Say goodbye to stomach ulcers and discomfort with our practitioner recommendations of natural treatments for peptic ulcer disease.
Natural Treatment for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Key Takeaways
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a leading cause of emergency department admissions in Australia.
- Ulcers form when stomach acid erodes the protective lining of the stomach or intestines.
- The primary causes: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and long-term NSAID use.
- Symptoms include: burning stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.
- Chronic stress can exacerbate ulcer symptoms and delay healing.
- Antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) provide symptom relief but have long-term side effects.
- Natural treatments like vitamin C, collagen, and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can support healing.
- Managing stress, optimising gut health, and avoiding dietary triggers can help prevent recurrence.
Introduction
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a common problem for many men- and a top 10 cause of emergency department admissions in Australia! PUD are sores or ulcers that form in the lining of the stomach or the upper intestine. These ulcers occur when the protective mucus layer of the digestive tract is damaged, and this allows stomach acid to erode the tissue beneath.
While PUD was once primarily attributed to stress and diet, current research points to bacterial infections and certain medications as leading causes. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for peptic ulcers is crucial to prevent complications and ongoing issues.
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcer disease includes both gastric (stomach) and duodenal (intestinal) ulcers. While they have similar symptoms and risks, what makes them different is where they are located. Gastric ulcers are found in the stomach lining. Duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
Ulcers form when the protective mucus layer that shields the stomach or intestinal lining from acid is reduced. This allows acid to damage the tissue and causes the symptoms we will discuss next.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers
Stomach pain is a common symptom of peptic ulcers. Many people feel a burning or gnawing abdominal pain which can differ in severity. Eating may help with the pain, but the pain often returns. This pain also tends to be worse at night, when the stomach is empty, or due to certain foods such as alcohol or spicy dishes.
Other symptoms can include:
- heart burn
- indigestion
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- bloating
- unexplained weight loss
Stomach pain that does not stop or gets worse needs to be addressed. A peptic ulcer is a condition that can be treated, and finding it early can lead to better outcomes. If you have severe symptoms such as blood in either your stool or vomit, please see your doctor immediately.
What Causes Ulcers?
Abdominal Obesity and Syndrome X
There are a lot of contributing factors to ulcer development, including reflux, gastritis, smoking, certain medications, inflammation and nutrient deficiencies. Key causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory dugs or NSAIDs.
Helicobacter pylori is a commensal (which means many of us are born with it!) bacteria. In most people, we live with H. pylori without issue. However, in some people, H. pylori causes trouble and may need to be treated. A side effect of this bacteria can be gastritis, which damages the stomach lining and can increase your risk of ulcers developing. If you would like to know about gastritis, you can read about in my article here.
NSAIDs include medications like aspirin and Nurofen (ibuprofen). NSAIDs can cause ulcers by disrupting the protective mechanisms of the digestive system. They block the production of prostaglandins, which normally help regulate acid production and maintain the protective mucus lining. Without prostaglandins, the stomach produces more acid and has less mucus to protect it, which increases the risk of damage. NSAIDs also irritate the stomach lining and reduce blood flow, which impairs the stomach’s ability to heal itself, especially with long-term use.
Another underlying link can be histamine. Histamine is produced by mast cells in response to an allergic reaction or immune response. Mast cells are plentiful in the gastrointestinal lining and they can release histamine into surrounding tissues, which causes inflammation, and also increases stomach acid production!
It’s important to understand how all your health and lifestyle factors work together for more effective treatment.
Does Stress Cause Peptic Ulcers?
Historically it was believed that stress causes peptic ulcers. However, that was before we had an understanding of H. pylori and NSAIDs. That being said, stress does change how our digestive systems work- it alters our hydrochloric acid levels, and decreases the amount of mucus that protects the stomach.
Many of my patients swear that stress exacerbates their ulcer symptoms, and research confirms the connection between severe stress, depression and ulcers. Stress can also lead to unhealthy habits. When people feel stressed, they might be more inclined to smoke, drink alcohol, or eat poorly. I often find that stress support formulas are indicated in my ulcer patients.
Pharmaceutical Treatments for Ulcers
Pharmaceutical treatment for peptic ulcers includes medications to help reduce stomach acid such an antacids or proton pump inhibitors. Doctors might also prescribe antibiotics to handle bacterial infections if H. pylori exists is present.
While acid-blocking medications may help ease symptoms, there are side effects to consider. These include constipation, and nutrient deficiency related conditions (such as osteoporosis) because they reduce your bodies ability to digest and utilise what is in our foods. I see many patients who have been on antacids for years, despite the recommendation by the TGA that they not be used for longer than 8 weeks. Proton pump inhibitors are also associated with increased risk of gastric cancer.
Antacids do not stop ulcers from coming back. It’s crucial to consider lifestyle changes, and support the health of your digestive tract lining in order to prevent persistent and recurrent stomach ulcers.
Natural Treatment for Stomach Ulcers
Functional medicine for peptic ulcers goes beyond just easing symptoms. Our primary aim is to resolve the underlying cause, while providing you with relief from your symptoms until the ulcers heal. This may include herbs or nutrients to sooth and support the health of the gastric lining, and diet and lifestyle planning to remove triggers and prevent recurrence.
This often involves addressing gut health, providing alternative solutions to replace the use of NSAIDs, managing stress levels, supporting the immune system (the gut microbiome), and identifying food sensitivities.
We want to improve your overall digestive health- and for these changes to be long term. Here are a few examples of what I may prescribe to patients.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers- The Key May Be Vitamin C
Vitamin C in an antioxidant and its deficiency is associated with increased risk of both ulcers and gastritis. Not only that- the vitamin supports eradication of H. pylori, AND vitamin C status improves in patients after the bacteria has been removed.
