Do you know that you can develop ulcers in many parts of your body? But still, stomach ulcers are more common than other types of ulcers. Stomach ulcers are also called peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers depending on where they are formed and other symptoms.

I noticed that I had a recurring stomach ache even though I was having plenty of fluids and a balanced diet. I then booked an appointment with the best Gastroenterologist in Islamabad I could find and I was diagnosed with stomach ulcers which were caused by the regular use of pain-relievers I was taking for my headache for a long time.

Finding out that excessive use of pain-relievers can cause stomach ulcers were both an alarming and shocking revelation for me. So naturally, I was intrigued about knowing the preventive tips I can take at home to avoid this discomfort in the future. The doctor was kind enough to give me thorough insight on what I should and shouldn’t do to treat and prevent ulcers at home. And this is a brief summary of what I learned.

5 Ways to Prevent and Treat Stomach Ulcers at Home

Stomach ulcers are most commonly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. Hence all the preventions and treatment is done is mostly the consumption of food that keeps H. pylori away and avoiding the food that aids the bacterium growth. Such common foods are:

Using Whole Grains and Vegetables

A nutrient-rich, balanced diet is really beneficial for not only your ulcers but your whole body. It is important to have a diet that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Using whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed food can help immensely with stomach ulcers.

Using Probiotics

Probiotics are the food that contains the ‘good’ bacteria that can aid in achieving better gut health. It might not be able to heal the ulcers directly but probiotics can fight against the harmful bacteria that can soothe inflammation and speed up the healing process. Probiotics are found in fermented foods naturally but can also be consumed as supplements. Some common probiotic-rich foods are kimchi, yogurt, buttermilk, miso, and kefir.

Using Honey

When you think of honey you might just think of it as a natural sweetener but It can be much more than that. The nutritional value of honey depends a lot on the plant it is derived from. Some of the types of honey can be rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey also has shown a lot of antibacterial properties hence can work as prevention and treatment for stomach ulcers.

Eating Flavonoids More Often

Flavonoids, which are the type of polyphenols, are found in colorful fruits and vegetables can protect the stomach lining from developing ulcers. According to the research, flavonoids increase stomach mucus, which inhibits the growth of H. pylori which can keep stomach ulcers at the bay along with a number of other digestive tract disorders. Some common flavonoids are apples, red grapes, kale, broccoli, berries, green tea, lemons, and oranges.

Avoiding Caffeinated Drinks and Spicy Food

Acid reflux can worsen stomach ulcers and sometimes even cause them in the first place. Make sure you avoid any trigger foods. Common trigger foods can be coffee, sodas, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, processed food, highly citrus/acidic food, excessively salty food, and chocolate.

The bottom line

A balanced diet will not only treat your stomach ulcers but also keep them away in the future along with various other digestive discomforts. But these home remedies can sometimes take a long time to treat and are not enough. In that case, consult a gastroenterologist immediately.

Meta Description: Stomach Ulcers are most commonly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori and can be prevented and treated in the early stages at home. For that, you need to add whole grains, flavonoids, probiotics, honey to your diet and avoid any trigger food that can cause acid reflux.