An Ulcer is an area of open sores in the digestive system where tissue has been destroyed by stomach acid and gastric juices.  There are three types of Peptic Ulcers and they include: Gastric ulcers, which occur on the inside of the stomach; Esophageal Ulcers, which occur in the lower esophagus; and Duodenal Ulcers, which occur in the upper portion of the small intestine.  

The most common symptom of a Peptic Ulcer is a burning pain in the abdomen that can extend up to the chest.  The pain exists because stomach acid and gastric juices come irritate the open sore.  Smaller Peptic Ulcers may not cause any pain, or the pain may be mild.  Common symptoms include:

• Burning abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Change in appetite
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Indigestion
• Bloody or dark stools
• Vomiting

When you eat food, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid and pepsin to digest the food.  The food partially digests in the stomach and then continues to digest in the small intestine.  Ulcers occur when the acid and pepsin erode the mucosal wall by overcoming the gastrointestinal defense mechanisms.  It was thought that Peptic Ulcers were caused by the diet, smoking, and stress.  They occur because of an imbalance of pepsin and acid, along with the digestive system's inability to protect itself against harsh substances.  Common causes are listed below. 

• H. pylori bacterium (this can cause stomach inflammation or infection)
• Frequent use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Radiation therapy
• Stomach cancer
• Medications (such as those that are used to treat Osteoporosis, or potassium supplements)
• People who have had Peptic Ulcers

• It is beneficial to have a diet centered around plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Processed foods, meat, coffee, carbonated beverages, salty foods, and fried foods can irritate Peptic Ulcers so it is best to eliminate them from your diet.  Avoiding those foods also contributes to better, overall health.  You can get essential nutrients and polyphenols, which can help heal ulcers.  Polyphenol-rich foods include rosemary, oregano, blueberries, and black olives.
• Cabbage is an extrememly beneficial vegetable that can help remedy Peptic Ulcers.  Cabbage contains a lot of vitamin C and produces an amino acid that stimulates blood flow to the stomach lining.  This can help strengthen the stomach lining and heal the ulcers.  You can eat raw cabbage for the best benefits, or you can juice raw cabbage with a couple carrots and drink it once a day.
• Flavonoids, or bioflavonoids, are naturally occurring compounds in fruits and vegetables.  They are gastroprotective, meaning that they can help defend the stomach lining and promote healing.  Be careful not to consume too many flavonoids because higher amounts can interfere with proper blood clotting.
• Garlic if a powerful herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.  It has been known to prevent the growth of the H. pylori bacterium, which can cause Peptic Ulcers.  If you don't like eating raw garlic, you can add it to fresh vegetable juices.  Add it to your fresh cabbage juice to get the most benefits.
• Raw organic honey has powerful healing properties that can help remedy symptoms of Peptic Ulcers.  Honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme in honey that produces hydrogen peroxide, which can kill the bacteria that cause Peptic Ulcers.  Additionally, it can soothe the stomach by helping to reduce inflammation.  Take two tablespoons of raw, organic honey every morning on an empty stomach.
• Slippery elm is beneficial remedy for Peptic Ulcers.  The inner bark has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm abdominal pain or irritation from Peptic Ulcers.  The mucilage from the bark can help remove excess fat from the intestines.
• Eat about 3 bananas every day to help remedy Peptic Ulcers.  They contain an antibacterial substance that can prevent the growth of the H. pylori bacterium.  Bananas can help protect the stomach lining by increasing mucus production, which protects the stomach lining from acids and juices that cause irritation.

• Blueberries
• Black Olives
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Garlic
• Cabbage
• Soybeans
• Legumes
• Red Grapes
• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, & chard)
• Broccoli
• Apples
• Green Tea
• Bananas
• Fresh Coconut
• Fenugreek Seeds
• Plums
• Carrots
• Red/Green Peppers
• Spirulina
• Sunflower & Sesame Seeds
• Almonds
• Apricots
• Kiwis