Suffering from an ulcer could be a real punch to the stomach. You’ll typically experience mild to excruciating pain shooting up from the middle of your stomach to your neck or down to your navel, in some instances even radiating to your back. This could last for several minutes or hours. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting (especially when eating), loss of appetite, and weight loss. The situation is quite unpleasant.

How should it be treated? Well, first and foremost, go and see your doctor as ulcers could be life-threatening. Depending on the cause (such as an infection, disease, lifestyle, or genetics) and type (gastric or peptic), you’ll be treated with antibiotics, pump inhibitors, and more.

But are there natural remedies to complement treatment, alleviate symptoms, or even prevent ulcers from developing in the first place? Some studies suggest just that. Discovering natural ways to treat ulcers is invaluable when managing and preventing the condition.

You are what you eat
According to evidence-based articles exploring home remedies for ulcers (published on healthline.com), certain foods, herbs, and supplements could be considered natural ulcer remedies. Cabbage, for example, is rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is an anti-oxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections, the most common cause of stomach ulcers.

Research also points to honey, garlic, and mastic (a traditional anti-ulcer remedy found at health food stores in gum or powdered form). Bananas, coconut oil, and flavonoids – found in fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, red grapes, and berries – could be especially helpful.

Contrary to popular belief, chilli peppers may prevent ulcers or enhance their healing. Turmeric shows noteworthy anti-inflammatory effects and may even reduce your risk for heart disease. Its active ingredient curcumin shows promising anti-ulcer benefits when it comes to protecting the stomach lining and treating H. pylori. Of course, it is also always a good idea to take probiotics, not only as a defence against ulcers but also for gut health in general.

Citrus fruits, processed meats, salty and fatty foods should be avoided. Surprisingly, new research shows milk increases the secretion of stomach acids, which is undesirable. You should also avoid alcohol, soft drinks, and coffee (decaf included).

The role of exercise
A study published in 2018 by Berrak Yegen, professor of Physiology at Marmara University School of Medicine, shows surprising results. Rats, who had prior exercise for six weeks, recovered from their induced gastric ulcers within three days, compared to the ten days it took their sedentary counterparts to be healed.

Although further clinical trials are needed, there is increasing evidence that physical activity can reduce the incidence of ulcers and speed up recovery.

For now, the consensus is as follows:

• If it hurts, don’t exercise.
• Opt for mild to moderate intensity as intense exercise could put more stress on the body and worsen the condition.
• Yoga is an excellent form of exercise with specific poses (such as leg-raising posture steps) to alleviate symptoms and promote calmness in general.
• Swimming is another form of exercise shown to aid recovery, but once again at moderate intensity levels. The same applies to jogging and walking.

Furthermore, as stress is repeatedly cited as a major possible cause, the physiological value of exercise should never be underestimated. It remains one of the most effective methods to reduce and manage stress.

The bottom line is, if you suspect you’re suffering from an ulcer, consult your doctor – always! But do take everything with a pinch of turmeric and strike a kapalbhati* pose, if you can stomach it (literally and figuratively speaking). Whether it enhances prevention or cure, it can only be to your benefit.

Read more about preventing and treating ulcers here:

Gastric Ulcer vs. Peptic Ulcer: What's the Difference? | U.S. News (usnews.com)

9 Science-Backed Home Remedies for Ulcers (healthline.com)

https://activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/7-natural-ways-to-stoach-soothing-an-ulcer/2/

*Yoga For Ulcer: Guide to Learn Simple Yoga Poses For Ulcer (lybrate.com) (https://www.lybrate.com//topic/yoga-for-ulcer)

Peptic Ulcer and Exercise - PubMed (nih.gov)

(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27282926/)

Can You Exercise With an Ulcer? | livestrong

(https://www.livestrong.com/article/526468-can-exercise-irritate-an-ulcer/)

Physical activity and peptic ulcers - PMC (nih.gov)

Q&A With Berrak Yegen From Marmara University: Can Exercise Help Heal Gastric Ulcers Faster? (hcplive.com)