Introduction

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are common yet serious digestive disorders that affect the stomach and upper intestines. These ulcers can lead to severe discomfort, bleeding, and long-term health issues if not treated properly. Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to managing and healing these ulcers effectively through diet, lifestyle, and yogic practices.

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What Are Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers?

📌 Definition

• Gastric ulcers: Sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach.
• Duodenal ulcers: Ulcers that occur in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

These ulcers form when the balance between stomach acid and protective digestive fluids is disrupted, leading to damage of the internal lining.

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Common Symptoms of Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

• Indigestion and constipation
• Loss of appetite or aversion to food
• Nausea after meals
• Pain in the stomach
  • Gastric ulcer: Pain starts immediately after eating
  • Duodenal ulcer: Pain begins 1–2 hours after eating, especially near the right side of the navel
• Weight loss and fatigue
• Dark, pellet-like stools
• Vomiting with dark blood (haematemesis)

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Major Causes of Ulcers According to Ayurveda

🔥 1. Improper Digestion and Spoiled Digestive Fluids

When food remains undigested due to weak digestive function, it spoils and vitiates the digestive juices, leading to ulcers.

🧬 2. Bile and Pancreatic Imbalance

When bile and pancreatic secretions fail to neutralize stomach acids, the resulting acidic environment damages the intestinal lining.

💥 3. Overexertion After Meals

Engaging in mental or physical work immediately after eating reduces blood flow to the stomach and duodenum, weakening the membrane and allowing ulcers to form.

🍖 4. Overconsumption of Non-Vegetarian Foods

Frequent consumption of meat and fried foods over-activates acid-producing glands while suppressing alkaline secretions, creating a toxic acidic environment.

💊 5. Use of Strong Medications

Toxic medicines or injections—often taken for blood-related or chronic illnesses—can weaken the intestinal lining and blood quality, making it vulnerable to acid attack.

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Ayurvedic Diagnosis: How to Differentiate Ulcers

Ulcer Type	Pain Timing	Pain Location	External Signs
Gastric Ulcer	Immediately after meals	Central stomach	Early weight loss
Duodenal Ulcer	1–2 hours after meals	Right of the navel	Slow physical decline

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Ayurvedic and Natural Treatment Plan

🧘 Morning Yoga & Mudras

• Utkśepa Mudrá
• Diirgha Prańáma
• Bhujaungásana (Cobra pose)
• Padahastásana (Forward bend)
• Agnisára Mudrá
• Ágneyii Mudrá
• Ágneyii Práńáyáma

🌙 Evening Yoga & Mudras

• Sarváungásana (Shoulder stand)
• Matsyamudrá
• Naokásana (Boat pose)
• Pashcimottánásana (Seated forward bend)
• Karmásana
• Agnisára & Uddayana Mudrá

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Ideal Diet Plan for Ulcer Patients

🥤 In Acute Phase

• Plenty of water
• Sweet or sour fruit juices (filtered)
• Durbá grass juice or Kuksiimá-leaf extract if vomiting blood
• Diluted milk with honey once the patient improves

🍅 Transition Diet (Mild Phase)

• Ripe tomato juice, misti nebu (sweet lemon) juice
• Mashed, well-boiled potatoes with diluted milk

🍲 Recovery Phase

• Steamed or stewed vegetables like:
  • Patol
  • Jhimge
  • Dhundula
• Boiled aged rice
• Fresh rotis with a little warm ghee
• Small, frequent meals instead of large meals

✅ Continue this diet strictly for at least 1–2 years, even after recovery.

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Important Dos and Don’ts for Ulcer Management

✅ Recommended

• Alkaline-rich foods
• Spinach, jute leaves, beto shák – promote smooth bowel movement
• Shushuni shák fried in ghee – acts as medicine
• Honey with warm water or milk – 2–3 spoons daily

❌ Avoid Strictly

• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and other intoxicants
• Spicy, salty, overly sweet or fibrous food
• Irregular meal timings
• Skipping rest after meals

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Final Thoughts: Long-Term Healing Through Ayurveda

Ulcers develop silently and can lead to severe complications if neglected. Ayurveda emphasizes root-cause healing, not just symptomatic relief. Through a carefully curated diet, yogic lifestyle, and mental relaxation, gastric and duodenal ulcers can not only be managed but also permanently healed.

Always remember: rest after meals, small frequent meals, and a balanced alkaline diet are key to long-term recovery.

Soothe discomfort with Ayurvedic remedies for acidity and gas naturally.

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Frequently Asked Questions:-

Trusted External Resources

For more information on Ayurveda, yoga, and natural wellness, explore these authoritative resources:

• Ministry of AYUSH – Government of India
• United Nations – International Day of Yoga
• World Health Organization – Traditional & Integrative Medicine
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, USA)
• The Ayurvedic Institute