Some foods, herbs, and supplements might help your body fight the bacteria that often cause stomach ulcers.
Peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in your stomach, happen when the lining of your stomach gets damaged. They're quite common, affecting between 2.4–6.1% of people.
Several things can mess up the balance in your stomach and lead to ulcers. The most common cause is an infection from a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
Source: The most common cause of Peptic Ulcer is an infection from a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
Other common causes include stress, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and using anti-inflammatory medications too often, like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Usually, doctors treat ulcers with medications, but these can sometimes cause side effects like headaches and diarrhea. Because of this, more and more people with ulcers, as well as some doctors, are interested in trying alternative remedies.
Natural Remedies for Peptic Ulcers Disease
Here are 10 natural remedies for peptic ulcers that scientists have found to be effective.
1. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage juice has been used as a natural remedy for stomach ulcers for a long time, even before antibiotics were available. It contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant known to help prevent and treat infections caused by H. pylori bacteria, the main culprits behind stomach ulcers.
Source: Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
Animal studies have shown that cabbage juice can effectively treat and prevent various types of digestive ulcers, including those in the stomach. Early human studies found that drinking fresh cabbage juice daily appeared to help heal stomach ulcers faster than standard treatments at the time.
For example, in one study, 13 people with stomach ulcers saw their ulcers heal in 7–10 days on average after drinking a quart of fresh cabbage juice each day. In another study involving 100 people with stomach ulcers, 81% of them became symptom-free within a week after drinking the same amount of cabbage juice daily.
However, researchers have yet to identify the exact compounds in cabbage juice that promote healing, and there haven't been recent studies on its effectiveness. Additionally, early studies lacked proper control groups, making it difficult to be certain that the benefits were solely due to cabbage juice.
2. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a spice that originally comes from Asia and the Mediterranean region. It's made from the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes.
It may help prevent and fight ulcers by promoting the production of protective mucus in the stomach and intestines, which can speed up healing and reduce ulcer-related pain.
Certain compounds in licorice have been found to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of peptic ulcers. Most studies focus on using licorice compounds in supplement form, so it's unclear how much-dried licorice root one would need to consume to experience the same benefits.
Licorice-flavored candies are not the same as dried licorice root and are unlikely to have the same therapeutic effects. While some studies show positive results, others show no effect, suggesting that licorice may not work for everyone as a remedy for peptic ulcers.
Licorice root can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects like muscle pain or numbness in the extremities, so it's important to consult a healthcare provider before adding licorice to your diet, especially in large amounts.
3. Honey
Honey is a food rich in antioxidants, which means it has health benefits like improving eye health and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
It's also been found to help prevent and heal various wounds, including ulcers.
Researchers think that honey's antibacterial properties can fight against H. pylori bacteria, which are a major cause of stomach ulcers.
While animal studies have shown that honey can reduce the risk of developing ulcers and speed up healing time, more research involving humans is needed to confirm these effects.
4. Garlic
Garlic is recognized for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it effective against harmful microorganisms. Animal studies suggest that garlic extracts may accelerate ulcer healing and reduce the risk of developing ulcers.
Research conducted in labs, on animals, and in humans indicates that garlic extracts can inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, a leading cause of ulcers. A recent study showed that consuming two cloves of raw garlic daily for three days reduced bacterial activity in the stomach lining of patients with H. pylori infection.
However, not all studies have replicated these results, indicating the need for more research to confirm garlic's effectiveness in treating ulcers.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in South Asian cuisine, known for its vibrant yellow color.
Its active compound, curcumin, is believed to have various health benefits, including improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of heart disease. This ingredient is present in Cumargold
Human studies have shown promising results, with participants experiencing significant ulcer healing after taking turmeric supplements, but these studies lacked placebo groups, so further research is needed to confirm turmeric's effectiveness in treating ulcers.
6. Mastic
Mastic is a resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, commonly found in the Mediterranean region. It has been used in ancient medicine to treat various gut disorders, including stomach ulcers and Crohn’s disease.
Recent studies suggest that mastic may act as a potent natural remedy for ulcers, supported by animal and human research. Consuming mastic led to a significant reduction in ulcer symptoms and promoted ulcer healing in participants.
