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A peptic ulcer is a medical condition that is characterized by the erosion of the mucus membranes lining the stomach and duodenum (the part of the intestine directly below the stomach). This erosion is mainly caused by excessive gastric acids in the digestive tract (although small amounts of gastric juice in the stomach would be perfectly normal).Gastric acids contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin that breaks down food particles for digestion. Usually, the stomach lining would be protected from the acid’s corrosive action by a mucus secretion. However, a thin mucus lining or the presence of excessive gastric acids can lead to a peptic ulcer.
Effective Home Remedies For Peptic Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer would need proper medical treatment and can be controlled to an extent with the help of medications. However, certain home remedies can effectively work on the irritants causing the ulcer and treat the condition in addition to reducing its symptoms significantly. Given below are some of the most popular home remedies for peptic ulcers.
1. Eat Fiber Rich Foods
Fiber rich foods can soothe the irritated mucus lining on the stomach walls and help neutralize the gastric acid. They would also ease the process of digestion and prevent the accumulation of excess foods in the digestive tract (which would usually cause the stomach to secrete more gastric juices for digestion). Fiber rich foods also provide nutrition for the body to recover quickly from peptic ulcers. Accordingly, some of the fiber rich foods that are considered beneficial for individuals suffering from peptic ulcers include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate, sesame seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts and soybeans etc.
2. Eat Foods Rich In Vitamin K
A Vitamin K deficiency can lead to the formation of peptic ulcers or aggravate the symptoms of existing ones. Adequate amounts of Vitamin K in the body would also help treat bleeding ulcers and help quicken up the recovery process. Some of the best natural sources of Vitamin K include tomatoes, egg yolks, cheese, leafy green vegetables and liver etc. Make sure you eat these foods on a regular basis for quick and effective results.
3. Eat Bananas
Bananas are usually recommended for individuals with peptic ulcer. The fruit’s texture helps soothe the irritation on the stomach lining and forms an extra protective coating over the same. Eating bananas regularly (at least 2-3 a day) would also help neutralize the gastric acids and help bring down the other symptoms of peptic ulcer considerably.
4. Eat Cabbages
Cabbage is another effective home remedy for peptic ulcer that guarantees positive results in less than 10 days, (provided you follow the remedy regularly). Grind some cabbage leaves and extract their juice. Drink this juice at least 4 times a day (1/4 cup) for instant and prolonged relief from peptic ulcer and its symptoms. You can also opt to boil some cabbage leaves in water, strain the resultant solution and drink it at least 4 times a day for desirable results
5. Drink Plenty Of Water
In addition to easing the digestion process and providing enough water to the digestive tract to push the food along easily, water can flush out harmful toxins and impurities contributing directly or indirectly to the formation of peptic ulcers from your stomach. Drink at least 10 glasses of water if you are prone to peptic ulcers. And make it a point to drink water at least one hour before and after a meal; and not in between. Drink water at regular intervals in between your meals as well to keep the stomach lining hydrated (reduces the irritation caused by the ulcer).
Also Read
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6. Drink Almond Milk
Almond milk is said to be extremely soothing on the stomach lining and can effectively protect the same from the corrosive action of the gastric juices. Almond milk would also curb the secretion of excess gastric acids to an extent. Blanch some almonds and grind them in a blender to form a coarse paste. Mix a tablespoon of this paste with a glass of milk and drink the concoction first thing in the morning for effective results.
7. Drink Carrot Juice
Individuals with peptic ulcers are often advised to drink at least 2 glasses of fresh carrot juice every day to get relief from the condition and its symptoms. Carrot juice can help soothe the irritated stomach lining to a great extent. So make it a point to drink a glass of fresh carrot juice once in the morning and night in order to get extended relief from peptic ulcers and their symptoms.
8. Drink Brown Rice Water
The water left over from cooking brown rice can effectively provide relief from peptic ulcers by soothing the stomach lining and stopping bleeding. Collect the water used for cooking brown rice and let it cool down nicely. Drink this water at least twice every day for best results. Note: Do not use the water from rice cooked from hours ago.
9. Take Vitamin A And E Supplements
In addition to eating plenty of foods containing Vitamin A and Vitamin E on a regular basis, opt for supplements that would provide your body with adequate amounts of these vitamins on a daily basis. While Vitamin A supplements would help the mucus membrane heal from the corrosive action of the gastric juices, Vitamin E supplements would work on healing the stomach lining and protecting it from the gastric acids.
10. Increase The Intake Of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can increase the blood flow to the stomach. This would make it easier for essential nutrients that travel via the bloodstream to reach the stomach. This in turn would protect the stomach lining and the mucus membrane from excess gastric acids. The best way to utilize cayenne pepper is to sprinkle a small amount of it onto soups, salads and curries etc. You can also brew a cayenne pepper tea by mixing ¼ teaspoon of the ingredient with 1 glass of hot water. Let the tea cool down until it is warm enough to drink. Strain it and drink it at least twice a day to get instant relief from peptic ulcer and its symptoms, and to effectively treat the condition in the long run.
11. Avoid Irritants
In addition to all these foods and drinks that you need to consume in order to treat peptic ulcers, there are a few foods and beverages you need to avoid at all costs until the condition is completely cured. Accordingly, sugary, spicy and hot foods can irritate the mucus membrane in the stomach and stimulate the increased production of gastric juices. Drinking beverages like coffee, citrus juices or alcoholic drinks regularly can also increase ones’ chances of getting peptic ulcers. So make sure you stay away from these foods and beverages until the symptoms of the condition recede completely.
