Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach. They are then very painful due to the presence of acid in the stomach. Home remedies have been proven better than the conventional medicines for ulcers in most cases.
A bacterium Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori is the most common cause of stomach ulcers. It accounts for more than 80% of all ulcers in the stomach. Stress can also cause ulcers. Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and even aspirin can cause ulcers.
Ulcers are formed in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These ulcers are also known as peptic or gastric ulcers.
If the ulcer occurs in the duodenum, the beginning of small intestine then they are called duodenal ulcers.
Approach of doctors to treat the stomach ulcers generally focuses on neutralizing and reducing acids in the stomach. Dietary changes and home remedies are also very effective in healing the stomach ulcers.
Reducing the H. pylori contents in the stomach is your prime goal. You must eat and drink food items that can help you in this objective.
Your diet must be in small portions more often instead of restricting to 3 big meals a day. This reduces pressure on the intestine.
You should not remain hungry for a long time, as it can worsen the ulcer pains.
Following food items will help you to achieve this goal.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics which are good bacteria to counter H. pylori. This is more useful in prevention of H. pylori growth in the stomach. In case of ulcers where H. pylori is overgrown, the yogurt may still be useful.
Eat raw organic yogurt. Sweetened and flavored yogurt will do more harm than benefit. So be careful.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a miraculous spice. Garlic has been found to control H. pylori growth due to its antibacterial capabilities. Interestingly, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered that garlic reduces the H. pylori concentration in the gut bacteria balance. It doesn't kill the entire strain which antibacterial medicines do. This is good because certsin amount of H. Pylori in the guts helps to protect you from acid reflux.
Garlic also is a blood thinner. So if you are taking any blood thinning medicines, then check with your doctor on the use of garlic.
3. Honey
Honey with its antibacterial properties is a very good natural remedy for stomach ulcers. It soothes the stomach lining and reduces inflammation.
Taking honey empty stomach early in the morning everyday for 10 days should help you to reduce H. pylori concentration in the stomach. One or two tablespoons of honey should be enough.
4. Capsaicin
Studies in Hungry have revealed that consumption of capsaicin decreases the output of acids in the stomach and increases the protective secretion.
This is contrary to the conventional wisdom where we have always believed that overconsumption of chilies cause ulcers.
Capsaicin in different concentrations is present in all kinds of chilies. Add your preferred chillies in your diet. It also protects you from ulcers caused by alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. Vitamin E
This is a very significant development in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Doctors at Kiev Medical Institute have found that 300mg of Vitamin E effectively treated ulcer in 6 days as compared to the 10 days it took for the group of patients who were given conventional medicine.
Check with your doctor if you really have to take the antibiotics which might cause resistance as well as other side effects.
6. High Fiber Foods
This type of diet is also very good for your overall health.
Eat a fiber rich diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.These Vitamin rich foods containing polyphenols helps to heal ulcers fast.
7. Avoid Milk and Alcohol
A lot of people believe that drinking milk soothes the ulcer. Yes, it initially does, but it causes more acids in the stomach making it more difficult for the ulcers to heal. This short term quick fix is not worth attempting.
Avoid alcohol of all kinds and caffeine.
Alcohol causes stomach ulcers and if you have H. pylori growth then it worsen the condition. So if you have ulcers then say no to alcohol.
Caffeine and carbonated beverages, processed food, deep fried and salty food all increase acid formation in the stomach worsening the ulcers. Avoid them.
So, if you understand what to eat and drink and what to avoid, then you can cure your ulcer fast.