A stomach ulcer is a serious problem often treated by a medical professional, but standard treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers), and antacids, can have side effects and often fail to tackle the underlying issue.
Fortunately, there are some natural stomach ulcer remedies that may help support your stomach lining integrity and promote gastrointestinal wellness.
Discover healthy eating tips, soothing herbs, and lifestyle strategies that can help naturally promote a calm, healthy digestive tract.
What is an ulcer?
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. When located in the stomach, it’s referred to as a gastric ulcer; in the small intestine, it’s called a duodenal ulcer.
In many cases, poor dietary habits, such as consuming too much processed food, sugar, or irritants such as alcohol, can increase the risk of developing ulcers.
If left untreated, an ulcer can develop into a bleeding ulcer, which causes internal bleeding and is a serious medical emergency. Blood in your stool or vomit could signify a bleeding ulcer.
If you suspect you have an ulcer or notice serious symptoms such as blood in your stool or vomit, consult a healthcare provider immediately for a personalized treatment plan.
Watch the video below to learn how to identify and manage a peptic ulcer.
Stomach ulcer signs and symptoms
A burning or gnawing pain, especially on an empty stomach, is one of the hallmark stomach ulcer symptoms. However, not all ulcers cause noticeable symptoms, and some may go undetected for long periods.
Common signs of a stomach ulcer include:
- Burning or dull pain in the upper abdomen
- Pain that improves briefly after eating
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Excessive burping
- Feeling full after small amounts of food
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Dark or tarry stools
While heartburn can feel similar, it doesn’t always indicate an ulcer, so it’s essential to understand the difference.
A simple test you can try at home involves drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
If this worsens your discomfort, it could indicate an ulcer, but if diluted vinegar relieves symptoms, low stomach acid, a common cause of heartburn, may be the underlying issue, not an ulcer.
Additionally, ulcers are often linked to nutritional imbalances. Diets high in refined grains and low in nutrients can leave the stomach lining more vulnerable. Individuals with ulcers may experience vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, C, or folic acid deficiencies.
Causes of stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers form when the protective mucus lining of the stomach or small intestine breaks down, allowing stomach acid to irritate or damage the underlying tissue. This erosion can be triggered by several internal and external factors.
Here are four of the most common causes of stomach ulcers.
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori)
A common trigger of gastrointestinal ulcers is an overgrowth of H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can disturb the stomach’s protective mucus layer.
Roughly half of the world’s population carries H. pylori in their body. While often harmless, H. pylori overgrowth can neutralize stomach acid and weaken the mucosal barrier, making the stomach lining more vulnerable to damage.
Not only can H. pylori infections increase the risk of peptic ulcers, but they can also contribute to brain fog, tiredness, gastritis, abdominal pain, bloating, and mineral deficiencies.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Frequent or long-term use of NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also lead to stomach ulcers.
NSAIDs damage the mucosal layer of the stomach and small intestine and reduce blood flow to the stomach lining, slowing down the tissue’s ability to repair itself. This makes the stomach more susceptible to acid-related injury and ulcer formation.
3. Stress
Over time, stress can increase the risk of ulcers.
The digestive system functions best when the body is in a relaxed, parasympathetic state. Stress activates the sympathetic fight or flight response, which redirects blood flow away from digestion and impairs mucus membranes and acid production.
4. Low stomach acid and poor diet
In many cases, ulcers are caused by hidden digestive imbalances, particularly low stomach acid and a nutrient-poor diet.
Low stomach acid can impair digestion, weaken the stomach’s defenses, and create an environment where H. pylori and other potentially harmful microbes can thrive. It also reduces the activation of enzymes and the absorption of nutrients needed for tissue repair.
Refined grains, sugar, and processed carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and pasta, can contribute to this problem.
These foods not only reduce stomach acidity but also contain phytates. These compounds can block the absorption of minerals such as zinc and vitamin E, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy stomach lining.
Excessive alcohol intake may also irritate the stomach lining and disrupt acid balance, further contributing to digestive discomfort.
Restoring healthy stomach acid levels and improving nutrient intake through whole foods can go a long way in supporting natural ulcer healing.
Watch the video below to learn the fastest way to support ulcer healing.
Best home remedies for stomach ulcers
While antacids and PPIs are often prescribed to manage stomach ulcers, they don’t address the underlying causes, such as poor diet, bacterial imbalance, or a weakened stomach lining, and may even exacerbate the issue.
Fortunately, certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help support natural healing and promote a healthier digestive environment.
Here are five natural strategies that can help support stomach lining repair.
1. Keto and intermittent fasting
“The best way to support a healthy digestive tract is to eliminate the foods that cause damage in the first place,” explains Dr. Berg. “Your stomach lining can begin to repair itself when given the right conditions, especially with fasting and Healthy Keto®.”
Healthy Keto emphasizes low-carb whole foods, high-quality protein, and plenty of nutritious vegetables, which help to reduce the inflammatory load on your digestive system.
This diet avoids common irritants such as refined carbohydrates, seed oils, and hidden sugars that can aggravate the stomach lining.
Additionally, animal proteins often included in Healthy Keto meals, such as beef, poultry, and shellfish, naturally contain gut-friendly nutrients such as zinc and carnosine, which support tissue integrity, enzyme regulation, and a healthy stomach lining.
