Peptic ulcers, commonly known as stomach ulcers, are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper part of your small intestine. Symptoms can include burning stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion.
Medical treatment is sometimes necessary. However, several home remedies for ulcers have been proven to help alleviate symptoms and may complement the healing process. The following are seven science-backed home remedies for ulcers. Firstly, there is an overview of ulcers.
What are Ulcers?
A sore that heals with time can appear on the lining of an organism. Most ulcers are formed in the digestive tract and are medically called peptic ulcers. They form when the layer of mucus that protects the inside of the stomach or the small intestine wears away, leaving sensitive tissue prone to irritation and injury by digestive acids and enzymes.
Types of Ulcers
1. Gastric Ulcers: Gastric ulcers form within the stomach.
2. Duodenal Ulcers: These ulcers occur within the upper portion of the duodenum, known as the small intestine.
3. Esophageal Ulcers: Ulcers occur within the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
Causes of Ulcers
The causative factors for ulcers usually include one or all of the following:
1. Helicobacter pylori Infection:
One of the most common bacteria that cause ulcers. This bacterium may weaken the protective mucus lining of the stomach. Hence, let the stomach acid irritate the tissue beneath. H. pylori spreads through contaminated water, food, or contact with an infected person.
2. Excessive Utilization of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Pain medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, when taken for an extended period, can cause stomach lining irritation and ulcer development. These medications suppress the production of prostaglandins. These chemicals play a significant role in protecting the stomach lining from acid.
3. Excess Stomach Acid:
When more acid than needed is produced, it may result in ulcers by causing an injury to the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Stress, spicy foods, alcohol, or smoking may serve as triggers but do not cause the ulcer.
Other factors include genetics, age, and immune compromise. Rarely, a condition such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can stimulate the stomach to produce excess acid and give rise to an ulcer.
Symptoms of Ulcers
The symptoms of ulcers depend on a number of factors, including the location and severity of the ulcer, but common symptoms include:
1. Burning stomach pain: Often felt between meals or at night, the pain is usually in the upper abdomen.Bloating and indigestion: Feeling full or gassy after eating.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea or even vomit blood if the ulcer is severe.
3. Loss of appetite and weight loss: Difficulty eating due to pain or discomfort.
4. Dark or bloody stools: This can indicate internal bleeding caused by the ulcer.
Some ulcers may not always cause symptoms; sometimes, they can have slight discomfort, which is difficult to detect without professional medical testing.
How Ulcers Can Be Diagnosed
Ulcers are often diagnosed based on a combination of the following:
- Endoscopy: This is a procedure whereby a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube containing a tiny camera into the digestive tract to visually examine the ulcer directly.
- Barium swallow X-ray: Such an X-ray visualizes the upper digestive tract. A patient swallows a chalky liquid that coats the inside of the stomach and small intestine.
- Blood, stool, or breath tests: These may be performed to determine whether an infection with H. pylori is present.
Treatment Options For Ulcers
Ulcers are typically treated with a combination of medicines and lifestyle modifications:
1. Antibiotics: If the patient has an active H. pylori infection, antibiotics will be given to kill the bacteria.
2.PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors): These medications lower the production of stomach acid and promote ulcer healing.
3.H2-receptor antagonists: Other drugs that reduce acid production in the stomach.
Antacids can neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary symptom relief.
Changes in lifestyle, including reduced stress, avoidance of NSAIDs, quitting smoking, and limitation of alcohol intake, will help prevent an ulcer from occurring or worsening.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to treat complications such as bleeding, perforation, or obstruction.
Ulcers are painful sores that may occur in the stomach or small intestine and are most often caused by infection with H. pylori, long-term use of NSAIDs, or excess stomach acid.
Although treatable under medication and a change of life pattern, one must consult a physician in case of suspicion of having an ulcer. If left unmanaged, it may lead to severe complications. So, there are many natural ways to treat ulcers.
