Gastric and duodenal ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. These ulcers can cause severe abdominal pain and heartburn. Fortunately, there are natural ways to heal them by changing your diet.
The causes of gastric and duodenal ulcers
Approximately 70% of stomach ulcers are caused by a harmful bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which creates holes in the stomach lining and causes painful ulcers. In addition to this bacterium, ulcers can also be caused by excessive use of nonsteroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs), which erode the stomach’s protective lining.
If ulcers are not treated, they can worsen, cause anemia due to bleeding , and block the movement of food through the digestive system.
Trigger foods to avoid
Certain foods can worsen stomach ulcers by irritating the gastric lining. Here is a list of these foods:
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits)
Foods fried at high temperature
Black pepper
Chocolate and cocoa
Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
Tomatoes and tomato products
Peppermint, chili pepper, cloves
These foods can cause tingling and burning sensations and should therefore be avoided by people suffering from stomach ulcers.
Foods that are beneficial for healing ulcers
Certain foods have exceptional healing properties that can help heal stomach ulcers. Here are four essential foods to include in your diet:
Vitamin U (cabbage)
Vitamin U, a form of methionine, is a compound discovered in the 1950s by Dr. Garnet Cheney of Stanford University. This compound is particularly concentrated in cabbage.
Studies show that vitamin U can restore the stomach’s protective mucus layer and soothe the gastric lining. Cabbage, and especially raw cabbage juice, is one of the most effective remedies for ulcers. Here’s how to prepare it:
Instructions :
Blend raw cabbage until you get juice.
Strain the juice to remove the pieces.
Add a little apple to sweeten the taste if desired.
Drink this juice three times a day and ulcers will usually begin to heal within a week. Continue until you no longer feel any pain.
You can also add shredded cabbage to your daily salads.
MGO – Manuka Honey
The methylglyoxal (MGO) in Manuka honey is very effective at repairing the stomach lining and healing ulcers. Raw honey, especially Manuka honey from Australia or New Zealand, has potent antibacterial properties that destroy H. pylori.
Consume two tablespoons of raw honey each morning to soothe the digestive tract, reduce irritation, and promote ulcer healing.
Oleocanthal (olive oil)
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleocanthal and oleuropein, compounds that stimulate the production of healthy mucus in the stomach and promote the healing of ulcers. It also reduces inflammation and pain.
Consume one to two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day. Choose an oil from a single source, ideally from countries like Italy, Crete, or Spain.Food
Broccoli sprouts are rich in glucosinolates, particularly sulforaphane, a sulfur compound with powerful healing properties. These sprouts contain up to 100 times more glucosinolates than mature broccoli.
Consume broccoli sprouts to soothe the digestive system, eliminate harmful toxins from the body, and reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Check out these articles to learn more about sprouted seeds and microgreens:
How to grow broccoli sprouts
Microgreens: A key food to grow in limited space
Zinc: shellfish and oysters
Zinc is essential for tissue repair and wound healing. Bleeding ulcers can deplete your body’s zinc stores, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of acid reflux and gastritis.Alternative and natural medicines
Consume cooked shellfish, including mussels, crabmeat, shrimp and oysters, twice a week to replenish your zinc reserves and strengthen your stomach lining.
Supplements to help heal ulcers
In addition to dietary changes , certain supplements may accelerate the healing of ulcers:
Zinc-carnosine: a compound used for over 30 years in Japan to treat ulcers and digestive inflammations.
Probiotics : help repair the stomach lining.
Slippery elm: helps to soothe and cover ulcers.
By following these dietary tips and incorporating these healing foods into your diet, you can promote the healing of stomach ulcers. Remember to consult your doctor for any medical concerns.
