Is Sauerkraut the Best Juice for Ulcer Relief?

May 9, 2025

Are you familiar with that fiery feeling or a nagging ache in your stomach after eating a plate of spicy pav bhaji? For many, this unpleasant experience is a symptom of stomach ulcers that leaves you searching for answers and relief. Could sauerkraut, that tangy fermented cabbage, and especially its juice, hold a surprising answer?

This blog explores if sauerkraut is the best juice for ulcer relief. You will also discover other foods and drinks that may support or hinder your recovery.

Whether you're a long-time sufferer or newly diagnosed, understanding these connections could ease your suffering.

Also read: Foods to Eat and Avoid for Gastritis Diet

Understanding stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are painful sores that emerge on the inner lining of the stomach or small intestine. These ulcers form when the thick layer of mucus that protects the stomach becomes thin, allowing stomach acid to erode the tissue lining. This leads to intense discomfort and stomach pain.

Causes of stomach ulcers

Several factors can contribute to the development of these troublesome sores.

Here are some of the common culprits:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria: This common bacterium can weaken the stomach's protective mucus, leading to inflammation and, eventually, ulcers. Nearly half of the world’s population is believed to be infected with H. pylori, but without showing symptoms. Regular health check-ups are crucial since untreated bacteria can silently lead to severe complications.
Over-the-counter medications: The prolonged use of certain over-the-counter pain medications, often taken for common issues like headaches or body aches, can sometimes irritate and erode the stomach lining. This increases the risk of ulcers.
Stress: In our busy lives, stress is almost unavoidable. While it's not a direct cause of ulcers in most cases, it can weaken your body's defences, induce more stomach acid production, and potentially worsen ulcer conditions.

Common symptoms of ulcers

Stomach ulcers can manifest in various ways, and recognising these signs is important. Some common symptoms include:

Burning stomach pain
Indigestion
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Blood in stool

These are experiences many can relate to, and if they become frequent or severe, it's important to seek medical advice.

Next, let’s discover what sauerkraut is and how it benefits your health!

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is a tangy cousin of raw cabbage that holds a special place in both the culinary and wellness worlds. It is made by fermenting shredded cabbage with salt. This age-old process gives sauerkraut its distinct taste and prolonged shelf life.

The friendly bacteria found on the cabbage leaves drive the fermentation process.
They feed on the natural sugars present in the cabbage and produce lactic acid.
This lactic acid imparts a tangy, slightly sour flavour to sauerkraut.

The fermentation process doesn't just change the taste; it also unlocks a treasure trove of beneficial compounds. Let’s see what makes sauerkraut a valuable addition to your diet:

Probiotics: Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, often called ‘good bacteria.’ These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
Fiber: Sauerkraut is an excellent source of fiber, which is crucial for smooth and efficient digestion. Fiber helps keep things moving along and supports a healthy gut.
Essential nutrients: Sauerkraut also contains various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, iron, and manganese. These nutrients support the immune system, bone health, and energy metabolism.

Beyond flavour, sauerkraut provides a natural and effective means to boost gut health and overall wellness.

Also read: Is Kombucha Good for Ulcerative Colitis?

But does sipping sauerkraut juice offer relief when you're dealing with a stomach ulcer?

Is sauerkraut juice good for ulcers?

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage but what is sauerkraut juice? When sauerkraut ferments, it releases a liquid or brine. This juice naturally carries some of the beneficial bacteria and essential nutrients found in the cabbage itself.

While probiotic foods like sauerkraut is known for soothing ulcers, you might wonder if drinking its juice is as effective. The good news is that sauerkraut juice may help with ulcers. Let's weigh the potential benefits:

Probiotics: Sauerkraut juice, being a byproduct of fermented cabbage, naturally contains probiotics. These beneficial bacteria contribute to a healthy gut environment, which helps maintain the stomach's protective mucus layer, combats harmful bacteria like H. pylori, and strengthens gut barrier function. This indirectly supports the healing and prevention of ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Sauerkraut is rich in compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants, which have mild anti-inflammatory properties. While these effects are likely not strong enough to combat an active ulcer, they could contribute to a slightly calmer environment in your digestive tract.
Nutrients: Sauerkraut juice retains some of the vitamins and minerals present in the original cabbage, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin K. These nutrients support tissue repair, which could be beneficial for healing ulcers. However, the concentration of these nutrients in the juice might vary.

