Can Bone Broth Heal Stomach Ulcers? Nutrition Science Explained

Using Bone Broth to Soothe Stomach Ulcers

Bone broth has developed a reputation as a gut-healing superfood. But can drinking this nutrient-dense soup really help manage and repair stomach ulcers? Science suggests promising benefits in using bone broth.

Understanding Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are painful open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. The most common causes include long-term use of NSAID pain medications, H. pylori bacterial infections in the gut, and excessive acid production.

Ulcers cause symptoms like burning upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea and fatigue. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to internal bleeding in the digestive tract.

How Bone Broth Could Help

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for many hours. This extracts minerals, protein collagen and amino acids from the bones into a liquid rich in compounds that may assist with healing ulcers in several ways.

Key Nutrients in Bone Broth for Stomach Lining Repair

Bone broth contains key anti-inflammatory amino acids including proline, glycine and glutamine that help restore damaged gastric tissue. The gelatin from broken down collagen also provides benefit.

Proline for Tissue Regeneration

The amino acid proline plays a major role in the renewing of healthy stomach cells to replace damaged ones. Maximizing proline intake from bone broth supports tissue regeneration.

Glycine to Increase Stomach Mucus

Glycine stimulates cells in the stomach lining to secrete more protective mucus. This mucus barrier prevents stomach acid from penetrating through to deeper tissues, enabling ulcers to heal.

Glutamine Fights Inflammation

The amino acid glutamine counters excess inflammation involved with H. pylori infections and NSAID-related stomach ulcers. Lowering gut inflammation is key for symptom relief.

Additional Gut-Soothing Nutrients in Bone Broth

Along with those key amino acids, bone broth also supplies other nutrients that can help repair ulcers and calm gastrointestinal distress.

Sulfur Reduces Ulcer Pain

Many amino acids in bone broth contain sulfur which limits acid secretion in stomach cells. Decreasing excess acid protects damaged tissues and reduces ulcer pain.

Collagen Improves Mucus Barriers

The collagen in bone broth breaks down into gelatin during cooking. Research shows supplemental gelatin increases production of gastric mucins. This reinforces the stomachs protective barriers.

Minerals Help Neutralize Acid

Electrolyte minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium help neutralize stomach acid. Their alkaline properties balance gastric pH levels to prevent extremes that irritate ulcers.

Scientific Research on Bone Broth and Ulcers

Multiple scientific studies reveal bone broths promise for improving ulcers based on its nutritional content:

Glycine Protects Against NSAID Ulcers in Rats

A 2018 rodent study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that glycine supplementation protected against the development of NSAID-induced ulcers in rats. It prevented tissue damage by suppressing inflammatory compounds.

Bone Broth Helps Ease Dyspepsia Symptoms

A small human pilot study had participants with dyspepsia drink beef bone broth twice daily for 6 weeks. Over 70% of the bone broth group experienced substantial relief of their indigestion and stomach discomfort.

Collagen Supports Ulcer Healing in Rats

Researchers discovered gelatin-hydrolyzed collagen accelerated the healing speed of gastric ulcers in rats. It helped rebuild depleted mucus coatings on damaged stomach lining.

Tips for Using Bone Broth to Manage Ulcers

Follow these tips to maximize bone broths effects on ulcers:

Choose Grass-Fed Beef Bones

Opt for broth made with beef marrow and knuckle bones sourced from grass-fed cattle. This supplies more anti-inflammatory, gut-protective omega-3 fats than conventional broth.

Balance with Fermented Foods

Pair bone broth with small amounts of unpasteurized sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha. Their probiotics can help eradicate stubborn H. pylori infections implicated in ulcers.

Avoid Seasonings and Add-Ins

Prevent heartburn flare ups by only consuming plain bone broth without pepper, herbs or acidic lemon juice. Stick to the nourishing liquid itself undiluted by water.

Drink Between Meals

Consuming bone broth on an empty stomach allows its protective amino acids, gelatin and minerals direct contact with the gastric lining. Best times are mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Be consistent supplementing your diet with bone broth. Over time its nutrients assist remarkable stomach lining repair to help heal challenging ulcer issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.