12 Heartburn and Stomach Ulcer Remedies
You would never think of tomatoes as being bad for you, but
they can, in fact, make things even worse for your ulcers. You'll truly be
amazed at which other health foods you should avoid to prevent acid reflux from
occurring. Before we discuss the 12 natural home remedies for stomach ulcers
and heartburn, it's important to have a better understanding of the causes and
symptoms between each disorder.
What are Stomach Ulcers?
Many people make the mistake of confusing peptic ulcers with
heartburn, but they are far from alike, despite having similar symptoms. Ulcers
consist of tiny open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and
small intestine areas, causing excruciating pains.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori is the main bacteria infection that
triggers stomach ulcers. Helicobacter pylori develops from certain medications,
poor dietary lifestyle, and stomach acid buildup.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with Stomach Ulcers?
The most common symptoms attributed to ulcers are burning
pains that begin at the top of your chest, eventually reaching your belly
button area, and sharp pains that keep you awake at night. There are also pains
that occur 2-3 hours after eating, which may provoke mild nausea. These pains
generally go away after vomiting.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Stomach Ulcers:
•Coffee - Coffee stimulates acid production and can cause
severe indigestion problems.
•Alcohol - Alcohol can irritate and erode the lining of the
stomach and small intestine, triggering the ulcers.
•Spicy Foods - Certain peppers found in dishes such as
Mexican chili, can trigger heartburn in a flash. Avoid spicy foods as much as
possible, since they simulate acid reflux buildup and gastrointestinal pains.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when the stomach acid backs up from the
esophagus, and eventually reaches your throat area. Heartburn is a very
unpleasant burning sensation that can truly leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Nearly 1 out of every 5 Americans suffers from it.
What Causes Heartburn?
The common cause of heartburn is a lower esophageal
sphincter, or LES, that doesn't contract regularly. Unhealthy foods play a
major contributor of heartburn, especially foods that are deep fried or cooked
in grease. Overeating can also cause acid reflux buildup due to the excess
amount of pressure on the stomach.
What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn?
Symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux, include a dry cough, a
sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing, an increased burning sensation
after digestion and tasting acid or food in the back of your mouth. These
symptoms intensify the moment you lay down.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Acid Reflux:
•Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits might be ideal for the common
cold, but the acidity inside can cause heartburn, particularly on an empty
stomach.
•Garlic and Onions - Although both vegetables are essential
for a healthy dietary intake, they also wreck havoc on people suffering from
heartburn.
•Carbonated Beverages - Carbonated beverages cause gastric
distension, leading to acid reflux and indigestion. It's best to stay away from
sodas, and just drink mineral water instead.
5 Natural Treatments for Heartburn
Like
1) Eating a Healthy Diet - There are many foods that are
extremely good for you, but bad for your heartburn. Some of these foods
include; ground beef, sour cream, cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, and citrus
fruits. Make sure you avoid fried and greasy foods to prevent heartburn from
occurring. Drink plenty of water in between meals and skip the carbonated
beverages altogether.
2) Enzymes and Probiotics - Probiotics are often referred to
as the “good bacteria”, since they promote healthy digestion. Probiotics
minimize the growth of harmful bacteria, and boost the immune system.
Probiotics are available in supplement form, and help combat acid reflux. It's
recommended to take a hydrochloric acid or HCI enzyme supplement along with
probiotics for smooth digestion.
3) Aloe Vera Juice - Aloe vera juice has been known to treat
acid reflux and other medical symptoms. It's advisable to drink 1/4 cup of aloe
vera approximately 20 minutes before a meal or whenever you experience acid
reflux issues. You can even mix the aloe vera with tea or water if you don't
like the basic taste of it. Do not drink aloe vera juice if you have diabetes,
kidney failure or thyroid disease. Pregnant women and children should also
avoid it.
4) Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar is used to treat stomach acid buildup, as ironic
as it sounds. The cider helps digestion by breaking down fats, despite the
acidity factors. It is recommended to mix one or two teaspoons of the apple
cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink a glass of the cider before meals or
when you feel a reflux attack coming on.
5) Baking Soda - A little baking soda is all it takes to
reduce your acid reflux problems. You may not appreciate the bland taste, but
you'll feel much better afterward. Mix a half or a full teaspoon of baking soda
with a glass of water.
Natural Treatments for Stomach Ulcers
1) Cabbage Juice - Cabbage is packed with an abundance of
natural anti-oxidant properties that help prevent stomach ulcers. Cabbage
contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K and folate, all essential for treating
acid reflux and fighting cancer.
2) Zinc Carnosine - Zinc-Carnosine is used to treat stomach
ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. The function of the Zinc-Carnosine
is to repair damaged tissues and heal ulcer wounds.
Recommended Dosage: Use for 8 weeks, with a daily dose of
75mg in divided doses.
3) Probiotics - Probiotics improve intestinal functions and
help fend off Helicobacter pylori. They are also used to prevent other gastric
disorders, such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease, from occurring.
Recommended Dosage: Take a probiotic of 1 to 2 million CFUs
daily.
4) Glutamine - Glutamine significantly reduces the amount of
inflammation brought on by a Helicobacter pylori infection. Glutamine
supplements can be purchased at any local health store.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 grams of glutamine daily for
stomach ulcers.
5) Ginger Root - Ginger limits the harmful helicobacter
pylori from acting up. Add several slices of fresh ginger roots to hot water,
and drink the ginger mixture approximately 20 minutes or so before each meal
for a quick soothing remedy.
6) Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Powder (DGL) - DGL can work
wonders for peptic ulcers. They protect the inner lining of your small
intestine and stomach.
Recommended Dosage: Suggested dose is 200 to 400 mg daily
dissolved in 200 ml warm water.
7) Astaxanthin - These powerful antioxidants help protect
the gastrointestinal or GI tract and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. The free
radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin also combats against Helicobacter
pylori bacterial infection.
Recommended Dosage: Suggested daily dose is 40 mg.
Bonus Recipe: How to Prepare an Anti Reflux Smoothie:
•alt1 cup diced fresh pineapple
•1 cup diced fresh papaya
•1/2 cup Greek yogurt
•1/2 cup ice
•1/2 cup pineapple juice or water
•Mix all in a blender and drink.