Heartburn can be caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastritis, or ulcers. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of heartburn by a doctor, who may recommend specific laboratory tests (including testing for Helicobacter Pylori) and endoscopy.
In the case of individuals diagnosed with gastritis or duodenal/gastric ulcers, doctors say that diet is an integral part of the treatment, as it allows and supports the healing of the mucosa damaged by excessive acidity.
Certain foods and their preparation methods can bring the pH levels in the digestive system from the stomach and duodenum back to normal values, preventing the worsening of unpleasant symptoms such as discomfort, pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Recommended Diet for Gastritis and Ulcers
In these stomach conditions, especially caused by the presence of Helicobacter Pylori, the diet is based on leafy salads, some vegetables and fruits, peeled and possibly lightly cooked (by steaming, boiling, or baking), and on white or lean meat, preferably boiled, lightly seasoned, and without sauces.
Fried foods and processed foods high in fats, such as ready-made or semi-prepared meals, hamburgers and hot dogs, cookies or cream cakes, chocolate, store-bought sauces, pâtés, and pastries should be avoided.
Additionally, alongside the medication prescribed by the attending physician, a series of herbal teas and infusions with antispasmodic, antiseptic, and emollient effects are recommended.
Medicinal Plants with Emollient Effects
Extremely beneficial therapeutic effects can be obtained from the consumption of linden flower infusion (2-3 cups per day), which reduces spasms of the smooth muscles in the stomach walls, and basil flower infusion (3 unsweetened teas per day), which helps regulate digestion, eliminate fermentation, and rotten spots.
Tea
Peppermint flower infusion has spectacular results in healing ulcers (2-3 cups per day), as does raspberry infusion, which helps reduce gastric acidity. Boil a cup of water over 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves. Let the pot sit covered for 10-15 minutes and then strain. Drink 2 cups/day between meals.
According to current trends that prioritize evidence, there are clinical studies proving that the resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), an antibacterial agent, can eliminate Helicobacter Pylori from the digestive tract. The essential oil extracted from the resin is used.
Medicinal Plants with Antiseptic Effects
– Oak bark decoction (2-3 cups per day) with a high tannin content that acts with antiseptic and hemostatic effects in ulcers with hemorrhagic melena and bloody stools;
– Linden flower infusion (2-3 cups per day), with effects of reducing spasms of the smooth muscles in the stomach walls;
– Basil herb infusion (3 unsweetened teas per day), which helps regulate digestion, eliminate fermentation, and rotten spots.
– Peppermint leaf infusions (2-3 cups per day), with effects in healing gastric ulcers, accelerating intestinal transit, and stimulating appetite;
– Ash tree infusion from two tablespoons of flowers and leaves in 250 ml of boiling water, from which one cup is consumed daily, divided after main meals.
– Raspberry (helps reduce gastric acidity) – pour a cup of boiling water over 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves. Let the pot sit covered for 10-15 minutes and then strain. Drink 2 cups/day between meals.
Medicinal Plants with Healing Effects
Internally, the most effective are long-term treatments using daily teas (in the form of infusions or decoctions), extracts, and oils prepared from certain plants:
– Calendula with emollient and healing effects, used in the form of infusions (two tablespoons of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water, infused for 15-20 minutes), consumed before main meals in small sips;
– Plantain (has healing and bacteriostatic action) – pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried leaves. Let the pot sit covered for 15-20 minutes and then strain. Take one tablespoon every 2-3 hours. Another option is to take half a tablespoon of leaf powder 2-3 times a day.
– Comfrey – cold maceration from 2-3 tablespoons of dried roots macerated for 12 hours in 500 ml of cold water; gently heat the next day and consume half a glass 20 minutes before meals, ensuring pain relief and stimulating digestion. Comfrey powder (a pinch before meals 2-3 times a day) is included in the Ulcer Treatment formula, acting as a gastric bandage (contraindicated for women during pregnancy).
– Marshmallow – decoction from dried and crushed roots (2-3 cups per day before meals), with anti-inflammatory and healing effects, due to its high content of allantoin, mucilage, and tannins, acting in the complete healing of perforations and rapid restoration of the gastric mucosa.
