Ulcers and Food

Some things to try would be the same things that are good for stomach ulcers:

• Bananas. Eat at least three bananas a day. These fruits contain an antibacterial substance that may inhibit the growth of ulcer-causing H. pylori. And studies show that animals fed bananas have a thicker stomach wall and greater mucus production in the stomach, which helps build a better barrier between digestive acids and the lining of the stomach. Eating plantains is also helpful.

• Cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is a wonderful ulcer healing spice. And it dulls the pain! It's a bit strong and may take getting used to. Start with one-eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a glass of water twice a day. Work your way up to a quarter-teaspoon. If you would rather, you can take cayenne capsules that you can get at the health food store. Take three a day right after meals.

• Raw cabbage. The best home remedy that I know is raw cabbage. To make it easy, juice your cabbage with a juicer. Try mixing it with carrots in your juicer to make it go down easier! (it's not too bad, honest!) Drink half a cup of the juice before each meal and at bed time (make sure that it is fresh!). Don't be surprised if you ulcer is gone within a few weeks!

• Garlic. Garlic's antibacterial properties include fighting H. pylori. Take two small crushed cloves a day.

• Plums. Red- and purple-colored foods inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Like plums, berries too can help.

• Slippery Elm Bark.  The bark of slippery elm is used for its ability to soothe the mucous membranes that line the stomach and duodenumm. It's often taken in powdered form. Some herbalists recommend taking about one teaspoon of powdered slippery elm bark (added to one cup of warm water to form a gruel-like substance) three times a day.

• Honey. Honey soothes and reduces inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

• A few other great ulcer remedies are: barley water, aloe juice, propolis capsules, licorice root or marshmallow root.

Things to avoid include aspirin and cigarettes.