Stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers are common health issues nowadays. The open sores develop within the lining of your stomach. Though complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, sometimes, they may lead to serious life-threatening problems. If you consume the best foods for ulcers, you can keep its complications at bay.
Helicobacter pylori are the main cause of ulcers. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can also become the cause.
Stomach ulcers may affect people of all ages and need immediate medical intervention. Some natural remedies can strengthen the lining of the intestine and prevent acid attacks.
However, choosing what foods to eat can be tricky for those who have stomach ulcers.
This article will inform you about the best foods for stomach ulcers.
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is one of the best foods for ulcers because it is rich in “good” bacteria called probiotics. They may help ulcers by fighting an H. pylori infection or by assisting treatments to work better.
Ulcer patients should never run out of yoghurt. It contains microorganisms that inhibit ulcers. It can heal ulcers faster than anything. Greek yoghurt is the most potent, as opposed to the sweetened one, which you should avoid at all costs.
In short, yoghurt is the most popular among the best foods for ulcers, which can aid in the protection and repair of your stomach lining. It is also helpful to increase good bacteria, which will counter H. pylori.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the most popular natural remedies for ulcers. It has a good amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can prevent and treat H. pylori infections. These infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers.
Several studies found that regular fresh cabbage juice can help heal stomach ulcers more effectively than the conventional treatment used at the time.
3. Garlic
Garlic is yet another on the list of the best foods for ulcers. It has high antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Several studies have proved that garlic extracts can speed up the recovery from stomach ulcers. Moreover, they can also reduce the chances of developing the ulcer in the first place!
In short, add garlic to your salads and daily meals to significantly reduce the bacterial activity in the stomach lining of those suffering from H. Pylori infection.
4. Oily Fish
Oily fishes like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for reducing ulcer risks because they produce prostaglandins which help to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.
They contain DHA and EPA, the most active compounds in this case, so if one is not eating a lot of fish, it is good to take a fish oil supplement rich in DHA and EPA.
Therefore, experts suggest oily fish in the list of the best foods for ulcers.
5. Honey
Honey is another of the best foods for ulcers, which is well known to fight bacteria. That’s why it’s the best bet for ulcer patients. Start by taking a tablespoon of raw, unprocessed honey in the morning and at night to calm a fiery belly. Spread it on toast or a cracker to keep it in the stomach longer.
6. Liquorice
Besides killing Helicobacter pylori bacteria, liquorice can also repair the damage to the intestines, stomach, and oesophagus due to the overproduction of stomach acid.
The research found liquorice extract as the most effective food against H. pylori infections resistant to clarithromycin and amoxicillin. That’s how liquorice has become one of the best foods for ulcers.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has an effective antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can attenuate the severity of gastric ulcers and prevent gastric mucosal damage.
The aqueous extract and a gel fraction isolated from the seeds showed significant ulcer protective effects.
So, suppose you are someone trying to heal your stomach. In that case, you can choose fenugreek as it has a little reaction in individuals with stomach ulcers. In addition, it is rich in some essential micronutrients and minerals that contribute to your overall health.
8. Bananas
Bananas are one of the best foods for ulcers. Certain antibacterial compounds in bananas inhibit the growth of ulcer-causing H. pylori. They also reduce the acidity of the gastric juices, thus reducing inflammation and strengthening the stomach lining. Ensure you eat at least three bananas daily to heal a stomach ulcer. You can even add them to a healthy banana smoothie.
Both raw and ripe bananas are very beneficial in curing stomach ulcers. Therefore, bananas are best to clear out the acidity of gastric juices, which lowers inflammation and strengthens the stomach lining.
9. Coconut
Coconut also exhibits antibacterial properties. Coconut milk and coconut water are primarily beneficial in treating ulcers. Drink fresh coconut milk and tender coconut water daily for about a week to calm the ulcer.
The pH level of coconut water ranges from 4.7-5.7. It means that this drink isn’t acidic and can help combat the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Its alkalizing nature helps return your body to its natural state, reducing inflammation and protecting your gastrointestinal tract.
So, don’t forget to add coconut to your diet if you are looking to consume the best foods for ulcers.
10. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented beverage of black tea and sugar (from various sources, including cane sugar, fruit, or honey). It is a functional food. It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar. After fermentation, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and a high acid concentration (acetic, gluconic, and lactic).
Some research has shown kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal leaky gut and stomach ulcers. No surprise to us; in some instances, it’s even as effective as drugs like Prilosec, commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.
Bottom Line
Stomach ulcers are painful and, at the very least, an annoyance, either way, they can disrupt a comfortable way of life. There are ways that you can relieve some of the symptoms or prevent them, for that matter. This article will inform you of the best foods for stomach ulcers and let you live a healthy life.
A well-balanced and nutritious ulcer diet with a lot of variety will support a better healing process and lessen nutritional deficiency.
So, if you’re someone who is suffering from a stomach ulcer, know someone who is, or want to prevent it from occurring, you can use the mentioned ten best foods for ulcers for better recovery.