H. pylori is a bacteria that lives in your stomach and small intestine. This bacteria can damage the lining of your stomach and intestines, which can cause peptic ulcers. These sores can produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Although diet cannot replace medical treatment for peptic ulcers, dietary choices may help control H. pylori and limit its effect on your digestive system.
Flavonoid-Rich Foods
Focusing on consuming foods rich in flavonoids, such as cranberries, apples, garlic, celery and onions, may help reduce the symptoms of peptic ulcers. Flavonoids are a class of antioxidants, and may help inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tea, particularly green tea, is also a rich source of flavonoids.
Vitamin E-Rich Foods
Vitamin E is a powerful immune system enhancer -- it encourages the production of white blood cells in your body, which may help destroy H. pylori bacteria. This vitamin is also an antioxidant that may help prevent free radical damage to the mucous lining of your digestive tract, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Vitamin E may also help control production of stomach acids that can irritate peptic ulcers. Olive oil, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, whole-grain breads and brown rice are abundant sources of natural vitamin E.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent H. pylori bacteria from adhering to the lining of your stomach and small intestine, which may prevent infection that can cause peptic ulcers, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These essential fatty acids may also speed the healing of existing ulcers and protect your stomach lining against damage caused by hydrochloric acid, the primary acid produced in your digestive system. Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids by consuming walnuts, flax oil, salmon, tuna and mackerel.
Vitamin A-Rich Foods
Like vitamin E, vitamin A is a potent immune system booster and antioxidant. This vitamin may help protect the lining of your digestive tract from H. pylori infection. It may also stimulate the production of healthy cells to speed the healing of peptic ulcers. Bell peppers, cantaloupe, seaweed, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, cayenne peppers, pumpkin and watercress are abundant sources of vitamin A.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peptic Ulcer; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Sept. 20, 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
