Peptic Ulcer (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Avoid irritants
Avoid smoking, aspirin and related drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol, coffee (including decaf), and tea to improve ulcer healing
- Fight recurrences with fiber
Reduce the risk of new duodenal ulcers by getting enough fiber
- Give zinc a go
Take 25 to 50 mg of this mineral a day to speed the repair of damaged tissue
- Get a checkup
See a doctor to find out whether your ulcer is related to Helicobacter pylori infection
About
About This Condition
Peptic ulcers are erosions or open sores in the mucous lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The term “peptic” distinguishes peptic ulcers from ulcerations that affect other parts of the body (e.g., diabetic leg ulcers).
Peptic ulcer should never be treated without proper diagnosis. They are usually caused by infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). People with peptic ulcer due to infection should discuss conventional treatment directed toward eradicating the organism—various combinations of antibiotics, acid blockers, and bismuth—with a medical doctor. Ulcers can also be caused or aggravated by stress, alcohol, smoking, and dietary factors.
Symptoms
Peptic ulcers are occasionally painless. However, the most common symptom is a dull ache in the upper abdomen that usually occurs two to three hours after a meal; the ache is relieved by eating. Other common symptoms include weight loss, bloating, belching, and nausea. Untreated, peptic ulcers often bleed and may cause sharp burning pain in the area of the stomach or just below it.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Aspirin and related drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),1 alcohol,2 coffee3 (including decaf),4 and tea5 can aggravate or interfere with the healing of peptic ulcers. Smoking is also known to slow ulcer healing.6 Whether or not an ulcer is caused by infection, people with peptic ulcer should avoid use of these substances.
Holistic Options
Emotional stress has been shown to increase acid production in the stomach.7 The reported association between stress and peptic ulcer might be attributable to a stress-induced increase in gastric acidity.8, 9 During the air raids of London in World War II, British physicians observed an increase of more than 50% in the incidence of ruptured peptic ulcers.10, 11 More recently, an increased incidence of bleeding stomach ulcers was seen in survivors of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Japan.12 Whether stress reduction techniques or psychological counseling helps prevent ulcers or ulcer recurrence has not been adequately studied in medical trials.
Eating Right
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Fight recurrences with fiber | Reduce the risk of new duodenal ulcers by getting enough fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and are good fiber sources. Fiber slows the movement of food and acidic fluid from the stomach to the intestines, which should help those with duodenal, though not stomach, ulcers. When people with recently healed duodenal ulcers were put on a long-term (six-month), high-fiber diet, the rate of ulcer recurrence was dramatically reduced in one controlled study, though short-term (four-week) use of fiber in people with active duodenal ulcers led to only negligible improvement. |
| Sidestep salt | Salt is a stomach and intestinal irritant, so avoiding it may help improve ulcer symptoms. Salt is a stomach and intestinal irritant. Higher intakes of salt have been linked to higher risk of stomach (though not duodenal) ulcer. As a result of these reports, some doctors suggest that people with ulcers should restrict the use of both sugar and salt, although the benefit of such dietary changes remains unknown. |
| Steer clear of sugar | Sugar has been reported to increase stomach acidity, which could aggravate ulcer symptoms. People with ulcers have been reported to eat more sugar than people without ulcers, though this link may only occur in those with a genetic susceptibility toward ulcer formation.Sugar has also been reported to increase stomach acidity, which could aggravate ulcer symptoms. |
| Try some cabbage juice | People have found relief from symptoms by drinking a quart of cabbage juice per day for 10 to 14 days. Carrot juice may be added to improve the flavor. Many years ago, researchers reported that cabbage juice accelerated healing of peptic ulcers. Drinking a quart of cabbage juice per day was necessary for symptom relief in some reports. Although only preliminary modern research supports this approach, many doctors claim considerable success using one quart per day for 10 to 14 days, with ulcer symptoms frequently decreasing in only a few days. Carrot juice may be added to improve the flavor. |
