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Gastric ulcers affect a large part of the population, caused mainly by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which damages the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum, creating painful sores. In addition, frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contributes to eroding the protective mucus, allowing stomach acids to attack the lining.
If ulcers are left untreated, they can get worse and cause complications like anemia or gastric obstructions. In this article, discover four natural foods to eat every day to help heal stomach ulcers, plus a bonus food to optimize digestive health.
Foods to Avoid with Ulcers
Before focusing on beneficial foods, it is important to avoid those that further irritate the stomach lining. The following foods can cause a burning sensation and complicate healing:
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or spirits create a burning sensation similar to applying antiseptic to an open wound.
Fried foods: Foods cooked at high temperatures in oil are pro-inflammatory and reduce the stomach’s protective mucus.
Black pepper: While beneficial for overall health, black pepper can increase pain in people with ulcers.
Chocolate, citrus fruits, and tomatoes: These foods are acidic or irritating and can trigger burning pain.
Foods that promote ulcer healing
Studies show that simple dietary adjustments can help heal ulcers and prevent them from coming back. Here are four natural foods that soothe and promote ulcer healing.
1. Cabbage (rich in vitamin U)
Cabbage is one of the most effective natural remedies for treating ulcers thanks to the vitamin U (S-methylmethionine) it contains in large quantities. Discovered in the 1950s by Dr. Garnett Cheney, this compound helps restore the mucous layer of the stomach, protecting wounds from acidity and promoting their healing.
Cabbage Juice: To reap its benefits, blend raw cabbage into a juice, which you can strain. Add a little apple to sweeten the taste, unless you are on a low-carb diet.
Recommended Consumption: Drink this juice three times a day, and healing often begins within a week. You can also incorporate shredded cabbage into salads.
2. Manuka Honey (Rich in MGO)
Manuka honey, which is particularly rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), is a powerful remedy for ulcers. Produced mainly in Australia and New Zealand, this honey has antibacterial properties that eliminate H. pylori, the main bacteria responsible for ulcers.
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