Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori, is a bacterium that causes most peptic ulcers. People who have an H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics with other medications like stomach-acid blockers. You can also reduce the symptoms and severity of your ulcer by making certain changes to your diet. If you suspect that you have an ulcer, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Add
To help support the treatment of an H. pylori infection that causes peptic ulcers, add to your diet fiber-rich foods like vegetables and fruits, as well as flavonoid-containing foods like cranberries, apples, onions and celery. Flavonoids may help to slow down or stop the growth of H. pylori. Also add foods that are rich in calcium and B-complex vitamins like whole grains, beans, sea vegetables and dark leafy greens. Exchange fatty foods for low-fat options to control your stomach-acid levels.
Avoid
Certain foods and beverages can aggravate your ulcer. Limiting the sugar and salt in your diet could improve the symptoms and healing of peptic ulcers. Avoiding any types of foods to which you're sensitive or allergic can also produce these benefits. Also limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, refined or processed foods, fatty red meats, trans-fatty acids, decaf coffee and carbonated drinks, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center. If spicy foods seem to irritate your stomach or worsen your ulcer symptoms, avoid them as well.
Key Nutrients
Some nutrients are especially important if you have a peptic ulcer, and you might consider taking them in supplement form. You could take supplements of vitamins A and C, zinc, carnosine, glutamine, flavonoids or dimethyl sulfoxide -- DMSO. If you have a duodenal ulcer, taking fiber supplements could help. Probiotic supplements like Lactobacillus acidophilus could help to fight the H. pylori infection. Colostrum, vitamin B12 and fish oil supplements may also provide some benefits if you have an ulcer. Don't take any supplements for ulcers without first consulting your physician.
Considerations
Certain herbs and natural remedies could also help to reduce your symptoms. For example, cranberry and mastic supplements might help to inhibit the H. pylori bacterium. Taking peppermint or licorice could help to ease your ulcer symptoms and protect your stomach lining from damage. Neem, banana powder, garlic, marshmallow, plantain, calendula, chamomile, comfrey and corydalis are all herbal remedies that are sometimes used to help ease ulcer symptoms. Other herbal supplements for ulcers include bacopa, aloe, sea buckthorn oil, turmeric, butterbur, cayenne and beeswax extract or policosanol. No conclusive medical research supports the use of any natural supplement for treating ulcers, however.
Warning
Following a special diet alone cannot treat peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori, says the University of Michigan Health System. Antibiotics and conventional treatments for H. pylori-related ulcers are typically necessary to effectively cure the infection and heal the peptic ulcers. Therefore, you should use any dietary modifications as a supportive treatment for ulcers, in addition to conventional therapies. Also, talk with your health care provider before taking any natural supplements or herbal remedies for ulcers. Keep in mind that dietary supplements and herbs can cause side effects, drug interactions and other health risks just like conventional medications.
