Stomach ulcers

What you need to know

Like all stomach disorders, this condition can be greatly relieved by sensible eating. There are also some natural remedies and therapies that could help.

The most useful Supplements:

  • Glutamine

5gm to 10gm per day
  • Quercetin

400mg to 500mg 3 times per day
  • Vitamin C

500-1000mg  (must be a non-acidic form (e.g. buffered or Calcium ascorbate)
  • Vitamin A

30,000iu per day - but not if you are pregnant without consulting your doctor
  • Zinc

15mg to 30mg up to 3 times per day with 1-2mg of Copper

The most useful Herbs:

  • DGL Liquorice

Must be chewable - before each meal
  • Mastic gum

As directed on the label
  • Marshmallow

500mg after each meal
  • Slippery elm

250mg to 500mg after each meal

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies could help:

Dietary changes that may be beneficial

Key advice:

Thankfully, the prescription of an ultra-bland diet of milk, steamed Fish, boiled rice and mashed potatoes is now mostly a thing of the past. It didn’t help and frequently did more harm than good.

What you really need to help healing of the gastric lining is foods rich in Zinc. They include wholegrains, pumpkin seeds, oysters and most other shellfish, broccoli, red and green peppers, kiwi fruit and apricots, Oats, brown rice, root vegetables. Include all the oily fish - salmon, mackerel, sardines, herrings etc., which are also rich in omega 3 oils which are protective.

Contrary to traditional dietary advice, a diet rich in fibre is also protective, but avoid spoonfuls of uncooked bran. Oats, brown rice, and most root vegetables contain soluble fibre, which is more soothing.

Traditional Remedies:

It sounds pretty disgusting, but in many mainland European countries a traditional natural treatment for Stomach ulcers is to drink a glass of cabbage and potato juice before each meal.

Other useful advice

Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is now thought to be the major cause of Stomach ulcers, and extensive research in New Zealand has shown that taking a dessertspoonful of Manuka honey with each meal and one at bedtime is more effective for the long-term eradication of this than conventional medical treatments.

Stress is very seldom a cause, though very often the triggering factor, so of course it’s important to learn how to control your stress levels. Reflexology, Yoga and Aromatherapy could all help you relax. And - possibly easier said than done - taking time out of a hectic schedule to do some sport or a hobby you really enjoy can be very beneficial.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.