Peptic ulcers are defined as breaks or holes that appear in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, otherwise known as esophageal, gastric, and duodenal ulcers respectively. These soles appear as a result of ulceration, often as a result of the action of stomach acids in digesting the lining of the digestive or gastrointestinal tracts. Although it is known that both sexes are prone to developing this condition, very occasionally, the complications arising from a peptic ulcer may be lethal. So, in this blog, ‘Calming the Digestive Fire: Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines for Peptic Ulcers’ we’ll be discussing how Ayurvedic treatment for Peptic Ulcer can help you with dealing with the disease.
Peptic ulcers are open ulcers that occur in the gastrointestinal tract especially on the inner lining of the abdomen as a result of damage by stomach acids. As one of the Gastro-intestinal Diseases, they can affect anyone, though risks such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or NSAIDs, and smoking are known to worsen the scenario. The usual therapy aims to lower the acid production and allow the lining to heal and may involve drugs.
Gastric Ulcers
These ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach. Gastric ulcers occur when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged, allowing stomach acids to irritate the tissue and form sores.
Esophageal Ulcers
These ulcers occur in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal ulcers can develop when stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and damage to its lining.
Duodenal Ulcers
These ulcers form in the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Duodenal ulcers are commonly caused by an excess of stomach acid irritating the lining of the duodenum, leading to the formation of sores.
Abdominal Pain
Heartburn
Nausea
Loss of Appetite
Bloating
Indigestion
Blood in Stool
Fatigue
Anemia
According to Ayurveda, a system of natural healing originating in India, digestion is considered in terms of ‘digestive fire’ or ‘Agni’. This concept refers to the efficiency of the body in the digestion of foods and regulation of the body.
When Agni is favorably strong and rightly located, it offers good health and also diseases having relation with the digestive system like peptic ulcers. Nonetheless, when Agni is low, or in excess, it results in disorders such as Udvartana or distention of the stomach, Chalaka or hyperacidity, and Santhaka or ulcer.
Ayurvedic therapy used to eradicate peptic ulcer entails the following; Elimination of offending foods from the diet, use of natural medicine, and modification of life practices. Therefore, by applying measures that are in harmony with Ayurveda in nourishing the Agni in the human body, complications of peptic ulcers are treatable in order to achieve healthy living. It is always recommended to take professional advice from an Ayurvedic doctor and follow the treatments and consultative process specific to requirements.
Opt for warm, cooked meals: Choose foods that are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, such as soups, stews, and steamed vegetables.
Add calming herbs and spices: Include ingredients like ginger, fennel, and turmeric in your meals to soothe the digestive system.
Avoid spicy and fried foods: Steer clear of foods that can irritate the stomach lining, such as spicy dishes and fried snacks.
Minimize processed foods: Limit consumption of heavily processed foods, which can be harder for the body to digest and may exacerbate digestive issues.
Eat mindfully: Practice mindful eating by chewing food thoroughly and avoiding overeating, which can strain the digestive system.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain healthy digestion and support overall wellness.
Some of the healing foods that are recommended for treating peptic ulcers according to Ayurveda have a positive impact on the digestive system. Here are some Ayurvedic healing foods that can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery
Rice: Smooth to digest and aids in the better functioning of the stomach rice is prescribed in Ayurveda for stomach ulcers. It is recommended to take white rice or well-cooked brown rice instead of rice containing ingredients such as potato, corn, and cassava.
Mung Beans: Mung beans are rich in nutrients and very easy on the tummy and on the liver as well. They can be boiled in soups and stews for example a healthy diet for humans or animals.
Ghee: Ghee or clarified butter is said to have properties that assist in the treatment of peptic ulcers in Ayurveda. It serves as a food for the lining of the digestive tract, often referred to as a lubricant.
Coconut: Organic coconut products like coconut milk or coconut pieces are believed to cool the inflammation in the digestive system and act as a cure for ulcers.
Vegetable Broths: Juices of vegetables, that are easy to digest and can be prepared as soups, such as carrots, celery, or squash, can be very helpful in giving the body nutrients and fluid without putting pressure on the stomach.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice has long been considered medicinally useful and can reduce inflammation within the stomach lining. When choosing an aloe vera product to consume, it is recommended to use pure aloe vera juice with no additional sweeteners or chemicals, particularly preservatives.
Bananas: It is significant to note that bananas are easily digestible when ripe and can be especially useful in protecting the stomach lining from irritation and inflammation.
Coriander: Coriander is a type of herb that has a cooling effect on the body and may be beneficial in soothing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The fresh leaves of coriander can be used in salads, while the dried seeds can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes which have medical properties as well.
Licorice: Licorice root is a very useful ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for improving digestion and managing ulcers. It can be taken in the form of tea or even in capsules or any other supplement form under the help of an appropriate doctor.
Herbal Teas: Drinking herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea has the potential to soothe the lining of the stomach and ease the pains of peptic ulcers.
Daily inclusion of these Ayurvedic healing foods could aid in the healing process of peptic ulcers besides managing the inflammation that is brought about by this condition. However, it is always wise to seek professional advice from a healthcare professional or an authorized Ayurvedic professional at Dr Jasnas’s, the best Ayurvedic treatment in Dubai for a proper diet chart and for advice based on one’s specific needs and health state.
