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Food Remedy for an Ulcer

Anyone suffering from stomach ulcers knows this can be a painful and frustrating condition. Different dietary strategies are available for dealing with the painful symptoms of ulcers and for curing ulcers by attacking the underlying causes.

  1. What Is an Ulcer?

    • Stomach ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. In the past, doctors presumed ulcers were primarily a "lifestyle" ailment and that they were caused by high stress and diets high in spice and fat.

    What Really Causes Ulcers?

    • Recent studies have concluded that nine out of 10 ulcers are caused by the presence of specific bacteria: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is suspected that half of the world's population is infected by this bacteria, though 80 percent of those infected never develop ulcers.

    Dietary Considerations for Ulcer Sufferers

    • Ulcer sufferers will want to alter their diets. There are different food choices for either alleviating the painful symptoms of ulcers or for curing the ulcers by reducing the amount of H. pylori within the stomach.

    What to Eat and What Not to Eat

    • For controlling painful ulcer symptoms, a low-fat, low-spice diet is recommended. Avoid foods that generate stomach acid. Lean, lightly-seasoned meats, seedless whole grain breads, potatoes, low-fat dairy products and most vegetables are good choices. Avoid citrus, tomatoes, corn, seeds and foods that are high in fat or heavily spiced. Abstain from alcohol and tobacco, because these products can increase acid production and irritate the stomach lining.

    Foods that Cure

    • A number of dietary remedies purport to cure ulcers, but the most promising of these are foods with anti-bacterial properties. A recent study conducted in Japan showed that by consuming as little as 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts daily, participants reduced the presence of H. pylori colonies by 40 percent. A Korean study showed similar results when subjects were given a daily serving of Kim-chi, an Asian pickled cabbage.

      A regional honey from New Zealand called "Manuka Honey" has been sited as an effective treatment for ulcers. The honey is made by bees who feed on a "Manuka Bush," or Tea Tree. This honey has anti-bacterial properties. (source: What is Manuka Honey? Wikipedia - below)

      In Japan, a recently tested yogurt helped increase the effectiveness, and reduce the side effects, of traditional anti-biotic treatments (see below). In addition, cranberry juice, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and garlic have all been sited anecdotally as ulcer cures. (source - "New Yogurt May Ease Ulcer Symptoms - below)

    Recent Medical Advances

    • Medical doctors generally recommend a course of antibiotics for the treatment of H. pylori. If the natural solutions presented above fail to cure ulcers, or if your ulcers are severe, contact a physician. Ulcer-like symptoms may also be caused by a different medical condition.

      A vaccine against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria is in development presently.

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