Its a chicken and egg situation- we don’t know what causes what, but we do know that vitamin c is a key nutrient for healthy stomach lining and recovering from ulcers.
Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, berries such as strawberries and blueberries, kiwi, capsicum, broccoli, and leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Can Peptic Ulcers Be Cured? Using Collagen for Healing
Collagen is a protein derivative rich in amino acids, including glutamine. Studies show that glutamine (which is an amino acid) protects the gastric mucosa and can help prevent and promote the healing of ulcers.
A great way to get collagen into your diet is by drinking bone broth. Bovine or beef collagen is higher in glutamine than plant or marine-based collagens.
Natural Treatment for Peptic Ulcers- Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra (what you know as liquorice!) has a lot of research behind its effectiveness as a natural treatment for ulcers.
Studies show liquorice extract stimulates the defence mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation and promotes the regeneration of mucus cells and healing of the ulcers. The herb also increases blood supply to the damaged mucosa for healing, and the amount of mucus protecting the lining.
- glabra also shows significant activity against H. pylori– including those strains that are antibiotic-resistant.
Please note- I use this herb cautiously. It is contraindicated in many medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure and heart disease, kidney and liver disease, hormone sensitive cancers and erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Peptic Ulcer Disease
To heal and prevent peptic ulcer disease long term we need to consider different parts of your daily life that could be affecting your digestive health. Are you getting enough probiotics and prebiotics for a healthy gut? Are you struggling with stress? Is you diet low in nutrients which support your gastric epithelium? (the protective lining in your gut!)
Watching how much food you eat and not lying down right after can also help lower the risk of acid reflux. This is often related to gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GORD (you can read more about GORD in my article here). Avoiding smoking is also an important factor contributing to this condition.
Stress Support
Studies show that activities that lower stress, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, can improve digestion.
Although bacteria and NSAID use are the primary factors in ulcer formation, studies have shown the link between increased risk of ulcers under stressed conditions, and also impaired healing. One study found that highly stressed individuals have a 2.2-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with a peptic ulcer compared to those in the lowest stress group, and that stressed individuals required more extensive treatment protocols.
Another study was done on patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers. Half received standardised medical interventions in combination with mindfulness stress reduction training, and the others received only medical treatment. The stress-reduction group had better and faster outcomes for their condition than those who didn’t receive stress support.
Depending on the patient, I have a range of herbs and nutrients I use in clinic to support and reduce stress levels.
Dietary Recommendations for Ulcers
A balanced diet is key for healing peptic ulcers. Eating less fatty foods, spicy, and acidic foods may help reduce your symptoms. In comparison, eating foods rich in flavonoids can help support the health of your gut lining. Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties. Common sources of flavonoids include citrus fruits, berries, apples and onions. These are often also rich in vitamin C!
Probiotics can also play an important role. They help keep a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut which promotes good digestive health. Not only that, but research shows probiotics modulate your immune system by producing anti-inflammatory factors that reduce inflammation, promote integrity of your gastric mucosa, and alleviate ulcer-related symptoms. You can get probiotics from dietary sources such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Do Food Allergies Cause Ulcers?
Food intolerances are an additional consideration. There is some evidence that food hypersensitiveness may contribute to ulcers, particularly the recurrent type. I may or may not send a patient for allergy testing, depending on their personal health history. Not only that, but food intolerances can decrease after eradication of H. pylori.
Conclusion
Peptic ulcer disease can be generally be effectively managed with natural remedies and some changes to your lifestyle. While bacteria like H. pylori and medications such as NSAIDs are key contributors, other factors like stress and diet can influence the severity of symptoms, and how fast you heal. By addressing the root causes and adopting lifestyle changes (such as reducing stress, and incorporating beneficial nutrients like vitamin C and collagen), you can reduce your risk of ulcers and improve your overall digestive health. A comprehensive approach to managing ulcers not only relieves symptoms but also prevents recurrence of peptic ulcers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Diet Alone Manage Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Dietary changes can help with symptoms and support healing. However, it is important to know that diet alone generally cannot cure peptic ulcer disease. If you do not treat an ulcer, it can get worse. Not seeking medical attention can lead to serious issues, like internal bleeding or perforation in the stomach or part of the intestine.
Are Antacids Bad for You?
Reducing stomach acid with medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce digestion function, causing symptoms like bloating and gas. Long-term use of these medications also impairs nutrient absorption, increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, and predisposes you to infections (because stomach acid can kill microbes). Also, long-term PPI use is linked to side effects like headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, osteoporosis and kidney disease. Proton pump inhibitors are recommended for short-term use, but many patients take them for years. It’s important to consult your doctor before discontinuing them, as proper guidance is necessary to address underlying digestive issues and support the restoration of the production of digestive enzymes. A functional medicine practitioner can work alongside your doctor to support the transition and support your body in producing its own digestive enzymes!
Is There a Natural Treatment for H Pylori?
Yes. There are some herbal antibiotics and antibacterials that I use with patients. However, the protocol can be involved and my first question is if the bacteria is actually pathological in the person I am seeing. Are there other contributing factors to the peptic ulcer forming? In some cases, H. pylori eradication can also cause side effects.
Several natural treatments may help manage H. pylori include probiotics (to restore gut balance and inhibit H. pylori growth, or broccoli sprouts, which are rich in sulforaphane and may lower H. pylori levels and protect the stomach lining. Garlic has antimicrobial effects, and cranberry extract may prevent H. pylori from attaching to the stomach lining. Once again, please always consult a healthcare expert before starting natural remedies, particularly when dealing with a condition that can have serious consequences