Mastic also exhibits antibacterial activity against H. pylori, the bacteria commonly associated with ulcers. Long-term consumption of mastic is generally considered safe.
Mastic can be found in the form of gum or powdered supplements at health food stores.
7. Chili Peppers
There's a common belief among ulcer sufferers that consuming chili peppers frequently or in large amounts can cause stomach ulcers, leading to advice to limit or avoid them altogether.
Recent research suggests that chili peppers are unlikely to cause ulcers and may even help in their treatment.
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, appears to reduce stomach acid production and improve blood flow to the stomach lining, both of which can aid in preventing or healing ulcers.Capsaicin may also stimulate mucus production, which coats the stomach lining and provides protection against injury.
While most animal studies demonstrate beneficial effects, there are limited human studies available. It's important to note that the studies often use capsaicin supplements rather than whole chili peppers, and in some cases, these supplements led to increased gastric pain in certain individuals.
Therefore, it's advisable to consume whole chili peppers in moderation and adjust intake based on personal tolerance levels.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant widely used in various industries for its antibacterial and skin-healing properties. Research suggests that aloe vera may also be effective in treating stomach ulcers.
Source: Aloe vera intake is generally considered safe, but more research in humans is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating stomach ulcers.
Studies in rats have shown that aloe vera consumption can reduce stomach acid production and have ulcer-healing effects comparable to common anti-ulcer medications. Limited human studies have been conducted, but they show promising results.
One study successfully treated patients with stomach ulcers using a concentrated aloe vera drink, while another study found that combining antibiotics with aloe vera supplementation was as effective as conventional treatment in healing ulcers and reducing H. pylori levels.
9. Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms known for their various health benefits, including improving gut health and possibly preventing and fighting ulcers. It may stimulate the production of mucus, which protects the stomach lining by coating it, and promote the formation of new blood vessels, which can speed up the healing process of ulcers.
They might also play a direct role in preventing H. pylori infections, a common cause of ulcers. Probiotics can enhance the efficiency of conventional ulcer treatments and reduce antibiotic-related side effects like diarrhea.
The optimal dose of probiotics for ulcer prevention and treatment is still under research, but studies have shown benefits with doses ranging from 200 million to 2 billion colony-forming units (CFU) taken for 2–16 weeks.
Probiotic-rich foods such as pickled vegetables, tempeh, miso, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are good sources of probiotics and can be added to your diet for potential ulcer prevention and overall gut health.
10. Ginger
Ginger is a popular spice known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues like nausea, indigestion, and bloating.
Research suggests that ginger may also have benefits for stomach ulcers. Some studies indicate that compounds in ginger can help inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, promoting ulcer healing.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ginger on stomach ulcers, incorporating ginger into your diet as a spice or consuming ginger tea may be a simple and natural way to potentially support stomach health.
Foods to Avoid
Just as some foods can help with ulcers, others can make them worse. If you're trying to heal ulcers or prevent them, it's best to cut back on these:
- Milk: Despite once being thought to help with stomach pain, milk can actually increase stomach acid, so it's better to avoid it if you have ulcers.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can harm your stomach and make ulcers more likely.
- Coffee and fizzy drinks: Even decaf coffee and soft drinks can boost stomach acid, which might irritate your stomach lining.
- Spicy and fatty foods: Very spicy or greasy foods might irritate your stomach, though it depends on your personal tolerance. Chili peppers are an exception for some.
Besides avoiding these foods, eating small meals regularly, snacking, eating slowly, and managing stress can all help reduce pain and speed up healing. Also, quitting smoking is important for preventing and treating ulcers.
In Summary
Stomach ulcers can be a bothersome health issue that many people face.
The natural remedies mentioned earlier could potentially prevent stomach ulcers from forming and aid in their healing. Sometimes, they might even enhance the effectiveness of standard treatments and lessen their side effects.
However, it's essential to understand that the effectiveness of these natural remedies compared to conventional treatments is often uncertain.
Therefore, individuals dealing with ulcers should consult a healthcare provider before trying these remedies on their own. It's crucial to seek professional advice for proper guidance and treatment.
