Stomach ulcers are frequently treated with antacids to lower stomach acid, antibiotics for an H. pylori infection, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and histamine receptor blockers. These medications have a number of unfavorable side effects and do not stop ulcers from developing in the first place.
Fortunately, there are secure, organic ways to hasten ulcer healing and stop new ulcers from appearing. Learn how to safely and successfully treat a stomach ulcer naturally with the natural remedies listed in this article!
First, let’s discuss what exactly is an ulcer
A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is a hole in the stomach or small intestine lining. Gastric ulcers are those that occur in the stomach, whereas duodenal ulcers occur in the small intestine.
The majority of ulcers cause pain, but some go undetected. Many ulcers are caused by a helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, but others are not. Dietary habits are frequently the root cause of a peptic ulcer.
Untreated ulcers can sometimes become bleeding ulcers. Internal bleeding is caused by bleeding ulcers, making them a serious medical emergency. A bleeding ulcer could be indicated by blood in your stool or vomit.
Symptoms and signs of a stomach ulcer
One of the tell-tale signs of a peptic ulcer is burning pain, especially on an empty stomach. Gnawing is another way to describe the pain. Some ulcers are asymptomatic.
Food may provide temporary symptom relief if you have an ulcer because it coats the damaged area of the stomach.
Heartburn is not always a sign of an ulcer, so it is critical to distinguish between the two. Normal stomach pH should be between 1.5 and 3. If the pH of the stomach rises and becomes more alkaline, a small valve on the top of the stomach will not close properly.
If this occurs, acid begins to back up into the esophagus, resulting in acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion. Food frequently aggravates heartburn by diluting stomach acid and causing more regurgitation.
You can also use apple cider vinegar to test your symptoms. You most likely have an ulcer if drinking apple cider vinegar with water worsens your symptoms. Heartburn symptoms are frequently relieved by apple cider vinegar.
Vitamin deficiencies are frequently associated with peptic ulcers. Deficits in one or more of the following vitamins are common in ulcer patients: B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin C, or folate.
Causes of Ulcers in the Stomach
1. Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori bacteria are found in approximately 50% of the population. H. pylori does not always cause problems, but it is capable of causing stomach and small intestine ulcers.
H. pylori lives in the stomach lining’s mucus layer and has the ability to neutralize stomach acid. In addition to peptic ulcers, H. pylori infections can cause brain fog, fatigue, gastritis, abdominal pain, bloating, decreased neurotransmitters, and mineral deficiencies.
2. NSAIDs
Chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can lead to ulcers in some people.
NSAIDs cause mucosal damage in the stomach and small intestine. This makes the mucosal layer more vulnerable to damage and impairs its ability to repair itself.
3. Stress
The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are both part of the autonomic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of the stomach and digestive system, whereas the sympathetic nervous system is in charge of the body’s “fight or flight” stress response.
As a survival mechanism, the sympathetic nervous system inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system.
Proper digestion and stomach function are most effective when you are calm and relaxed. If your digestion and stomach function are hampered as a result of stress, you are more likely to develop ulcers.
4. Idiopathic
Idiopathic means that the cause is unknown, but you must have developed an ulcer for some reason!
Dietary habits play a significant role in the development of a stomach ulcer. Ulcers can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, excessive coffee consumption, and refined grains.
Phytates in bread, cereal, grains, and other carbohydrates can inhibit the absorption of important minerals like zinc and vitamin E. Zinc and vitamin E are critical nutrients for the health and integrity of your stomach lining.
An ulcer can also be caused by hypercalcemia or an excess of calcium in the blood.
Home remedies for stomach ulcers that work
1. Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting
One of the most effective ways to treat an ulcer is to avoid the foods that caused it in the first place. A healthy diet can not only help stomach ulcers heal, but it can also help prevent new ulcers from developing.
Eliminating refined foods and increasing vegetable intake can help you get more vitamin E and potassium. This can help relieve ulcer symptoms and promote healing. Intermittent fasting is also beneficial because it allows the stomach to heal.
2. Juice from cabbage
Cabbage juice contains sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. These potent plant-based compounds are known as vitamin U, despite the fact that they are not vitamins.
Glucosinolates can heal ulcers by dismantling and destroying H. pylori. Because both green and red cabbage contain glucosinolates, they can both help heal ulcers.
Because glucosinolates are destroyed by cooking, it is best to consume raw cabbage juice. Because steaming cabbage preserves 97% of this compound, eating steamed cabbage on a regular basis can also help with ulcer healing.
Lactic acid bacteria, which can be found in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, are also effective against the helicobacter pylori bacterium. Sauerkraut’s fermented cabbage juice can sometimes irritate or worsen stomach ulcer symptoms.
3. Chlorophyll
Every day, the average American consumes about 1.5 cups of vegetables. Consume 7 to 10 cups of vegetables per day to get enough chlorophyll and other essential nutrients!
Chlorophyll is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help maintain a healthy microbiome. Chlorophyll also has healing properties that are beneficial to internal membranes, so it can heal and repair the stomach lining.
Sometimes eating too many vegetables can irritate the gut and stomach lining. In this case, you can take a chlorophyll supplement or buy your greens as a powder.
Wheatgrass juice powder contains a lot of chlorophyll!
4. Licorice root
Licorice root aids in the healing of peptic ulcers in both the stomach and small intestine. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat gastritis.
Licorice root was found to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers in rats and dogs in this study
5. Zinc Carnosine
When zinc is bound to the amino acid carnosine, it aids in the delivery of zinc to the stomach. To specifically target gut issues, zinc carnosine works significantly better than other types of zinc.
Here are a few of zinc’s numerous health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Supports your gut’s mucus barrier
- It is beneficial for gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Improves digestive tract wound healing
Another major cause of gastric ulcers is a lack of zinc. When your body lacks zinc, it produces more digestive juices and acid secretions. As a result, you will produce more pepsin, an enzyme that can dissolve the stomach lining.
You won’t produce enough mast cells if you don’t get enough zinc. Mast cells are essential for the integrity of the stomach lining’s mucosal layer. Zinc also boosts immunity and can aid in the fight against an H. pylori infection.
