An occasional stomach ache is a normal, albeit uncomfortable part of life.  

But when you’re experiencing chronic or severe stomach pain, indigestion, or a burning sensation in the area between your breastbone and belly button, it could be something more serious – like a peptic ulcer. 

Peptic ulcers are painful sores in the stomach lining that can cause a range of troubling symptoms. Although there are conventional medicines that are used to treat peptic ulcers, you can also take the natural route to healing. 

Let’s dive into some of the most common natural remedies that can ease the pain of peptic ulcers – or even prevent these painful sores from occurring.

What are Peptic Ulcers? 

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the inside lining of the stomach (called a gastric ulcer) or the upper portion of the small intestine (called a duodenal ulcer).

The main symptom of a peptic ulcer is burning upper abdominal pain. Peptic ulcers don’t always cause severe pain, though. Instead, you may notice indigestion, bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, bloody stools, and weight loss. 

What Causes Peptic Ulcers? 

Peptic ulcers develop as the result of stomach acid damaging the lining of the digestive tract. Most commonly, this occurs from overusing anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Another common cause of peptic acids is a bacteria called H. Pylori. H.Pylori is a common bacteria found in the digestive tract and is often harmless. But in some cases, this bacteria wreaks havoc on certain people’s digestive tracts and leads to ulcers. Diagnostic lab tests determine if this bacteria is present and at the root of the peptic ulcer.

While they don’t likely cause peptic ulcers, alcohol, cigarettes, and spicy foods can exacerbate ulcers and slow down the healing process. If you’re experiencing stomach pain, hold off on alcohol and stop smoking. It’s best to eat bland, non-acidic plant-based foods until the pain subsides. 

Treatments for Peptic Ulcers

The treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the root cause. For instance, if H. Pylori is present, the typical treatment is antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

If H. Pylori is not present, medications to neutralize the acidity of the stomach and reduce acid production can help. 

Unfortunately, using antacids long-term can lead to further complications and diseases such as rebound hyperacidity, diarrhea, headaches, and even esophageal cancer.

Of course, lifestyle factors such as stress and diet can contribute to the presence of peptic ulcers, so you should avoid any foods that cause discomfort. These foods typically include alcohol, fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, spicy foods, and late-night snacks.

Natural Remedies to Manage and Prevent Peptic Ulcers

Cabbage Juice 

Before antibiotics were available, doctors reportedly used cabbage juice as a natural ulcer remedy. In fact, cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to help prevent and treat H. Pylori infections. Other studies show that cabbage juice can heal ulcers up to six times faster than conventional treatment! 

Turmeric

Curcumin, the component of turmeric that gives it the rich yellow color, has been used across many cultures for its medicinal properties. Turmeric is best known for supporting cardiovascular health and acting as a natural anti-inflammatory. But, recent studies show that it may also prevent damage caused by the H.Pylori bacteria. Curcumin and other compounds protect the stomach and prevent ulcers by increasing mucus secretions and reducing inflammation in the stomach lining.

Dr. Danielle’s Vegan Turmeric Curcumin makes getting a safe, effective dose of turmeric to heal your stomach easy. Made with patented Bioperine®, this turmeric supplement increases the bioavailability of all-natural Turmeric Curcumin so your body can make the most of this healing compound.

Honey

Honey is nature’s wound healer. It is known for helping to speed up the healing process and nourish the body’s tissues as they heal. This includes ulcers! Honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that help in the fight against H.Pylori. Eating raw honey regularly may help reduce the risk of developing an ulcer.

Aloe Vera

Known for its antibacterial and skin-healing properties, aloe vera has also been shown to have the same ulcer-healing effects as common antacid medications. Aloe vera can also significantly reduce the production of stomach acid in cases where excess acid is damaging the stomach’s lining.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that support gut health in many ways. When it comes to peptic ulcers, probiotics help by promoting the production of mucus which coats and protects the stomach lining. Probiotics may also play a direct role in preventing H. Pylori, and they can increase the efficacy of conventional medicines by as much as 150%. At the same time, probiotics help decrease the negative side effects of these drugs (like diarrhea).

Pickled veggies, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are all good sources of probiotics. But, getting enough probiotics through food alone can be tough. That’s where Dr. Danielle’s Spore-Based Full-Spectrum Probiotics come in. In just two capsules per day, you can give your entire digestive system the support it needs to help heal and defend against peptic ulcers and other conditions. 

Dr. Danielle’s Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Peptic Ulcers 

Beyond natural treatments for ulcers, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a peptic ulcer in the first place. 

#1 -Eat a balanced diet  

The health of your digestive tract is affected by what passes through it. Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine have all been shown to increase the amount of acid in the stomach and are best avoided.

Spicy, greasy, fatty foods have also been linked to ulcers and should be consumed in moderation.

Eating a variety of whole plant foods can heal pre-existing ulcers and strengthen the lining of the digestive tract. Fill your diet with foods rich in probiotics and flavonoids (which can be found in colorful plant foods) to protect the stomach lining and defend against H. Pylori. 

#2 - Avoid NSAIDs

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatories that greatly contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Unless aspirin is medically necessary, it is best to limit, or completely avoid, the use of these as they can easily be misused and used in excess, thus leading to ulcers. Opt for natural ways to find pain relief, like massage, acupuncture, stretching, and pain relief supplements.

#3- Practice daily stress relief techniques 

Mental health issues (such as high stress, anxiety, and depression) may be indirectly linked to peptic ulcers. Stress can increase inflammation, which may affect the digestive tract. But, more importantly, high stress tends to lead to the very destructive behaviors typically that can cause peptic ulcers – drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, eating junk food, and taking more pain medications. 

Incorporating stress relief techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and exercise into your daily routine helps prevent ulcers and encourages better whole-body health. 

Stop living with stomach pain and find relief naturally! Try these all-natural remedies for peptic ulcers, including powerful probiotics and pain-relieving turmeric today.