What juices reduce stomach inflammation?
Inflammation in the stomach can cause discomfort, pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. While there are medications that can help reduce inflammation, many people prefer more natural remedies like juices made from fruits and vegetables. Drinking the right juices regularly can provide antioxidants, nutrients, and compounds that fight inflammation and promote gut health. Here’s an overview of some of the top anti-inflammatory juices to try.
Causes of stomach inflammation
Inflammation of the stomach lining is known as gastritis. It can be acute and come on suddenly, or chronic when it’s ongoing. Gastritis has numerous possible causes including:
- An autoimmune disorder like Crohn’s disease
- An infection from bacteria like H. pylori
- Regular use of NSAID pain relievers
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress or emotional disorders
- Bile reflux
No matter what the underlying cause is, gastritis results in irritated and inflamed tissue in the stomach. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Burning or gnawing stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Belching
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Drinking certain anti-inflammatory juices can help reduce these unpleasant symptoms and promote healing of the stomach lining.
Top juices to fight stomach inflammation
1. Cucumber juice
Cucumbers are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients including vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Cucumber juice is especially soothing for gastritis and stomach ulcers.
2. Cranberry juice
Cranberry juice contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols that can help decrease stomach inflammation. Make sure to choose unsweetened cranberry juice and dilute it with water.
3. Celery juice
Celery is an anti-inflammatory vegetable. It contains antioxidants called flavones that help suppress inflammation. Celery juice is also a good source of vitamin C and K.
4. Papaya juice
Papaya has an enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects along with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. One study found drinking papaya juice for 6 weeks reduced inflammation in patients with gastritis.
5. Cabage juice
Cabbage juice contains compounds called glucosinolates which have been shown to reduce inflammation. Other antioxidants in cabbage juice like vitamin C and anthocyanins protect the stomach.
6. Aloe vera juice
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel also extend to the juice. Drinking aloe vera juice helps increase mucus production in the stomach which provides a protective barrier against inflammation.
7. Apple juice
Apples are high in antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C that can help relieve stomach inflammation and prevent damage to tissues. Apple juice has an added benefit of providing pectin, a soluble fiber.
8. Carrot juice
Carrot juice is packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. It provides antioxidants like alpha- and beta-carotene that can soothe the stomach.
9. Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice contains the enzyme bromelain known for its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. It also provides manganese which aids in antioxidant protection.
10. Tomato juice
Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that fights inflammation and helps protect the stomach lining. The vitamin C in tomato juice also promotes healing.
Anti-inflammatory juice recipes
You can try making your own juice blends at home with fruits and vegetables that have inflammation-fighting properties. Here are some tasty anti-inflammatory juice ideas:
Cooling Cucumber-Melon Juice
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup honeydew melon
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1⁄2 lemon juiced
- Ice
Green Anti-Inflammatory Juice
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 1 cup kale
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 cucumber
- 1 lemon juiced
Papaya Stomach Soother
- 1 cup papaya chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1⁄2 cup coconut water
Drink these juices on an empty stomach when possible and sip them slowly. Consume fresh juices within 24 hours for best results.
Other tips for an anti-inflammatory diet
While anti-inflammatory juices can help heal your stomach, eating the right diet is also key. Here are some tips for following an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Eliminate or limit trigger foods like spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and anything else that worsens symptoms.
- Reduce saturated fat intake from red meat and dairy and get more healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.
- Load up on fruits and vegetables, especially deeply colored produce.
- Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats instead of refined grains.
- Include herbs, spices, teas, and supplements that fight inflammation like turmeric, green tea, ginger, rosemary, boswellia, and omega-3s.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Foods that commonly trigger stomach inflammation
While juices can be healing, there are certain foods that may worsen stomach inflammation for some people. It can help to avoid the biggest culprits. Here are 12 foods that commonly trigger an inflammatory response in the stomach:
Foods that trigger stomach inflammation |
---|
Alcohol |
Caffeine |
Carbonated beverages |
Chocolate |
Citrus fruits |
Fried foods |
Garlic |
Onions |
Peppermint |
Processed foods |
Spicy foods |
Tomatoes |
It’s important to note that different foods impact people differently. You may be able to tolerate some of these foods, while others may need to be avoided. Track your symptoms and try an elimination diet to pinpoint your personal triggers.
Foods that reduce stomach inflammation
Fortunately, there are many nutritious foods you can eat to calm your stomach. A diet focused on anti-inflammatory foods is key. Here are 12 of the top foods recommended to fight stomach inflammation:
Foods that reduce stomach inflammation |
---|
Bone broth |
Fatty fish |
Fermented foods |
Fiber-rich fruits and veggies |
Ginger |
Green leafy veggies |
Nuts and seeds |
Oatmeal |
Peppermint tea |
Turmeric |
Whole grains |
Yogurt |
An anti-inflammatory diet limits triggers while emphasizing foods with antioxidants, fiber, nutrients, and compounds that actively reduce inflammation in the gut. Be sure to choose organic produce when possible.
Supplements for stomach inflammation and gut health
Certain supplements can also help improve stomach inflammation, especially when taken alongside anti-inflammatory juices and foods. Some of the top supplements for gut health include:
- Probiotics: Help restore healthy gut flora, especially after antibiotic use. Look for broad spectrum probiotic supplements with strains like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
- Zinc carnosine: Shown to help protect and heal the stomach lining from inflammation. Best for peptic ulcers.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): Derived from licorice root and supports mucus production in the stomach, shielding it from irritation.
- Slippery elm: Provides a mucilage that coats and soothes the gastrointestinal tract, helpful for inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Marshmallow root: Has demulcent properties that reduce inflammation by forming a protective film over the stomach lining.
- Aloe vera: The compounds in aloe vera juice or gel help heal ulcers and decrease inflammation.
Always check with your doctor before taking new supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.
When to see a doctor
Making dietary changes like drinking anti-inflammatory juices and avoiding trigger foods can often help resolve mild stomach inflammation. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent stomach pain
- Fever higher than 101°F (38°C)
- Repeated vomiting or vomiting blood
- Bloody or black tarry stools
- Difficulty breathing after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia from blood loss in the stomach
These can be signs of a more serious issue like an ulcer, gastritis complication, or stomach cancer that requires medical treatment. Seek prompt medical attention for severe or concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
Stomach inflammation can be painful and disruptive to your everyday life. While there are medications to reduce gastritis, many people find success with natural remedies like juices. Drinking green, vegetable, fruit, and ginger juices floods your system with antioxidants and nutrients that fight inflammation and support gut health. Juices like aloe vera, cucumber, papaya, and celery juice are especially beneficial.
For best results, stick to an anti-inflammatory diet too. Avoid common trigger foods while emphasizing produce, plant foods, bone broth, probiotics, and supplements that reduce inflammation. With a combination of anti-inflammatory juices, foods, and lifestyle habits, you can get relief from stomach inflammation and promote lasting gut health.