Considerations while having sauerkraut juice for ulcers

While sauerkraut juice offers several gut-friendly benefits that helps tackle stomach ulcers, you must be wary of the following considerations:

Acidity: Sauerkraut juice is inherently acidic due to the lactic acid produced during fermentation. If you have a stomach ulcer, introducing an acidic substance might cause further irritation and discomfort, especially during an active flare-up.
Sodium content: Commercially prepared sauerkraut juice often contains high sodium content, which may elevate blood pressure and stress the cardiovascular system, possibly complicating other health issues.
Individual responses: Our bodies are wonderfully unique. Depending on the severity, digestive sensitivity, and gut microbiome composition, your gut's reaction to sauerkraut juice, especially with an ulcer, could vary significantly. Some might tolerate it in small amounts, while others might experience increased discomfort.

Hence, while sauerkraut juice holds promise, it is not a standalone solution for treating ulcers. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice before incorporating sauerkraut juice or any natural remedy into your routine.

Next, let’s see how to prepare this probiotic-rich juice at home!

How to make sauerkraut juice?

Sauerkraut juice can be easily prepared at home. It follows the same steps involved in the making of sauerkraut:

Prepare cabbage: Finely shred fresh cabbage and place it in a bowl.
Add Salt: Sprinkle salt over the shredded cabbage, about 2% of the cabbage's weight.
Massage: Massage the salt into the cabbage with your hands for several minutes to release the liquid.
Pack and ferment: Pack the salted cabbage tightly into a clean jar, ensuring it's submerged in its own released liquid. If needed, add a little extra boiled and cooled water with a pinch of salt to ensure it is fully submerged.
Ferment: Cover the jar loosely (to allow gases to escape) and place it in a dark place at room temperature (ideally 18-22°C or 64-72°F) for a few days to a week, or until it develops a pleasantly sour taste.
Blend and strain: Once fermented, you can either drink the brine directly or, for a smoother juice, blend the entire contents of the jar and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Consume or store: Drink the juice immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Beyond the tangy taste of sauerkraut juice, let’s find out what other drinks might offer soothing relief for a stomach ulcer!

Alternative best juices for ulcer relief

While no juice is a magic cure, certain beverages possess properties that could help calm inflammation, reduce acid, or promote healing. Let's explore some of the best juices to consider incorporating into your diet for easing ulcer symptoms:

Cabbage juice: Freshly pressed cabbage juice contains compounds that help protect and heal the stomach lining. Its slightly bitter taste can be off-putting for some, but its potential benefits make it worth considering.
Herbal teas with honey: Certain herbal teas are known for their soothing properties on the digestive system. Adding a small amount of natural honey can provide a mild antibacterial effect and soothe irritation. Here are some herbal teas to include in your diet:

Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and calming effects that can help relax the stomach muscles.
Ginger tea helps reduce nausea and inflammation, common symptoms associated with ulcers.
Licorice root tea helps protect the stomach lining and promote healing.

Yoghurt drinks: Plain, unsweetened yoghurt blended into a lassi can be a cooling and gut-friendly option. The probiotics in yoghurt can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, and its mildness is generally well-tolerated. Avoid adding acidic fruits or excessive sugar.
Turmeric Tea: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder to warm water might help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Ginger drink: A mild ginger drink, made by steeping fresh ginger in hot water, can help alleviate nausea and stomach discomfort often associated with ulcers. Avoid overly spicy ginger preparations.
Green smoothies: Smoothies made with non-acidic fruits like bananas and cooked, leafy greens like spinach can provide essential vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible form. However, avoid citrus fruits or highly acidic ingredients.
Kefir: Similar to yoghurt but often with a wider range of probiotics, kefir can be a beneficial addition to support gut health. Opt for plain, unsweetened kefir.
Fresh berry juice: Juices from berries like blueberries and cranberries are generally lower in acidity compared to citrus juices and are rich in antioxidants, which can support overall healing. Ensure they are pure fruit juice without added sugars or preservatives.
Chia drink: Soaking chia seeds in water creates a gel-like drink that can be soothing for the digestive tract. They also provide fiber, which is beneficial in the long run but should be consumed in moderation during an active ulcer flare-up.
Coconut water: Pure coconut water is naturally hydrating and gentle on the stomach. It also contains electrolytes that can be beneficial.

