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Anti-Duodenal Ulcer Foods & Liquids

Sep 15, 2011 | By Martin Hughes
Anti-Duodenal Ulcer Foods & Liquids
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A duodenal ulcer is an erosion in the lining of your duodenum, which is the initial segment of your small intestine. The Better Medicine website states that duodenal ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer, or a type of sore that develops in your stomach or upper small intestine, and that this health problem may cause pain, bleeding and other symptoms. To better understand the role of foods and liquids in treating your duodenal ulcer, speak with your doctor.

Duodenal Ulcers

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, infection is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers, reports the Children's Hospital Boston. Other factors may contribute to this condition or make it worse, including emotional and physical stress and certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Some duodenal ulcers may not cause any symptoms while others cause gnawing abdominal pain or discomfort, reduced hunger, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting and belching. Severe abdominal pain, black stools and bloody vomit are signs that you should seek emergency medical care.

Beneficial Foods and Liquids

Numerous foods and liquids may be beneficial in treating your duodenal ulcer. According to Drs. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, naturopathic physicians and co-authors of the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," you should consider boosting your intake of dietary fiber, fresh cabbage juice and other vegetables juices. Dark green leafy vegetables, goat's milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir, barley juice, alfalfa juice, guar gum, psyllium seeds and steamed broccoli and carrots may also be helpful.

Featured Food

One of the most helpful anti-duodenal ulcer beverages is cabbage juice, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Cabbage juice is rich in an amino acid called glutamine. Glutamine, notes medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," has long been used in healing duodenal ulcers and may also help prevent stress ulcers caused by severe burns. Further clinical research may be required to validate the purported health effects of cabbage juice in treating your duodenal ulcer.

Considerations

Duodenal ulcers may cause few or no symptoms in some individuals, but this health problem may lead to significant health complications in others. Possible complications include internal bleeding, infection of your abdominal cavity and scar tissue formation that impairs the movement of food through your digestive tract. If you develop the characteristic symptoms of a duodenal ulcer, meet with your physician as soon as possible. Your doctor can counsel you on the risks and merits of certain foods and liquids to help treat your ulcer.

References

Article reviewed by AKanjuka Last updated on: Sep 15, 2011

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