Stomach ulcers commonly referred to as gastric ulcers are simply open wounds embedded within the gastric mucosa. They are typically painful and can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly.
The discomfort or pain that usually accompanies gastric ulcer is attributed to the acid that erodes the sores. For that reason, gastric ulcer is one of the peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori or H.pylori is the chief causative organism of gastric ulcers.Other common causes included prolonged or overuse of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which erodes the mucosal lining leaving behind sores or ulcers.In a hospital setting, gastric ulcers are managed with antibiotics, antihistamines, and some pain management medications. Additionally, some studies have shown that stomach ulcers can be managed by natural remedies.This article reviews some of the proven remedies.
Flavonoids
According to researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, flavonoids can be used for gastric ulcers to bring significant improvements. It is a compound that is found in abundance in a variety of fruits and vegetables. They may include kale, berries, broccoli, soybeans, red grapes, legumes, green tea, and apples.Consuming these kinds of food may help lower the number of H. pylori. In fact, one journal calls flavonoids gastroprotective. This simply means that they are able to protect the stomach lining and create a healing environment for ulcers.However, you need to take flavonoids in moderation because a higher intake can alter the blood clotting process.
Probiotics
Probiotics in dietary terms are food to prebiotics. They include yeast and other living bacteria that act as food to the good gut bacteria that live in the digestive tract especially the large intestines.Probiotics can be found in abundance in fermented foods and dairy products such as kefir, yogurt, miso, buttermilk, and kemchi. Similarly, they can also be obtained from supplements. Consuming foods rich in probiotics may help manage ulcers by clearing out H. pylori. They also help expedite recovery.
Cranberry
Some successful studies have shown that cranberry can help treat urinary tract infections (UTI) by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the urinary bladder. What’s more cranberry and its extracts can also be effective in the management of gastric ulcers, according to the study findings by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Cranberries are easy to add to your daily diet as you can prepare them into juice, you can eat them directly, or you can take them in form of supplements. There is no recommended daily value for the intake or even specific dosage for improvements, of cranberry. However, it is worth noting that an excess of it can lead to stomach upset due to the high concentration of sugar in them.
Mastic
Mastic is a tree juice or sap obtained from a tree native to the Mediterranean. One small study which examined intake of mastic and H.pylori found that chewing the gums of mastic may be effective at managing gastric ulcers. It does this by clearing out the bacteria, H. pylori.
Honey
Besides having the sweetest taste, honey can help manage different types of illnesses, gastric ulcers included. The number of elements and nutrients in honey may vary depending on the tree bees obtained nectar from. One of these elements includes polyphenols and antioxidants. Honey also possesses antibacterial properties which allow it to fight and interfere with the multiplication of H. pylori.
Garlic
Garlic has some powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Several studies including human, animal, and test-tube, have shown that it can effectively fight H.pylori.Some people really loathe the taste of garlic especially its taste that remains in the mouth for long after using it. If you are one of them, then you can consume garlic as an extract in the supplement. It is also worth noting that garlic thins down blood, and before you can use some drugs like warfarin you need to check out with your doctor.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
The long name of this natural ulcer remedy can seem confusing. Simply put, deglycyrrhizinated licorice is plain rice with a sweet flavor. It can help manage ulcers since it works by interfering with the growth of H.pylori.This amazing remedy can only be found in form of a supplement.
Fruits and Vegetable
Following a nutritious and well-balanced diet can be beneficial in a number of ways. Based on the findings by Mayo Clinic, some specific nutrients like vitamin C can help boost your immunity and precipitate the healing of ulcers.Polyphenols found in other foods, can reduce your risk of ulcers and even promote healing of ulcers. Foods containing polyphenols in abundance include Mexican oregano, flaxseeds, dried rosemary, dark chocolate, black olives, blackberries, elderberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is widely used. It contains a bioactive compound called curcumin which is said to be having medicinal properties. Studies have indicated that it can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.In addition to that, curcumin can also help treat the gastric ulcer.
Aloe Vera
This widely used plant can be used in managing ulcers by lowering the amount of HCL and other acids in the stomach.
Some of the Foods to Avoid With Ulcer
Acid reflux disease is a common companion of gastric ulcers. In many cases, the reflux of acids into the esophagus can affect the lower esophageal sphincter. This makes it easy for foods from the stomach to reverse into the esophagus.To keep yourself safe from acid reflux disease, you can avoid or limit the intake of the following foods:Chocolate, highly refined and processed foods, coffee and its beverages, citrus, tomatoes, highly slated foods, deep-fried foods, tomatoes, and citrus.You also need to avoid going to bed soon after you have just eaten as this may make food back up into the esophagus by gravity.
Conclusion
Gastric ulcers are sore or open wounds in the lining of the stomach. It is mostly caused by H. pylori. You can naturally prevent the occurrence of ulcers or manage using garlic, aloe vera, and mastic among others.
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Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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