| Uncover allergies | Avoiding food allergens may be helpful for people with peptic ulcers. Talk to a doctor about possible food sensitivities; once you’ve identified problem foods, a low-allergen diet can help you avoid them. The relationship between food allergies and peptic ulcers has been reported at least as far back as the 1930s. Exposing the lining of the stomach to foods to which a person is allergic has been reported to cause bleeding in the stomach. Although additional research is needed, avoiding food allergens may be helpful for people with peptic ulcers. Consult with a doctor to determine food sensitivities. |
Supplements
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Chewable DG Licorice 250 to 500 mg chewable DGL before meals and bedtime | Licorice root has a long history of use for soothing inflamed and injured mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Flavonoids in licorice may also inhibit growth of H. pylori. Licorice root has a long history of use for soothing inflamed and injured mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Licorice may protect the stomach and duodenum by increasing production of mucin, a substance that protects the lining of these organs against stomach acid and other harmful substances. According to laboratory research, flavonoids in licorice may also inhibit growth of H. pylori. Chamomile has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. It is also high in the flavonoid apigenin—another flavonoid that has inhibited growth of H. pylori in test tubes. Many doctors recommend drinking two to three cups of strong chamomile tea each day. The tea can be made by combining 3 to 5 ml of chamomile tincture with hot water or by steeping 2 to 3 tsp of chamomile flowers in the water, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Chamomile is also available in capsules; two may be taken three times per day. |
3 Stars Mastic 1 gram mastic powder taken before breakfast and at bedtime | The gummy extract of Pistachia lentiscus The gummy extract of Pistachia lentiscus, also known as mastic or gum mastic, has been shown in one preliminary study and one double-blind study to heal peptic ulcers. This may be related to its ability to kill H. pylori in test tubes. |
2 Stars Banana Powder 1 gram four times per day | Ayurvedic doctors in India have traditionally used dried banana powder to treat ulcers. Banana powder appears to protect the lining of the stomach from acid. Ayurvedic doctors in India have traditionally used dried banana powder to treat ulcers. In animal studies, banana powder protects the lining of the stomach from acid. A human trial has also found dried banana helpful in those with peptic ulcer. In that report, two capsules of dried raw banana powder taken four times per day for eight weeks led to significant improvement. Bananas and unsweetened banana chips may be good substitutes, although ideal intake remains unknown. |
2 Stars Neem 30 to 60 mg of freeze-dried bark extract twice per day | Neem bark extract led to a significant reduction in stomach acid levels and near complete healing of all people with duodenal ulcers in one trial. Administration of 30 to 60 mg of freeze-dried neem bark extract twice per day led to a significant reduction in stomach acid levels and near complete healing of all people with duodenal ulcers over ten weeks time in a preliminary clinical trial. Chamomile has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. It is also high in the flavonoid apigenin—another flavonoid that has inhibited growth of H. pylori in test tubes. Many doctors recommend drinking two to three cups of strong chamomile tea each day. The tea can be made by combining 3 to 5 ml of chamomile tincture with hot water or by steeping 2 to 3 tsp of chamomile flowers in the water, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Chamomile is also available in capsules; two may be taken three times per day. |
2 Stars Vitamin A Take under medical supervision: 150,000 IU per day | Vitamin A is needed to heal the linings of the stomach and intestines. In one trial, supplementing with vitamin A improved healing in a small group of people with stomach ulcer. Vitamin A is needed to heal the linings (called mucous membranes) of the stomach and intestines. In one controlled trial, vitamin A supplementation facilitated healing in a small group of people with stomach ulcer. The amount used in that study (150,000 IU per day) can be toxic and may also cause birth defects. Such a high dose should not be taken by a pregnant woman, by a woman who could become pregnant, or by anyone else without careful supervision from a doctor. Objective evidence of ulcer healing from taking vitamin A has been reported by the same research group. The effect of lower amounts of vitamin A has not been studied in people with peptic ulcer. |
2 Stars Zinc 25 to 50 mg daily | Supplementing with zinc may help speed the repair of damaged stomach tissue. Zinc is also needed for the repair of damaged tissue and has protected against stomach ulceration in animal studies. In Europe, zinc combined with acexamic acid, an anti-inflammatory substance, is used as a drug in the treatment of peptic ulcers. In a small controlled trial, high amounts of zinc accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers compared with placebo. Some doctors suspect that such an exceptionally high intake of zinc may be unnecessary, suggesting instead that people with ulcers wishing to take zinc supplements use only 25 to 50 mg of zinc per day. Even at these lower levels, 1 to 3 mg of copper per day must be taken to avoid copper deficiency that would otherwise be induced by the zinc supplementation. |
