You would never think of tomatoes as being bad for you, but if you have stomach ulcers, they can actually make them worse. You'll truly be amazed at the other health foods you should avoid to prevent acid reflux from occurring. Before we discuss 14 natural home remedies for them, let's take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of stomach ulcers and heartburn:
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori is the main bacterial 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 midriff. You can also experience sharp pains that keep you awake at night. There are also pains that occur two to three hours after eating, which may provoke mild nausea. These pains generally go away after vomiting.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up in 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. Almost one in five Americans experiences it.
What Causes Heartburn?
The common cause of heartburn is a lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn't contract regularly. Unhealthy foods are a major contributor to heartburn, especially foods that are deep-fried or cooked in grease. Overeating can also cause acid reflux, 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:
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 or greasy foods to prevent heartburn from occurring. Drink plenty of water 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. Take them together with hydrochloric acid or HCI enzyme supplement 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 a quarter of a cup of Aloe Vera approximately 20 minutes before a meal, or whenever you experience acid reflux. You can even mix 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 that may sound. The cider helps digestion by breaking down fats, despite the acidity factor. Mix one or two teaspoons of the apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it before meals, or whenever you feel an acid reflux attack coming on.
5. Baking Soda - A little baking soda is all it takes to alleviate your acid reflux symptoms. You may not appreciate the bland taste, but you'll feel much better afterward. Mix half a teaspoon (or even a full one) of baking soda with a glass of water.
6. Black Salt - Heartburn is caused by an excess of acid being present in your stomach. Luckily, black salt is full of alkaline minerals, as a result of its exposure to high temperatures, which helps cancel out the negative effects of your stomach’s acid production.
7. Belly Breathing - What belly breathing does is it helps the abdomen expand and allows your diaphragm to move more and tighten around your lungs, so you let more air out when you exhale, the effect is the same in the opposite direction. This means that by practicing belly breathing, you can help maintain the proper functioning of the LES, preventing heartburn in the long term and dealing with the symptoms of the condition in the short term.
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 eight 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:
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