These beverages offer a gentle touch, but let’s see which drinks you must avoid that can aggravate the symptoms of an ulcer.

Drinks to avoid for ulcers

Knowing which drinks to limit or avoid is an important part of managing ulcers and preventing further discomfort. Here's a list of drinks that are generally best approached with caution if you have a stomach ulcer:

Alcohol: Whether it's beer, wine, or spirits, alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms and delaying healing.
Caffeinated beverages: Drinks like coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks can stimulate acid production in the stomach, which can irritate an existing ulcer and increase discomfort.
Sweetened carbonated drinks: These beverages are often acidic and can cause bloating and gas, which can potentially worsen ulcer pain. The high sugar content can also have a negative impact on overall health.
Citrus juice: Juices from fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are naturally high in citric acid, which can irritate the already sensitive lining of an ulcer and increase burning sensations.
Tomato juice: Tomatoes are naturally acidic, and their juice can have a similar irritating effect on stomach ulcers as citrus juices. Tomato-based soups and sauces can also be problematic for some.
Chocolate milk: While seemingly mild, chocolate contains caffeine and can also stimulate acid production in some individuals. The fat content in milk might also slow down stomach emptying, potentially leading to discomfort.

But are juices a cure all for ulcers? Not at all! Let’s discover some treatment options and preventive measures!

How to treat stomach ulcers?

Dealing with a stomach ulcer requires a comprehensive approach, primarily guided by medical professionals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, ulcers can heal effectively. Here's a look at the typical treatment strategies and important self-care measures to support your recovery:

Antibiotics: If your ulcer is found to be caused by the H. pylori bacteria, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to eradicate the bacteria and prevent the ulcer from recurring. It's vital to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Medications: To allow your ulcer to heal, it's essential to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. Your doctor will likely prescribe the following medications to help with this:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These are powerful medications that work by significantly reducing the production of stomach acid.
H2 Blockers (Histamine H2 receptor antagonists): These medications also help lower stomach acid levels by blocking histamine, a substance that stimulates acid secretion.

You must follow up with your doctor to ensure that your treatment plan is effective and that the ulcer is healing properly.

Lifestyle and dietary support

While medication is the cornerstone of ulcer treatment, certain lifestyle and dietary adjustments can significantly aid in managing symptoms and promoting healing:

Dietary wisdom: Focus on eating bland, easily digestible foods like cooked vegetables, bananas, lean proteins, whole grains, and plain yoghurt. Conversely, it's wise to steer clear of spicy foods, acidic foods, and beverages like coffee and alcohol, which can aggravate your stomach lining. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can be helpful.
Stress management: Stress can worsen ulcer symptoms. So, practice yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises or spend time in nature and engage in your favourite hobbies to reduce stress.
Say no to smoking: Smoking can significantly delay ulcer healing and increase the risk of recurrence. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and the healing of your ulcer.

Do you wish to start practicing yoga? An expert from The Good Bug shares a few yoga asanas that will help improve your digestion. Watch the detailed video below.

As you look for the best juice for ulcer relief, know that there is no single juice that fits all. What might soothe one person could irritate another, especially when dealing with the sensitive lining of an ulcer. While sauerkraut juice with probiotics can be promising, it’s not universally suitable due to its acidic nature. A balanced dietary approach with guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial for managing ulcer symptoms.

If you're looking to incorporate gut-friendly fermented foods into your diet as part of your overall wellness journey, explore The Good Bug's traditionally crafted sauerkraut. Our raw, natural, and unpasteurised sauerkraut contains over 1 billion live cultures, ensuring you get the probiotic goodness in every bite.

Book a free consultation with our experts to ensure sauerkraut is a safe addition to your diet, and get started on a healthy, delicious living!