Contents
Are spices bad for ulcers?
Traditionally, it has been discouraged the use of hot spices in patients with ulcer because, according to this thinking, they favor the onset of ulcers or worsen them. The reason was justified by the fact that these foods stimulate the production of gastric juices.
However it has not been verified that hot spices are responsible for the appearance of this disease or even that they worsen them. Quite the contrary, some of them are lately thought to facilitate their treatment.
Main spicy foods to cure ulcers
Among the main spicy food that can be suitable to cure ulcers we could distinguish the following:
Cayenne pepper capsaicin and stomach ulcers
Chili peppers (Capsicum spp.), a hot variety of common peppers, have a component, called capsaicin, that appears to protect the membranes inhibiting gastric ulcer development as it has been demonstrated in numerous animal experiments.
Cayenne pepper the dust that is gathered by grinding the fruits and seeds from hot, red chili peppers), seems to be more effective in healing ulcers than paprika (ground up red pepper from common peppers with generally mild taste).
The reason seems to be that capsaicin increases the production of mucus protecting the intestinal mucosa lining. You can add this spice to meals or use 1 capsule for each one of 3 main meals. (You can buy supplements of capsaicin in capsules in pharmacies or herbalists)
Ginger for upset stomach
Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bactericide properties, ginger (Zingiber officinale) can be used to treat ulcers. Its antibacterial power is ideal to avoid the formation of ulcers by eliminating the Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria whose secretions of ammonia are responsible for many ulcers, especially those of duodenum, and for other stomach problems like gastritis.
On the other hand, it is a plant able to neutralize the excess of gastric acid that is another of the causes that favors the formation of ulcers (This food can be added to meals or choose other products made with ginger, as ginger cookies or ginger candies)
Turmeric curcumin
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an herb which crushed and ground rhizome is used as a spice. It reduces the acidity and alleviates pain. (It can be added to the dishes or taken as a supplement, the extract will be taken according to the patient information leaflet)
Helicobacter pylori and garlic
It has been generally said that garlic upsets stomach. However, over 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70% of stomach ulcers are caused by aggressive activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Garlic (Allium sativum) has antibiotic properties, making it ideal for treating ulcers Ingestion of about 9 cloves of garlic per day, according to James A. Duke in “Natural Pharmacy”, would be a good natural alternative to antibiotic treatment.
If you prefer not to suffer garlic mouth odor, it will be better for you to buy enteric coated garlic, a supplement of garlic with similar properties but completely odorless.
More information about remedies for ulcers
