8 Amazing Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcer
Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcer is the natural way of getting rid of stomach ulcer with herbs, plant and vegetables at home without going to see a doctor. This post will help you know more about some of the amazing home remedies for stomach ulcer, what causes stomach ulcer and the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcer.
Stomach ulcers also known as gastric ulcers, it is a painful sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are any ulcers that affect both the stomach and small intestines. Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects the stomach from digestive juices is reduced and this allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.
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Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. Common causes include the bacteria H. Pylori and anti-inflammatory pain relievers including aspirin. Stomach ulcers may be easily cured, but can become severe without proper treatment. Sore that develops on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine.
Signs and Symptoms of Ulcer
A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours.
The most common symptom of peptic or stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen (stomach) although stomach ulcers are not usually painful and most people may experience other symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and feeling sick. Other prominent symptoms include;
1. Passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
2. Sudden sharp pain in the tummy that gets steadily worse
3. Dull pain in the stomach
4. Weight loss
5. Loss of appetite because of pain
6. Nausea or vomiting
7. Bloating
8. Feeling easily full
9. Burping or acid reflux
10. Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest. Pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
11. Anemia, whose symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin
12. Dark, tarry stools
13. Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Note: If you are vomiting blood, the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds these could be a sign of a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.
Causes of Stomach Ulcers
Since stomach ulcers occurs when there’s damage or disruption to the layer that protects the stomach lining from the acids in the stomach which is as a result of;
1. An infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
2. Consuming anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin especially if they’re consumed for a long time or at high doses.
In rare cases stress or certain foods might cause stomach ulcers, but there’s little evidence to suggest this is the case. Stomach ulcers can affect anyone but are more common in people aged 60 or over. Men are more affected than women. Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious and life threatening. The main complications include;
- Bleeding at the site of the ulcer occurs
- When the stomach lining at the site of the ulcer splits open (perforation)
- When the ulcer blocks the movement of food through the digestive system (gastric obstruction)
Diagnosis of Stomach Ulcer
Diagnosis and treatment depends on the symptoms and the severity of the ulcer. To diagnose a stomach ulcer, the doctor will have to review your medical history along with the symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. The diagnosis include;
1. To rule out Helicopacter pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test is required. With a breath test, you’ll be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.
2. Barium Swallow: Patient will be instructed to drink a thick white liquid (barium) that coats the upper gastrointestinal tract and helps the doctor see the stomach and small intestine on X-rays.
3. Endoscopy (EGD): A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the patients mouth and through the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.
4. Endoscopic Biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be analyzed in a lab.
Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcer
Some home remedies for stomach ulcer are listed below;
1. Honey
Honey is far from simply sweet, depending on the plant it’s derived from, honey contain up to 200 elements, including polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey Trusted Source is a powerful antibacterial and has been shown to be the best home remedies for stomach ulcer and inhibit H. pylori growth. As long as your blood sugar level is normal you can enjoy honey as you would any sweetener, with the bonus of perhaps soothing your ulcers.
2. Flavonoids
Research trusted source agreed that flavonoids which is otherwise known as bioflavonoids is an effective additional home remedies for stomach ulcer. Flavonoids are compounds that occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Some Foods and drinks rich in flavonoids includes:
- Soybeans
- Legumes
- Red grapes
- Kalev, broccolivi, apples
- Berries
- Teas, especially green tea
The above foods may also help the body fight against the H. pylori bacteria. Flavonoids are referred to as “gastroprotective,” i.e they defend the lining of the stomach and could allow ulcers to heal. Note: there is no side effects of consuming flavonoids in the amount found in a typical diet, but higher amounts of flavonoids may interfere with blood clotting. Flavonoids can be gotten from diet or taken as supplements.
3. Garlic
Garlic extract has been shown to be one of the common home remedies for stomach ulcer which inhibit H. pylori growth in lab, animal, and human trials. If you dislike the taste and lingering aftertaste of garlic, you can take garlic extract in supplement form. Garlic acts as a blood thinner.
4. Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole grains
A diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are not only good for overall health. A vitamin-rich diet can help the body heal of ulcer and that makes it a great home remedies for stomach ulcer. Foods containing the antioxidant polyphenols may protect ones body from ulcers and help ulcers heal. Polyphenol-rich foods and seasonings includes;
- Dried rosemary
- Flaxseed
- Mexican oregano
- Dark chocolate
- Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, elderberries, and blackberries, black olives
5. Cranberry
As an effective home remedies for stomach ulcer. Cranberry has been proven to help decrease urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from settling on the walls of the bladder. Cranberry and cranberry extract also may help fight H. pylori bacteria. Cranberry juice, cranberry fruit or take cranberry supplements can be consumed daily.
Note: Too much intake of cranberry in any form may cause stomach and intestinal discomfort due to its high sugar content so it is advisable to starts with small amounts and increase gradually.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are the living bacteria and yeast that provide healthy and important microorganisms to the digestive tract. They are present in many common foods, particularly fermented foods. These includes;
- Buttermilk
- Yogurt
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Kefir
Studies have shown that probiotics may be helpful as a home remedies for stomach ulcer in wiping out H. pylori and decreasing the number of people with ulcers when added to the traditional regimen of antibiotics. Probiotics can also be taken in supplement form.
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7. Mastic
Mastic is the sap of a tree grown in the Mediterranean and it is proven to be a very good home remedies for stomach ulcer. Chewing mastic gum may help fight H. pylori, getting rid of the bacteria in about 3 out of 10 people who used it. Mastic gum can be chewed or swallowed or taken in supplement form.
8. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage is a popular natural home remedies for stomach ulcer. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections. These infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers. In humans, 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.
Foods to Avoid when Diagnosed with Stomach Ulcer
In most people, certain foods can affect the lower part of their esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid and stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. This can cause injury to the esophagus as well as heartburn, indigestion, and other discomfort. To reduce acid reflux pain, the following foods can be limited;
- Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Chocolate
- Chilies and hot peppers
- Processed foods
- Foods with a high amount of salt
- Deep-fried foods
- Acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes
- Overeating and eating within two to three hours of going to bed may also worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
Conclusion
Stomach ulcers don’t stop at abdominal pain. If left untreated, they can create a hole in the stomach, which requires surgery. On rare occasions, ulcers might signal larger problems, like cancer. Not every food acts the same for everyone so it is wise you keep track of which foods seem to make acid reflux symptoms worsen in the body.
Having more than one bottle drink (Alcohol) a day for women and more than two for men is considered excessive drinking. Regular alcohol use causes significant stomach inflammation. Also, alcohol is another substance that can relax the lower part of the esophagus, increasing your risk for acid reflux.