2 Stars Zinc-L-Carnosine 150 mg of zinc carnosine complex twice per day | Studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine protects against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers. Experimental animal studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine exerts significant protection against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers. However, because zinc by itself has been shown to be helpful against peptic ulcer, it is not known how much of the beneficial effect was due to the carnosine. Clinical studies in humans demonstrated that this compound can help eradicate H. pylori, an organism that has been linked to peptic ulcer and stomach cancer. The amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies for eradication of H. pylori is 150 mg twice daily. |
1 Star Calendula Refer to label instructions | Calendula is another plant with anti-inflammatory and healing activities that can be used as part of a traditional medicine approach to peptic ulcers. The same amount as chamomile can be used. Calendula is another plant with anti-inflammatory and healing activities that can be used as part of a traditional medicine approach to peptic ulcers. The same amount as chamomile can be used. |
1 Star Carnosine Refer to label instructions | Carnisone may protect against ulcer formation and promote the healing of existing ulcers. Experimental animal studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine exerts significant protection against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers. However, because zinc by itself has been shown to be helpful against peptic ulcer, it is not known how much of the beneficial effect was due to the carnosine. Clinical studies in humans demonstrated that this compound can help eradicate H. pylori, an organism that has been linked to peptic ulcer and stomach cancer. The amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies for eradication of H. pylori is 150 mg twice daily. |
1 Star Chamomile Refer to label instructions | Chamomile has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. It is also high in the flavonoid apigenin, which has inhibited growth of H. pylori in test tubes. Chamomile has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. It is also high in the flavonoid apigenin—another flavonoid that has inhibited growth of H. pylori in test tubes. Many doctors recommend drinking two to three cups of strong chamomile tea each day. The tea can be made by combining 3 to 5 ml of chamomile tincture with hot water or by steeping 2 to 3 tsp of chamomile flowers in the water, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Chamomile is also available in capsules; two may be taken three times per day. |
1 Star Comfrey Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has history of traditional use for treating gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers. Comfrey has a long tradition of use as a topical agent for improving healing of wounds and skin ulcers. It is also used for people with gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers, though these traditional uses have yet to be tested in scientific studies. People should only use comfrey preparations made from the leaves and avoid those made from the root. |
1 Star Corydalis Refer to label instructions | Corydalis extracts are useful in relieving pain and in treating stomach ulcers. Extracts of the herb corydalis are not only helpful as pain-relief agents but also may be useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers. In a study of people with stomach and intestinal ulcers or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, 90 to 120 mg of corydalis extract per day (equal to 5 to 10 grams of the crude herb) was found to be effective in 76% of the participants. |
1 Star DMSO Refer to label instructions | DMSO is believed to have antioxidant activity and was found in one study to reduce relapse rates better than the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet). Oral supplementation with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reduced relapse rates for peptic ulcer significantly better than did placebo or the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet) in one study. Previous research showed that DMSO in combination with cimetidine was more effective than cimetidine alone. These trials used 500 mg of DMSO taken four times per day. The authors of these trials believe the antioxidant activity of DMSO may have a protective effect. Oral supplementation with DMSO should not be attempted without the supervision of a doctor. |
