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Stomach ulcers affect a significant portion of the population and are primarily caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which damages the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing painful ulcers. Furthermore, frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contributes to the erosion of protective mucus, allowing stomach acids to attack the lining.
Left untreated, ulcers can worsen and cause complications like anemia and gastric obstruction. In this article, you’ll learn about four natural foods you should consume daily to help heal stomach ulcers, as well as an additional product to support digestive health.
Foods to avoid if you have ulcers
Before we focus on foods, it’s important to avoid those that further irritate the stomach lining. The following foods can cause a burning sensation and hinder healing:
- Alcohol : Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and hard liquor cause a burning sensation similar to that of an antiseptic applied to an open wound.
- Fried foods : Foods fried at high temperatures in oil are pro-inflammatory and reduce the amount of protective mucus in the stomach.
- Black Pepper : Although black pepper is beneficial for overall health, it may increase pain in people suffering from ulcers.
- Chocolate, citrus fruits and tomatoes : These foods are acidic and irritating and can cause pain and a burning sensation.
Foods that help heal ulcers
Research shows that simple dietary changes can help ulcers heal and prevent recurrence. Here are four natural foods that can relieve symptoms and promote ulcer healing.
1. Cabbage (rich in vitamin U)
Cabbage is one of the most effective natural remedies for treating ulcers thanks to its high content of vitamin U (S-methylmethionine). This compound, discovered in the 1950s by Dr. Garnett Cheney, helps rebuild the stomach lining, protecting wounds from acidity and promoting healing.
- Cabbage Juice : To fully utilize its benefits, blend raw cabbage into a juice that you can then strain. Add a little apple for sweetness, unless you’re following a low-carb diet.
- Recommended Use : Drink this juice three times a day, and healing will often occur within a week. You can also add shredded cabbage to salads.
2. Manuka honey (rich in MGO)
Manuka honey, particularly rich in methylglyoxal (MGO) , is an effective remedy for ulcers. Produced primarily in Australia and New Zealand, this honey has antibacterial properties that eliminate H. pylori, the main bacterium responsible for ulcers.
- Recommended intake : Take two tablespoons of raw honey every morning, and due to its more intense effects, choose manuka honey.
- Benefits : In addition to its calming effect on the digestive system, honey contains fructooligosaccharides, which support good bacteria and contribute to the regeneration of cells in the stomach lining.
3. Extra virgin olive oil (rich in oleocanthal)
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is an excellent ally in the fight against ulcers. It contains ingredients such as oleocanthal and oleuropein , which help regenerate the stomach lining and reduce inflammation.
- Choose good quality oil : Choose extra virgin olive oil from a single source (for example, Italy, Crete or Spain) to avoid oil blends.
- Recommended intake : Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily.
- Medicinal benefits : Olereuropein stimulates the production of protective mucus, reduces inflammation and promotes the regeneration of stomach wall cells.
4. Broccoli sprouts (rich in glucosinolates)
Broccoli sprouts are very rich in glucosinolates , especially sulforaphane, a substance that helps eliminate toxins from the digestive system and heal stomach ulcers. These sprouts, just 2–3 days old, contain up to 100 times more glucosinolates than mature broccoli.
- Recommended intake : Add broccoli sprouts to salads and meals to ensure you get a regular intake of glucosinolates.
- Health benefits : In addition to speeding up the healing of ulcers, a diet rich in glucosinolates reduces the risk of stomach cancer and other types of cancer.
Side dish: cooked seafood (rich in zinc)
Seafood, especially oysters, is an excellent source of zinc , a mineral essential for tissue repair and wound healing. Bleeding ulcers can deplete the body’s zinc stores, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of further ulcers.
- Recommended intake : Eat a serving of cooked seafood twice a week, including clams, shrimp, oysters, and more.
- Therapeutic effect : Zinc supports the regeneration of the gastric mucosa and stabilizes the production of acid in the stomach, thus reducing the risk of disease relapse.
Dietary supplements that accelerate healing
In addition to a proper diet, certain supplements can also support ulcer healing:
- Zinc carnosine : This compound, used in Japan for over 30 years, helps treat ulcers.
- Probiotics : support the regeneration of the gastric mucosa and restore bacterial balance.
- Slippery Elm : This supplement soothes and protects the stomach lining, reducing irritation.
This combination of foods and supplements offers an effective and natural approach to healing stomach ulcers and strengthening the stomach lining. Include these foods in your daily diet to optimize the recovery process.
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