Intermittent fasting, an eating schedule that alternates between strict eating and fasting windows, helps reduce the constant secretion of stomach acid and gives the mucosal lining time to recover.
Together, Healthy Keto and intermittent fasting can help create an internal environment that supports a balanced microbiome, reduced inflammation, and optimal digestive function.
2. Cabbage juice
Cabbage contains sulfur-rich compounds known as glucosinolates, which have long been studied for their potential to support stomach lining repair.
A study published in Functional Food Science found that a mixture of 80 percent cabbage juice and 20 percent cucumber juice resulted in an impressive 94.7 percent reduction in peptic ulcer formation, outperforming some conventional approaches.1
The juice also appeared to support a healthier inflammatory profile and reduce oxidative stress, while promoting antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting a multifaceted benefit for gastrointestinal function.
3. Fermented foods
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are rich in lactic acid bacteria, including strains of Lactobacillus, which provide natural probiotic and antioxidant support for a healthy digestive environment.
Research published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association highlights that microbes in fermented foods can help support microbial balance in the stomach, promote a healthy gastric lining, and manage H. pylori colonization through multiple mechanisms.2
However, individuals with severe active ulcers may need to introduce these foods gradually. Fermented products may be acidic or spicy and may temporarily worsen symptoms in sensitive stomachs.
4. Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll contains compounds that support the gut microbiome, healthy inflammatory responses, and overall digestive tract function.
Chlorophyll also helps maintain the integrity of internal membranes, including those in the stomach, and supports the body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress.
Most people don’t consume enough vegetables to meet their nutritional needs, with the average American eating only about 1.5 cups (45 grams) of vegetables each day.
To ensure you receive adequate chlorophyll and other vital nutrients, it’s recommended to aim for 7 to 10 cups (210 to 300 grams) of leafy green vegetables daily by incorporating nutritious salads, smoothies, or juicing chlorophyll-rich veggies such as wheatgrass and kale.
5. Licorice root
Licorice root has traditionally been used to support digestive comfort and gastrointestinal health. It contains naturally occurring compounds that help support a healthy stomach lining and promote a balanced inflammatory response in the digestive tract.
Research published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that licorice significantly supported the natural healing process of ulcers linked to H. pylori infection and helped promote microbial balance.3
Researchers noted that licorice demonstrated promising effects as a gentle, well-tolerated, and low-cost alternative to conventional higher-risk therapies.
This makes licorice root a useful food-based strategy to help naturally support stomach health in those dealing with gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers caused by microbial or dietary stressors.
Key takeaways
Natural stomach ulcer remedies focus on supporting the health of the stomach lining, promoting microbial balance, and encouraging normal digestive function.
Incorporating soothing herbal teas, such as chamomile and licorice root, along with nutrient-rich foods like cabbage, kefir, and bone broth, may help promote digestive comfort and support the stomach’s natural defense mechanisms.
Practicing mindful eating habits and reducing stress can also play a key role in maintaining a calm, well-functioning digestive tract.
FAQ
1. Can I do keto if I have an ulcer?
Yes. A healthy keto diet may help support the healing of a peptic ulcer by removing the foods that contribute to irritation in the first place.
Cutting out refined carbs, sugars, alcohol, and grains can ease stress on the stomach lining and promote recovery.
2. Can I have apple cider vinegar if I have an ulcer?
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a self-test. If drinking a small amount diluted in water worsens your symptoms, you may have an ulcer. If it relieves your symptoms, the issue is more likely related to low stomach acid.
For those with confirmed ulcers, it’s best to avoid apple cider vinegar until healing occurs–it can be too acidic for an already damaged stomach lining.
3. How can I fix a stomach ulcer?
Eliminate inflammatory foods and focus on healing nutrients. Cabbage juice, chlorophyll, and licorice root are food-based options that help support the stomach lining.
Pairing this with intermittent fasting and a nutrient-dense keto diet allows the digestive tract time to rest and repair.
4. What does a stomach ulcer feel like?
Ulcers often cause a burning or gnawing sensation in the upper abdomen, especially when your stomach is empty. Some people feel no symptoms at all, while others experience nausea, bloating, or discomfort after meals.
5. Do stomach ulcers go away?
Yes. Many stomach ulcers can heal naturally with the right dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments. In more serious cases, medical treatment may be needed.
6. What are the causes of stomach ulcers?
Common triggers of stomach ulcers include overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria, chronic stress, NSAID use, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and low stomach acid.
These factors can damage the protective lining of the stomach and allow acid to irritate the tissue beneath.
7. How long can a stomach ulcer last?
With consistent support, many ulcers improve within one to two months. Healing time depends on your overall health, stress levels, and whether the root cause is addressed.
8. How do I know if I have a stomach ulcer?
A classic sign of a stomach ulcer is burning pain on an empty stomach that improves after eating.
Additionally, if diluted apple cider vinegar makes the pain worse, it could indicate an ulcer. Your doctor can also confirm an ulcer with diagnostic tests, such as an endoscopy, if needed.
9. Can stress cause a stomach ulcer?
Yes. Chronic stress interferes with digestion, reduces protective mucus in the stomach, and increases vulnerability to acid damage. Managing stress is an important part of natural ulcer support.
