Ulcers are becoming a common condition for many people in the world today. About 5% of the total population worldwide has stomach ulcers. Most people treat this condition with conventional medicines, but others prefer using scientific proven remedies. Here are the home remedies for ulcers you should try now.
READ ALSO: 5 types of ulcers: causes, symptoms, and treatment
Various types of ulcers result from different causes. For instance, stomach ulcers result from overuse of painkillers and Helicobacter pylori, which is a bacteria that develops in the digestive tract.
10 home remedies for ulcers
Ulcers may develop on different parts of the body, depending on the cause. Some of the home remedies for ulcers include;
1. Antioxidants such as honey
Honey is rich in antioxidants that play several health benefits to the body, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. According to experts, honey contains antibacterial properties that help fight H. pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of peptic ulcers. Besides, honey can promote wound healing, such as burns and skin ulcers.
2. Probiotics can treat ulcers
Studies indicate that probiotics offer several health benefits to the body, such as fighting and preventing ulcers. These microorganisms stimulate mucus production, which coats the stomach lining, thus protecting it. Besides, probiotics may prevent H. pylori infections as well as promote the formation of new blood vessels.
When taken along with other medicines, probiotics increase the recovery rate and reduce the side effects of ulcer medications. Get your probiotics from yogurt, buttermilk, fermented foods, pickled vegetables, miso, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut. You can as well take probiotics in a supplement form.
3. Garlic extract and its supplements
Most people use garlic to add flavor to their meals, not knowing that it is also among the home remedies for ulcers. Garlic contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of H. pylori infection. A 2016 study on animals indicated that garlic could prevent ulcer development as well as increase the healing rate.
Garlic is a blood thinner, and it is advisable to inform your doctor if you are using warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners before using it. You can use garlic in its supplement form if you do not like its raw taste. However, some studies do not agree that garlic can prevent ulcers. Scientists are still doing more research.
4. Mastic gum and its supplements
Mastic is a common tree that grows in the Mediterranean region. A particular study showed that 3 out of 10 people, who chewed mastic gum to fight H. pylori, got rid of the bacteria. Another study showed that taking 350mg of mastic thrice a day for two weeks could prevent H. pylori infections by 7-15 % more as compared to conventional treatment.
Moreover, ancient people used mastic to treat gut disorders such as Crohn’s disease and stomach ulcers. You can find mastic in your local health food store in the form of a gum or powdered supplement.
5. Licorice and its supplements
Most people of the Mediterranean region and Asia use licorice as a spice in their meals. Licorice was commonly used in the ancient as herbal medicine to treat many health conditions. Studies indicate that licorice can stimulate mucus production by the stomach and intestines, thus protecting the stomach lining.
Besides, licorice supplements can inhibit the growth of H. pylori infections. However, be aware that too much consumption of licorice can cause health effects. If you are using other medications, consult your doctor before using licorice.
6. Flavonoids and their supplements
Also referred to as bioflavonoids, flavonoids are among the home remedies for ulcers. These compounds are also known as gastroprotective because of their ability to protect the stomach lining. They occur in many fruits, vegetables, and drinks such as legumes, kale, berries, apples, broccoli, red grapes, and soya beans.
These foods can as well fight the H. pylori bacteria that cause ulcers. Fight stomach ulcers by including flavonoids in your diet or taking their supplements.
7. Natural cabbage juice
Doctors in ancient times used cabbage to treat stomach ulcers. Cabbage contains vitamin C and antioxidants that inhibit the growth of H. pylori infections, which cause stomach ulcers. In certain research, 100 people who were using conventional treatments without success took 946ml of cabbage juice daily, and 81% became symptom-free within a week. Drink fresh cabbage juice and fight your stomach ulcers.
8. Turmeric and its supplements
Turmeric is a yellow spice that is common in Indian and Asian dishes. It contains curcumin compound that plays several health benefits to the body, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Even thou studies on humans are limited, animal studies show that turmeric can increase mucus secretion, thus protecting the stomach lining.
In a particular study, 25 ulcer people took 600mg of turmeric five times daily, and after a month, 48% of them were healed. Also, after three months 76% became ulcer free although more research on humans is needed.
9. Plantain bananas
A 2011 research found that unripe plantains could heal peptic ulcers. The plantain category of bananas contains a flavonoid called leucocyanidin, which increases stomach mucus secretion. The mucus coats the stomach and intestines, protecting the linings. Besides, plantains can reduce stomach acidity, thus preventing and relieving ulcers.
10. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
According to research by the Mayo Clinic, foods rich in vitamins can help heal ulcers. The antioxidants polyphenols in some fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have also shown the ability to prevent ulcers. In addition, these foods can quicken healing.
Foods rich in polyphenols include flaxseed, blueberries, black olives, dried rosemary, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
READ ALSO: 10 major health benefits of garlic
The above are among home remedies for ulcers. Treat your ulcers from home now and stay healthy. Seek medical attention if your ulcers persist.
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