Stomach Ulcer, often called peptic or gastric ulcers, are open sores in the lining of the stomach. They usually form in the stomach but can also sometimes develop in the small intestine or the esophagus. The amount of acid present in the stomach makes ulcers unbearably painful. Ulcers are commonly caused by bacterium Helicobacter pylori, or simply H. pylori but it may also be caused by the person’s overuse of painkillers, such as aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Ulcers may cause a series of symptoms, some are not heavy to take and goes away quickly, but others linger and could cause a lot pain. Symptoms are commonly obvious and painful, especially when the severity gets higher. Some of the common stomach ulcer symptoms include abdominal pains and burning sensations between the belly and breastbone after having your meal, bleeding when vomiting, nausea, appetite loss and changes in body weight.

The treatments for stomach ulcer are usually antibiotics or medications to reduce, block, or neutralize stomach acid. However, there are also natural ways that could help you ease the symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Since ulcer is recurring and can become a chronic problem, or may lead to complications including bleeding, it is best to treat it responsively.

Natural Ways to Deal with Stomach Ulcer

Here are the 8 natural ways to deal with stomach ulcer:

1. Keep Calm and Manage Stress

Stressed people have been observed to have more infections caused by H. pylori and higher rates of ulcers. Stress degrades digestion and also weakens the immune system that could make you become prone to sickness from various bacteria or microbes you contact with.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Avoid Obesity

A balanced diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help heal your ulcer. Foods with the antioxidant polyphenols can help cure ulcers. Polyphenol-rich foods and seasonings include dried rosemary, Mexican oregano, dark chocolate, blueberries and black olives.

3. Quit Excessive Milk and Alcohol Intake

Drinking milk may initially lessen the pain caused by ulcer. But too much milk causes your stomach to produce more acid, making ulcer worse. Alcohol contributes to stomach ulcers since it is directly associated with H. pylori infections or the common cause of stomach ulcers.

4. Avoid Greasy, Spicy, and Acidic Foods

These are foods than can worsen ulcers. Greasy, spicy, and acidic foods are most likely to irritate your stomach. To reduce ulcer pain, you should avoid coffee, carbonated beverages, chili’s and hot peppers, processed foods, salty red meats, deep fried foods, and other foods similar to these.

5. Take 300mg of Vitamin E daily

The Kiev Medical Institute doctors reported that 300 mg of vitamin E daily relieved ulcer patients in four to six days in the vitamin E group, while it took seven to ten days in those given conventional medication. Stomach ulcer patients taking vitamin E also have increased protein repair in their intestinal linings.

6. Take the Good Bacteria – Probiotics

Probiotics are present in many common foods, particularly fermented foods. These include buttermilk, yogurt, miso, and kimchi. Probiotics are the living bacteria and yeast that help keep the digestive system moving. According to research, these good bacteria may be helpful to increase recovery rate for ulcer patients.

7. Eat More Bananas

Bananas contain water-soluble polysaccharides, the same compounds found in the anti-ulcer prescription drug Carafate. The sitoindosides in unripe bananas provides a durable protective coating as an effective remedy and prevention for ulcers.

8. Foods and Drinks with Flavonoids

Based on research, flavonoids or bioflavonoids, is one of the natural effective treatments for stomach ulcers. Flavonoids are compounds that are naturally in various fruits and vegetables. Foods and drinks rich in flavonoids include soybeans, legumes, red grapes, kale, broccoli, apples, berries and teas.

Other tips for your diet to help you deal with ulcers:

  • Avoid Extremely Hot Foods & Drinks
  • Avoid Common Stomach Irritants and Allergies
  • Avoid Not Eating within Three Hours Before Bedtime
  • Eat Smaller Meals Throughout the Day More Regularly

It may take a lot of time, effort, and determination to find the most effective treatment for your stomach ulcer, but always keep in mind that Ulcers can be cured. Aside from your doctor’s medication, you may simultaneously do the natural ways that could help you heal faster and be relieved. Always keep a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and attempt to reduce alcohol intake to become a healthier version of yourself.