1 Star Garlic Refer to label instructions | Garlic has been reported to have anti-Helicobacter activity in test-tube studies and may be helpful for peptic ulcers. Garlic has been reported to have anti-Helicobacter activity in test-tube studies. In a preliminary trial, garlic supplementation (300 mg in tablets three times daily for eight weeks) failed to eradicate H. pylori in participants with active infections. In another preliminary trial, participants with active H. pylori infections added 10 sliced cloves of garlic to a meal. The addition of garlic failed to inhibit the growth of the organism. Further trials using garlic extracts are needed to validate the anti-Helicobacter activity of garlic observed in test tubes. Until then, evidence to support the use of garlic for H. pylori-related peptic ulcers remains weak. |
1 Star Glutamine Refer to label instructions | Glutamine, an amino acid, is the main energy source for cells that line the small intestine and stomach. Supplementing with it may help people overcome peptic ulcers. Glutamine, an amino acid, is the principal source of energy for cells that line the small intestine and stomach. More than 40 years ago, glutamine was reported to help people with peptic ulcer in a preliminary trial. Glutamine has also prevented stress ulcers triggered by severe burns in another preliminary study. Despite the limited amount of published research, some doctors suggest 500 to 1,000 mg of glutamine taken two to three times per day to help people overcome peptic ulcers. |
1 Star Marshmallow Refer to label instructions | High-mucilage-containing herbs such as marshmallow have a long history of use for irritated or inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system. Marshmallow is high in mucilage. High-mucilage-containing herbs have a long history of use for irritated or inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system, though no clinical research has yet investigated effects in people with peptic ulcer. |
1 Star Plantain Refer to label instructions | Because of plantain’s anti-inflammatory and healing effects, it may be beneficial in some people with peptic ulcer. Because of the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of plantain, it may be beneficial in some people with peptic ulcer. Clinical trials have not been done to confirm this possibility. |
1 Star Sea Buckthorn Refer to label instructions | Sea buckthorn contains flavonoids and other constituents that promote healing. It has been associated with peptic ulcer improvement, though more research is needed. Sea buckthorn contains flavonoids and other constituents that promote healing, and sea buckthorn oil has been shown to both prevent and heal peptic ulcers in animal studies. Direct application of sea buckthorn oil to ulcers during medical treatment with endoscopy has been reported to improve results, but no studies of treating peptic ulcers with sea buckthorn oil supplements have been done. |
1 Star Vitamin C Refer to label instructions | Vitamin C may be useful in treating peptic ulcers because of its ability to help eradicate H. pylori Little is known about the effects of vitamin C supplementation for people with peptic ulcer. People with gastritis, a related condition, have been found to have low levels of vitamin C in their stomach juice. Vitamin C may also help eradicate H. pylori in people with gastritis. Vitamin C may one day prove to have a therapeutic effect for people with peptic ulcer; however, further research in this area is needed. |
References
1. Allison MC, Howatson AG, Caroline MG, et al. Gastrointestinal damage associated with the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. N Engl J Med 1992;327:749-54.
2. Lenz HJ, Ferrari-Taylor J, Isenberg JI. Wine and five percent ethanol are potent stimulants of gastric acid secretion in humans. Gastroenterology 1983;85:1082-7.
3. Cohen S, Booth GH Jr. Gastric acid secretion and lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure in response to coffee and caffeine. N Engl J Med 1975;293:897-9.
4. Feldman EJ, Isenberg JI, Grossman MI. Gastric acid and gastrin response to decaffeinated coffee and a peptone meal. JAMA 1981;246:248-50.
5. Dubey P, Sundram KR, Nundy S. Effect of tea on gastric acid secretion. Dig Dis Sci 1984;29:202-6.
6. Korman MG, Hansky J, Eaves ER, Schmidt GT. Influence of cigarette smoking on healing and relapse in duodenal ulcer disease. Gastroenterology 1983;85:871-4.
7. Bresnick WH, Rask-Madsen C, Hogan DL, et al. The effect of acute emotional stress on gastric acid secretion in normal subjects and duodenal ulcer patients. J Clin Gastroenterol 1993;17:117-22.
8. Lam SK, Hui WM, Shiu LP, Ng MM. Society stress and peptic ulcer performation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1995;10:570-6.
9. Piper DW, Tennant C. Stress and personality in patients with chronic peptic ulcer. J Clin Gastroenterol 1993;16:211-4.
10. Stewart DN, de R. Winser DM. Incidence of perforated peptic ulcer. Effect of heavy air raids. Lancet 1942;2:259-61.
11. Spicer CC, Stewart DN, de R. Winser DM. Perforated peptic ulcer during the period of heavy air raids. Lancet 1944;1:14.
12. Aoyama N, Kinoshita Y, Fujimoto S, et al. Peptic ulcers after the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake: Increased incidence of bleeding gastric ulcers. Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:311-6.
Last Review: 06-08-2015
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