Stomach ulcers are painful sores that occur in your stomach lining or the upper small intestine. Caused by a bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori – H. pylori) or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin or ibuprofen. Stomach ulcers, naturally, are key to a healthy digestion. Here are some natural remedies that may help treat the occurrence of stomach ulcers.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Stable diet includes a diversity of whole foods, these are essential in preventing stomach ulcers. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Oats, legumes and whole grain foods that are rich in fiber are very good in protecting stomach lining by slowing down the production of acid and aiding in the healing of damaged tissues. Other foods, including apples, cranberries and garlic, have been found to slow the growth of H. pylori bacteria.
2. Limit Spicy and Acidic Foods
If you have a history of ulcers, spicy and acidic foods can make the stomach lining more sensitive, making ulcers more likely. While not everyone will have trouble with these foods, people who are predisposed to stomach ulcers should avoid or limit spicy foods such as hot peppers or acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which can hurt.
3. Manage Stress
Stomach ulcers by themselves are not directly caused by stress, but the stress can make the symptoms worse and slow down healing. For example, there are a number of ways you can help lower your stress levels and consequently support your gut too: meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and regular physical activity are all good forms of stress relieving techniques. Sleep and relaxation are also necessary for the control of stress and for avoiding ulcers.
4. Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Should be Avoided
Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption are both major causes of stomach ulcers. Smoking is known to create more stomach acid and decreases the stomach’s ability to heal, both of which increase likelihood of ulcers. Excessive alcohol causes more of the irritating substances and can even erode the stomach lining, so that it becomes easier to damage. These habits can be drastically lowered to reduce or eliminate the risk of ulcers.
5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration keeps the mucosal lining of the stomach healthy so it’s not so exposed to acid. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day (this is good practice in general!) and limit beverages such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol which dehydrates the body and irritates the stomach lining. Herbs like chamomile or ginger tea can also assure relief of the digestive system and other protection against ulcers.
6. Adding Probiotics to Your Diet
The beneficial bacteria (probiotics) found in such foods as yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables can help keep the gut healthy and ward off H. pylori infection. Key benefits, these microorganisms improve digestion, boosts immunity, and create a protective barrier in the digestive tract. Having a balanced gut flora and healthy stomach thanks to regular consumption of probiotics may also reduce the risk of ulcers. Further advice can be given by your stomach specialist so do consult them and follow their instructions.
7. Avoid NSAIDs
Ulcers can result from the overuse of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin which erode the stomach lining. Avoid these medications if possible, and if you have to use them, try using natural pain relief options, like turmeric (curcumin), ginger, or supplements containing magnesium. If you have to take NSAIDs over and over, talk to your doctor about other medications or protective medications that may help to lower the risks of ulcers.
8. Use Honey as a Natural Remedy
Manuka honey acts quite like a prescription drug, and it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent and cure stomach ulcers. Its natural compounds can help fight off H. pylori bacteria and soothe the lining of your stomach. Regularly adding a spoonful of raw honey to your diet may provide you with natural protection against ulcers.
9. Include Flavonoid Rich Foods
Antioxidants known as flavonoids in foods such as berries, apples, onions and green tea can help protect the stomach lining from damage. They do this by reducing inflammation and by stopping the growth of H. pylori bacteria. Flavonoids may be consumed by eating a diet rich in these, which may in turn prevent the occurrence of stomach ulcers and enhance general digestive health.
10. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
The stomach acid spikes can be caused by large, heavy meals. In this case, try eating smaller and more frequent meals during the day that help lower the stomach acids that tear up your esophagus. It also keeps the digestive system from being overworked and irritated.
11. Drink Aloe Vera Juice
The digestive system can benefit from the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera. A small amount of aloe vera juice can be drunk to neutralize stomach acid and soothe the stomach lining, reducing the chance of an ulcer forming. Avoid consuming low quality food grade aloe vera juice.
12. Maintain a Healthy Weight
The link between obesity and stomach ulcers is well known because obesity affects digestive health and stomach acid production. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on your stomach, as a result, leading a healthy lifestyle by being active and eating nutritious food can keep you in a healthy weight, thus reducing the risks of ulcers since it reduces the pressure on your stomach and helps improve your digestion overall.
Conclusion
Stomach ulcers cannot be prevented naturally; however they can be prevented with healthy dietary choices, lifestyle and stress management. Swallowing foods that protect the stomach lining, giving up harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, and eating with conscious awareness are the three simple ways you can cut your chances of getting stomach ulcers in half. See a best gastroenterologist in Islamabad if your symptoms are persistent or you are at high risk.