Home Remedies For Ulcers
Although there are several treatment options for ulcers, several home remedies exist. Science-backed remedies for ulcers are given here:
1. Probiotics help gut health
The “good” bacteria, known as probiotics, found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods, have been famous for their benefits relating to gut health. Indeed, probiotics may prevent and heal stomach ulcers by keeping a balance of bacteria within the stomach. Probiotics might even reduce the growth of H. pylori, a bacterium that is a very common cause of ulcers.
Science Insight:
One such study, published in Helicobacter (2017), demonstrated that probiotics supplied by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium reduced the population of H. pylori, thus reducing ulcer formation and enhancing faster healing.
2. Licorice Root: Natural Protection for the Stomach Lining
The licorice root, especially in its deglycyrrhizinated form known as DGL. It has been a traditional remedy for several centuries in treating digestive problems, including ulcers. DGL protects the stomach’s lining by stimulating mucin production, a protective barrier against acid. It may also calm irritation and foster healing.
Science Insight:
A study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2003) showed that DGL licorice extract might facilitate ulcer healing and reduce symptoms, possibly by rendering the mucosa more protective.
3. Honey: Antibacterial and Healing Properties
Honey, but more so Manuka honey, has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help fight infections such as H. pylori. It can also stimulate the healing of ulcers by enhancing tissue repair and reducing stomach lining inflammation. It is a fantastic home remedy for ulcers.
Science Insight:
Honey has been reported to inhibit the H. pylori bacterium, according to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2007. It also suppresses gastric inflammation, hence giving a boost to the peptic ulcer healing process.
4. Cabbage Juice: A Natural Ulcer Healer
Antioxidants abound in cabbage, containing a very high amount of the amino acid glutamine, which sustains tissue repair. Gastric mucus production could be enhanced in fresh cabbage juice consumption cases, thus protecting the stomach lining.
Science Insight:
A clinical trial published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1949) demonstrated that cabbage juice helps heal peptic ulcers and accelerates the healing process by promoting mucus secretion and reducing the pain associated with ulcers.
5. Aloe Vera: Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
One of the best home remedies to treat ulcers is aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant studied for its medicinal properties, which mainly treat burns and wounds, but recently, this plant was also found helpful in digestion problems.
The aloe vera juice could avoid inflammation in the stomach’s mucosa and speed up the ulcer cure. It soothes the digestive tract, therefore decreasing discomfort and pain.
Science Insight:
One study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences in 2013 indicated that aloe vera gel and juice reduced symptoms of peptic ulcers due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of the plant extracts.
6. Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
While most people know ginger is used for nausea treatment, it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help heal ulcers. Ginger can reduce the dilation of stomach acid production; thus, it improves digestion, reducing the signs of ulcers.
Science Insight:
In a 2014 study from The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, ginger offered gastric protection by inhibiting gastric acid secretion and enhancing mucous release. Ginger has been found in laboratory experiments to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, hence scientifically proven home remedies for ulcers.
7. Turmeric: A Natural Anti-inflammatory and Healing Agent
Turmeric owes its therapeutic activity to curcumin, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Curcumin is efficient in ulcer healing because it reduces inflammation in the stomach lining, decreases the invasion and proliferation of dangerous bacteria such as H. pylori, and stimulates cell regeneration in the stomach mucosa, accelerating the healing rate.
Science Insight:
A study published by Phytotherapy Research in 2013 says that curcumin can inhibit the formation of ulcers significantly by improving anti-inflammatory responses and promoting the healing process through the inhibition of oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Though severe or persistent ulcer symptoms are best referred to a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, these seven home remedies for ulcers can effectively support healing and alleviate discomfort.
Probiotics, licorice root, honey, cabbage juice, aloe vera, ginger, and turmeric are substances derived from food and other forms that can help to alleviate it and promote good digestive health. It is best to consult a physician before starting any remedy since medications or other conditions may prohibit specific options.
Disclaimer
Get Health Hacks is a digital publisher and providing health and wellness content as general information. Our purpose is to provide you information, hacks, and guides to learn and achieve health goals. The content on our website, newsletter, and socials including text, graphics, images, and other material is general in nature. You should have to consult your healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet plan, exercise, fitness training, and wellness program.
