic ulcers, and indigestion (9).
However, some showed shown reverse effects like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and High BP were noticed after 15 min to 6 hours.
Also, it contains moisture which smoothens the digestive tract.
Turmeric
An epidemiological study reveals that curcumin might reduce the risk of ulcers and cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents (10).
Its yellow-coloured chemical called curcumin is often used in the field of cosmetics, food colouring, and several medicines.
However, some studies do not believe it but say that Its intake may increase stomach acidity, making existing ulcers worse (12).
In a study, some participants who were positive with (H.pylori) bacteria were given 500 mg of turmeric 4 times a day.
Results, after 4 weeks, 63% were free from ulcers, and after 8 weeks, this amount increased to 87%.
Green Tea
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages around the world, and black tea followed by green tea is one of the most popular tea.
It was traditionally used for diarrhea in China and India and for infection from this bacteria (13).
Green tea contains Catechins (an antioxidant compound) that showed antibacterial activity against this bacteria (14).
However, it has other health benefits such as:
- Help in weight loss
- Protect against certain cancer
- Improve brain function
- Reduce bad cholesterol
NOTE: Excessive intake of green tea may be linked to side effects such as nausea, stomach upset because it contains caffeine (15) (16).
Aloe Vera
One study reviewed that aloe vera significantly reduced the amount of stomach acid produced in rats suffering from ulcers.
Aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory and can promote ulcer healing. It might be a useful agent for gastric ulcer patients (18).
Natural aloe vera gel is a beneficial and no-cost treatment, for chronic ulcers patients.
It is recommended in developing countries for treating chronic ulcers and lessening the financial burden (19)
It helps the skin heal from sunburn because its oil can moisturize the skin, also helping you with keeping away from peeling.
It is generally safe, but also has some adverse effects such as:
- Redness
- Itchy feeling
- interaction with medicines, so first, consult the doctor.
Fruits, and Vegetables
This is one of the main things that you should add to your diet, whether it is fruit, vegetables, and pulses.
Eat green vegetables and fruits, which give you protein, and vitamins, and are one of the best sources of rich minerals, and protein.
The healing and severity of ulcers also depend on what kind of food you eat.
Food to Eat
- Eat Polyphenol-rich foods, which include – berries, nuts, flax seeds, olives, dark chocolates, green vegetables, olives, etc.
- Add fibre-rich food to your diet such as – apples, pears, oatmeals, Lean legumes, etc.
- Cabbage, which is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant, that helps in treating H. pylori infections
- Chilli peppers
- Also, adding fruit juices such as papaya, apple, cabbage, etc helps in healing ulcers quickly.
- Consume probiotic food such as yogurt, and kimchi, which are rich in good bacteria.
- Sweet potato, which contains vitamin A, is believed to help heal wounds and ulcers in the stomach.
Food to Avoid
Overeating and eating within two to three hours of going to bed may also worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
Certain foods should be avoided during stomach ulcers, which increase the acid reflex and can make the stomach ulcers worse.
- Alcohol, which irritates and damages the stomach lining
- Fatty, and fried food, increase acid reflux
- Spicy food
- Hot peppers
- Chocolate
- Deep-fried, and processed food
- Coffee, and other carbonated beverages
Pain at night can come suddenly after eating, or it may come after 3 to 4 hours of eating.
Honey
It has been traditionally used for medications, and in today’s time, it’s mostly known for relieving cold and cough symptoms.
A study showed that honey has an antioxidant ability resulting in reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory process.
Various studies outcomes shown that honey acts as a natural agent that can heal mucosa by providing protection.
Down Line
Stomach ulcers occur due to bacteria, food and so on, and talk to the doctor if you experience severe pain.
Some remedies are very effective for the stomach and have been used for centuries which is why it’s still used.
Talk to the doctor if you notice any other discomfort because it may be some other medical concer.
