Natural juices to relieve peptic ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.

The most common symptom is a burning sensation in the stomach. When they occur in the stomach they are called gastric, while they are duodenal if they appear in the intestine.

Among its main symptoms we find:

• Stomach acidity.
• Stomachache.
• Frequent belching.
• Swelling.
• Problems eating fatty foods.
• Vomiting or nausea.

In severe cases, you may also have trouble breathing, unintentional weight loss, a change or poor appetite, and feeling weak.

Ulcers are usually caused by bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter Pylori, or by long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen.

• How to prepare healthy juices for the stomach

Other factors that can aggravate your symptoms are:

• Drink lots of alcohol.
• Eat spicy food.
• Smoke.
• Suffer too much stress.

A doctor can make a diagnosis to assess your situation and prescribe antibiotics and antacids to control the symptoms of ulcers.

You can complement this treatment (always consulting a health professional first) by consuming fresh juices full of benefits for the stomach and intestine. Let’s see how to prepare them:

Kale, licorice, and ginger juice

Kale is a popular remedy for treating stomach ulcers, as it is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that prevents bacterial infections, such as H. Pylori (one of the main causes of ulcers).

It is also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, capable of reducing abdominal and intestinal swelling, and vitamin K, a natural regulator of the body’s inflammatory response.

Licorice provides essential B vitamins and minerals to take care of the stomach lining, such as selenium and zinc, while ginger is a powerful digestive, as well as an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent.

How to prepare the juice

To prepare this juice you need:

• 2 cups of kale.
• ½ cup of water (this measurement will depend on the size of the kale, so it is advisable to add it little by little until the desired consistency is achieved).
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger.
• ½ tablespoon of chopped licorice (before you can wash it and boil it, or replace the measure of water for its infusion).

Mix all these ingredients and drink cold. You can also add cucumber to the preparation to add freshness, although if you do, the proportion of water will be less.

Carrot, celery, and lemon juice

Carrots, different studies have found, can increase the production of saliva and stomach juices, thus preventing heartburn, promoting intestinal movement and absorption, and relieving constipation.

This is also especially helpful in protecting the lining of the stomach and small intestine, preventing ulcers from developing.

These properties of carrots can be enhanced very well if they are consumed together with celery since it stimulates digestion and prevents gas and colic.

Lemon is another element that we can add to the preparation, to add flavor, take advantage of its antiparasitic effects and promote the production of gastric juices.

How to prepare it

• To prepare this juice you need:
• 5 medium carrots chopped.
• 4 medium celery stalks, chopped
• Juice one lemon.

Combine all ingredients in a blender and add water (if necessary) to achieve desired consistency. You can also add pieces of cucumber or melon.

Apple, papaya, and mint juice

Apple juice has malic acid and sorbitol, which improve digestive processes while preventing the appearance of gastric ulcers. It is also rich in fiber and minerals, which help prevent bloating and constipation.

Papaya can complement these properties thanks to the fact that it is rich in fiber and papain, an enzyme that improves digestion by breaking down proteins.

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Mint, in addition to guaranteeing a unique flavor, provides menthol, which has a positive effect on the intestinal walls and helps reduce abdominal pain

How to prepare it

To prepare this juice you need:

• 1 large apple
• 1 medium papaya.
• 1 glass of water (this measure may vary, so it is advisable to add the water to the blender little by little).
• Mint to taste to flavor.

Mix all the ingredients well in the blender and serve cold.

You can add other fruits and condiments that you like to the preparation (always replacing the proportions of the originals). For example, half a glass of orange juice can replace half a glass of water.

Banana, strawberry, and yogurt smoothie

This option is very healthy since it has yogurt, which provides a significant amount of probiotics, and microorganisms similar to those found naturally in our intestines.

These are often linked to a lower risk of peptic ulcers, as they help restore the body’s bacterial balance when it is disturbed while improving digestive processes.

The banana Instead, is a prebiotic food, which our intestine does not digest, but which gives strength to probiotics.

Finally, the strawberries have great antioxidant power, due to their richness in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids.

How to prepare it

To prepare this juice you need:

• 1 cup of yogurt.
• 1 ripe banana, chopped
• Between 5 and 8 chopped strawberries.
• Crushed ice.

Mix everything well and serve cold. You can also supplement with oat flakes to add dietary fiber to the preparation and support bowel function.

To remind:

Until there is meaningful scientific evidence from human trials, people interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should be very careful.

Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, but first talk to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.

Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, and other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.

Sources consulted: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.