Are you dealing with stomach ulcers? Discover how an ulcer diet can help. Learn which foods can fight bacteria, soothe your symptoms, and promote healing. Find out the right foods to eat, what to avoid, and tips for improving your gut health.
A stomach ulcer can be a real pain, causing discomfort, nausea, acid reflux, and a range of other troubling symptoms. These ulcers form as open sores in the stomach lining, often caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), frequent use of painkillers, or certain medications. While food doesn’t directly cause ulcers, some foods can aggravate the symptoms, while others can offer healing benefits.
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Foods That Help Fight Stomach Ulcers
The best defense against H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for most stomach ulcers, includes fruits, vegetables, and probiotic-rich foods. These foods support gut health, boost immunity, and fight bacteria. Add these foods to your diet:
- Berries (like strawberries and blueberries)
- Whole grains (e.g., oats and brown rice)
- Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots
- Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)
- Bell peppers and celery
- Garlic and honey (both known for their antibacterial properties)
- Yogurt, kimchi, and other probiotic-rich foods
- Decaffeinated green tea
How These Foods Work
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, blueberries, and kale, strengthen your immune system, making it easier to fight infections and reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kimchi also play a key role in fighting H. pylori. These foods introduce healthy bacteria to your gut, helping balance out the harmful bacteria and promoting healing.
Supplements to Support Healing
If you are on antibiotics to treat your ulcer, you may want to consider adding probiotics to your routine. Probiotics can counteract the negative effects of antibiotics on healthy gut bacteria while also boosting their effectiveness. Other supplements that may help include deglycyrrhizinated licorice and curcumin extract. However, always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your treatment plan.
Foods to Avoid with Stomach Ulcers
Some foods can worsen ulcer symptoms, especially if you also suffer from acid reflux. Avoid the following to prevent irritation:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine and chocolate
- Acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Additionally, large meals or eating right before bedtime can increase acid reflux symptoms. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day to help alleviate discomfort.
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Steps to Support Gut Health and Ulcer Healing
Along with adjusting your diet, consider these tips to support healing:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This helps reduce stomach acid and promotes healing.
- Take vitamins and supplements. Omega-3s and probiotics can boost your gut health.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress increases inflammation and can exacerbate ulcer symptoms.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can worsen stomach inflammation and slow down the healing process.
- Get plenty of sleep. Good rest helps reduce stress and support the healing process.
Medical Treatments for Stomach Ulcers
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight H. pylori and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production. Histamine blockers (H2 blockers) such as Pepcid and Zantac may also help decrease acid levels and promote healing.
As an alternative, some people find relief by drinking marshmallow root tea or trying cabbage juice. Cabbage juice, especially from green cabbage, has been shown to help heal ulcers in some individuals.
Conclusion
Stomach ulcers, often caused by H. pylori bacteria, can be painful and disruptive. However, with the right diet, supplements, and medical treatment, you can manage and even heal ulcers. Focus on a balanced diet of antioxidant-rich foods, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory supplements while avoiding irritants like spicy foods and alcohol. Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan, and remember that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
6 sources
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