Healing Ulcers with Bone Broth: Evaluating the Evidence and Diet Tips

Using Bone Broth to Help Heal Ulcers

Bone broth has become a popular health trend, touted for benefits like reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and healing the gut. Some integrative medicine practitioners even recommend bone broth as a natural remedy for ulcers.

But what does the science say? Can sipping this simmered soup really help soothe your stomach and heal peptic ulcers?

What are Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are open, painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. The main causes are:

An infection with the bacteria H. pylori
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Excessive acid production in the stomach

Ulcers cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to internal bleeding and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Conventional Treatment for Ulcers

Standard medical treatment for ulcers involves:

Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection
Acid-blocking medications to reduce stomach acid
Medications to protect the stomach lining
Antacids to neutralize stomach acid

For bleeding or perforated ulcers, emergency surgery may be needed. Lifestyle changes like avoiding irritating foods, alcohol, smoking and NSAIDs are also recommended.

The Potential Benefits of Bone Broth

Advocates suggest bone broth may help ulcers heal by:

Reducing inflammation - Bone broth contains glycine and proline, amino acids with anti-inflammatory properties.
Supporting the gut lining - Collagen from bone broth can stimulate growth of mucosal cells.
Providing easily digestible nutrition - The liquid formula is gentle on sensitive stomachs.

However, these proposed benefits need to be verified with more rigorous clinical studies.

Evaluating the Evidence on Bone Broth and Ulcers

Despite widespread claims about bone broth and gut health, there is limited direct research specifically on bone broth for ulcers. However, some related studies provide insight.

Animal Studies on Collagen Supplements

In rat studies, collagen protein supplements improved antioxidant activity and regenerated gastric tissue in the stomach lining damaged by alcohol or NSAIDs. This indicates collagen may help protect and heal the gastric mucosa.

Human Studies on Glycine

Glycine from gelatin was shown to decrease inflammatory markers and stomach injury in patients taking NSAIDs. And in hospital patients fed glycine-enriched solutions, ulcers healed faster than patients receiving standard IV fluids.

Research on PPIs versus Bone Broth

One study tested bone broth versus proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for reducing stomach acid. PPIs more effectively lowered stomach acidity. But the study did not test ulcer healing.

So while current evidence is promising, there is no conclusive human research yet that bone broth can heal ulcers specifically.

Incorporating Bone Broth into an Ulcer Diet

Under a doctor's supervision, it may be reasonable to try incorporating bone broth into an ulcer healing diet. Potential tips include:

Choose High-Quality Bone Broths

Look for broths made with bones from organically raised, grass-fed cattle or free-range chickens. Simmer for 12-24 hours to extract nutrients. Strain well to remove fat and bone bits that may irritate.

Drink Daily

Aim for 8-16 oz bone broth per day sipped slowly. Try it alone or use as a base for soups and stews. Consume consistently for the collagen accumulation benefits.

Combine with Other Soothing Foods

For optimal ulcer healing, emphasize a diet of mainly soft, bland foods. Combine bone broth with well-cooked vegetables, congee, non-citrus fruits, aloe vera juice and chamomile tea.

Avoid Irritating Foods

Steer clear of known ulcer triggers like spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and NSAIDs while healing. Introduce them later in moderation.

Don't Replace Medical Care

See your doctor to address the underlying cause with appropriate antibiotic treatment, acid reducers, etc. Use bone broth as a supplement, not a substitute.

Possible Downsides of Bone Broth for Ulcers

While the potential appears promising, be aware that bone broth may also have some drawbacks, including:

High Sodium Content

Broths often contain large amounts of added salt, which can aggravate ulcers. Seek lower sodium options or make your own unsalted version.

Stimulating Acid Secretion

Components in bone broth like glutamine may actually increase stomach acid production. This could counteract its helpful effects.

Masking Serious Issues

For symptoms like vomiting blood, bone broth should not take the place of urgent medical care, which could be lifesaving.

Bacterial Contamination

Improperly prepared bone broths can pose a risk of foodborne illness. Always use bones from reputable sources and handle broth safely.

Interaction Risks

Discuss adding bone broth with your doctor, especially if taking blood thinners or medications that may interact with collagen. Modifications to medication timing may be needed.

Guidance for Using Bone Broth with Ulcers

Before rushing to grab bone broth for ulcer symptoms, be sure to:

Consult your doctor to diagnose the cause and discuss diet options.
Rule out any bleeding or perforation requiring immediate medical attention.
Ask about potential medication interactions with bone broth.
Work with a dietitian to ensure a balanced, ulcer-friendly diet.
Closely monitor symptoms and report any that persist or worsen.

With medical supervision, adding bone broth to your ulcer treatment regimen may provide additional nutrition and anti-inflammatory benefits. But proper medical care remains critical, especially for serious ulcer complications.