Gastric and peptic ulcers are erosions of the mucus membrane that line the stomach and upper intestine.  Excess digestive juices, deficient digestive juices, bacteria, poor diet, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone and stress can cause ulcers.

General ulcer symptoms are a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, a hungry feeling, nausea and vomiting.

The vomit may look like coffee grounds and stool may be black.  Gastric ulcers usually cause pain while eating or soon after eating.

This can lead to weight loss.  Peptic ulcers are felt several hours after eating or in the middle of the night.  Food helps to stop the pain.  Complications of ulcers are perforation of the digestive tract, internal bleeding and anemia.

Conventional treatment of ulcers involves the use of antacids, antibiotics, cimetidine or ranitidine.  Although these medications decrease the symptoms they do no fix the damaged tissue.  They also have a variety of side effects including rebound acid production. Do not lie down after eating.  Consume carrot and cabbage juices because they heal the mucosal lining.

Fruits and vegetables that are usually well tolerated by ulcer patients include spinach, cucumber, avocado, cabbage, potato, banana, apple, melon and cantaloupe.  Eat soothing foods that produce a protective coating over the digestive tract for example, ground flax seed, yogurt, porridge and congee.  Consume fermented products like yogurt, kefir, quark, buttermilk and natural cheeses to replenish the friendly bacteria that assist with nutrient digestion.

Dietary change is often the only way to completely resolve an ulcer.  Eliminate all processed and refined foods from the diet.  Also avoid fatty, rich foods, vinegar, citrus fruits, plums, coffee and black tea.  Cook all foods well and eat small frequent meals in a comfortable environment.

Decrease stress and deal with underlying emotional concerns that may be affecting the ulcers.  Place a hot water bottle over the abdomen because warmth increases circulation to the area.  Drink marshmallow or slippery elm tea to soothe the digestive tract but allow the tea to cool significantly before drinking it.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating ulcers. Adult doses are given. Start supplementation of one product at a time so that if any product is irritating it can be easily identified.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).