8 Remedies To Treat Stomach Ulcers At Home

Peptic ulcers, better known simply as ulcers, are sores that are inside the stomach or intestines. Both gastric and duodenal ulcers are types of peptic ulcers. Ulcers are highly common in the United States; one in every ten Americans are likely to have an ulcer at some point in their lifetime. Because this ailment is so common, it is important to know how to treat and prevent it.

Once you have been diagnosed by a doctor, you can get to work on curing your peptic ulcer. The home remedies in this article can be used along with any medication your doctor gives you, as they are all natural solutions. Some of the remedies in this article can also prevent new peptic ulcers from forming.

# Avoid Spicy Foods

Eating spicy food does not cause peptic ulcers, but it can make them become more painful. To be safe, it is best to avoid peppers, hot spices, Spanish/Mexican, and Indian/Southeast Asian dishes until you no longer have a peptic ulcer. However, if you do not already have an ulcer, you can continue eating these foods, as not eating them is not a preventative measure.

# Quit Smoking

Smoking can both cause and further irritate peptic ulcers. To be safe, it is best to quit smoking cold turkey. This will make it easier for your ulcer to heal. Quitting smoking can also make it less likely that peptic ulcers will form in the future.

# Don’t Overuse NSAIDs

NSAIDs are a class of anti-inflammatory medications, better known as painkillers. While it’s not bad to use painkillers every once in a while, it is best not to become too dependent on them. This can cause the pills to damage your internal organs, which can lead to peptic ulcers. So, stopping the use of NSAIDs, or simply using them less often, can both help to prevent and cure peptic ulcers.

# Avoid Carbonated and Alcoholic Drinks

Both carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water, etc.) and alcoholic drinks can further irritate a peptic ulcer. It is best to avoid these types of beverages entirely until your peptic ulcer has cured. Once you no longer have an ulcer, you can drink these beverages in small amounts. In the meantime, focus on drinking primarily water, milk, tea, and juice.

# Meditation

Stress is one most common causes of peptic ulcers, outside of bacteria. One way to reduce your stress levels, while also working towards preventing and treating ulcers, is to practice meditation. Meditation, in combination with mindful breathing, can help to relax you, and all it takes is just a few minutes a day.

If you are familiar with meditation, simply try to do it for about ten minutes a day or more to feel more at ease. If you are unfamiliar with meditation, you may want to begin with listening or watching guided meditation videos until you get the hang of it. These videos can be found easily on YouTube.

# Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

While you have a peptic ulcer, it is best to avoid any sort of food or drink that could aggravate your situation. For this reason, it is best to avoid acidic foods and drinks. This could include some fruit juices, tomato products, lemons and other citrus fruits, and candy. Once you have recovered from your ulcer, you can slowly introduce these foods into your diet.

# Antacids

One of the common symptoms of peptic ulcers is heartburn and acid reflux. One way to combat this symptom is to chew on a couple of antacids. Use these as directed on the packaging whenever you feel heartburn or struggle with acid reflux.

# Fennel Tea

Fennel tea is great for helping to cure all sorts of stomach ailments. Drinking fennel tea can help to dull the pain of stomach ulcers. To use this home remedy, simply boil one teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water for ten minutes. When the time is up, strain the seeds from the water, allow the water to cool, and drink it. This home remedy works best when used two to three times a day.