Stomach Ulcers: Causes & treatment

 

Ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They’re usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids. Ulcers are a fairly common health problem.



Ulcers may also be caused by overuse of painkillers, such as aspirin (Bayer), and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn).

Stomach ulcers are treated with antibiotics and medications to reduce and block stomach acid

In addition to this well-proven treatment plan, research has shown that there are also some natural home remedies that may be useful in managing a stomach ulcer.



1.        Cabbage Juice

Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer remedy. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers.  It’s rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections. These infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers.

In humans, early studies observed that daily consumption of fresh cabbage juice appeared to help heal stomach ulcers more effectively than the conventional treatment used at the time.


2.        Honey

Honey is an antioxidant-rich food linked to a variety of health benefits. These include improved eye health and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and even certain types of cancer.

Honey also appears to prevent the formation and promote the healing of many wounds, including ulcers.

Moreover, scientists believe that honey’s antibacterial properties can help fight H. pylori, one of the most common causes of stomach ulcer.


3.        Garlic

Garlic is another food with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Animal and human studies all report that garlic extracts may help prevent H. pylori growth, one of the most common causes of ulcer.

In a recent study, eating two cloves of raw garlic per day for three days helped significantly reduce bacterial activity in the stomach lining of patients suffering from H. Pylori infection.

Garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which make it helpful in fighting infections. Some studies do support garlic's effectiveness in treating ulcers. For example, a 2016 study on animals showed that garlic could help prevent the development of ulcers and help speed up the healing process.



4.        Turmeric

Researchers have discovered that turmeric polysaccharides can alleviate gastric ulcers by protecting the mucus lining of stomach and inhibiting the growth of an ulcer-causing bacterium1. These polysaccharides could potentially be used as therapeutic agents for treating gastric ulcers. 

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, turmeric is recognized as an alternative treatment for acid reflux and ulcers.

Ulcers can develop due to long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. These medicines work by blocking the COX-1 enzyme and disrupting the production of prostaglandins in the stomach which can lead to bleeding and increase the risk of ulcers.

While turmeric for stomach ulcer is a proven remedy, it protects the gut damage from NSAIDs and other noxious medicines, and also helps in healing ulcers and killing the cancer cells in the gut.



5.        Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a thick green cactus-like plant that was once grown abundantly as weed, is now, a plant of high medicinal value.

The current article discusses if aloe can be beneficial for stomach issues specifically ulcers.

In one study, aloe vera consumption significantly reduced the amount of stomach acid produced in rats suffering from ulcer.

In another study in rats, aloe vera had ulcer-healing effects comparable to omeprazole, a common anti-ulcer medication.

The use of aloe vera juice in easing the pain of ulcers and repairing the walls of the stomach is very well known.



6.        Licorice

Licorice root extract and its glycyrrhizin may help treat peptic ulcers. One study in mice found that licorice extract doses of 91 mg per pound (200 mg per kg) of body weight protected against these ulcers better than omeprazole, a common peptic ulcer medication

Some studies report that licorice root may have ulcer preventing and ulcer fighting properties.

For instance, licorice may stimulate the stomach and intestines to produce more mucus, which helps protect the stomach lining. The extra mucus may also help speed up the healing process and help reduce ulcer related pain.



7.        Mastic

Taking mastic gum by mouth for 3 weeks seems to improve symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain, upper abdominal pain, and heartburn. Stomach ulcers. Taking mastic powder by mouth for 2 weeks seems to reduce symptoms and improve healing in people with intestinal ulcers.

Mastic might help reduce stomach acid and may protect the lining of the stomach and intestine. Mastic also contains a fragrant oil which could kill bacteria and freshen the breath. In a test tube, mastic seems to fight bacteria and fungi.

Additionally, research in 38 participants suffering from ulcer reports that daily consumption of 1 gram of mastic led to a 30% greater reduction in ulcer related symptoms than the placebo.


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