What are the best foods to eat with a stomach ulcer? | Treatment for Stomach Ulcers.

What are the best foods to eat with a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are fairly common. The majority of people with stomach ulcers do not experience any symptoms, but some may experience pain, nausea, diarrhea, or bloating.

Diet for Stomach Ulcers and Gastritis.

Nutrition and Peptic Ulcers

What is a peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that is found inside the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. A peptic ulcer in the stomach may be called a gastric ulcer. A peptic ulcer in the upper part of the small intestine (i.e. the duodenum) may be called a duodenal ulcer.

Peptic Ulcer Causes

Two common causes of peptic ulcers include changes in the balance of stomach acid triggered by Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection or the use of non-steriodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Stomach ulcer causes

Medical experts once believed that stomach ulcers developed due to factors such as stress and eating spicy foods. However, scientists and doctors now agree that these factors are not responsible. The main causes of stomach ulcers include:

·       H. pylori infection

·       Prolonged use of no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and diclofenac

·       Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and eating an unhealthful diet

Stomach ulcer symptoms

Some people with stomach ulcers do not experience any symptoms at all.

If there are symptoms, they can range in severity. The most common symptom is an indigestion-like pain that occurs anywhere from the belly button to the breastbone.

Some other common symptoms may include:

·       Pain

·       Difficulty swallowing food

·       Feeling unwell or uncomfortable after eating

·       Weight loss

·       Appetite loss

·       Diarrhea

A person needs immediate medical treatment if they experience any of the following symptoms:

·       Vomiting blood

·       Passing black, tarry, or bloody stools

·       Persistent nausea and vomiting

Treatments and prevention

The best treatment for stomach ulcers depends on what caused them in the first place.

If prolonged use of NSAIDs is responsible, a person should consult their doctor for advice on how to cut back on their use. The doctor can also suggest alternative treatments.

If an excess of stomach acid is responsible, taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.

If H. pylori infection is responsible, a person may need to take PPIs and antibiotics. This combination is effective for most people, but follow-up treatment might be necessary.

Preventing stomach ulcers may be possible by following a balanced, nutritious diet and cutting back on processed foods, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Can Diet Help?

The following peptic ulcer diet guidelines may help reduce peptic ulcer symptoms, such as a pain and discomfort. Some of the guidelines may also help reduce the risk of developing a peptic ulcer

Peptic Ulcer Diet Guidelines

1. Limit or avoid foods that cause a large increase in stomach acid. Too much stomach acid can irritate an ulcer, which can cause pain or discomfort. These foods include:

- Alcohol

-Regular and decaffeinated coffee

-Other liquids such as strong tea or soft drinks.

2. Limit or avoid intake of foods that may directly irritate the ulcer:

- Black pepper, red pepper and chili pepper

- Other highly seasoned foods.

Note: Many spices may be well tolerated, therefore you only need to limit or avoid those that cause pain or discomfort.

3. Good nutrition is key to helping ulcers heal.

i. Aim to select foods from all 4 food groups so that your meals are well balanced.

ii. Try to make sure you are including a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

iii. It may also help to limit high fat foods (e.g. full fat dairy products, muffins, croissants or fried meats)

4. Timing of meals can help reduce symptoms.

i. For duodenal ulcers, use a meal and snack pattern that reduces symptoms. For example, eating more often throughout the day (i.e. 3 meals and 3 snacks per day), may cause relief from pain or discomfort from the ulcer.

ii. For gastric ulcers, you may receive the best relief from symptoms when you eat less often throughout the day (i.e. 3 meals and no snacks per day).

5. Aim to include sources of soluble fibre at each meal to help prevent an ulcer from returning. These foods include:

- Fruits and vegetables

- Oatmeal/ oat bran

- Psyllium (e.g. bran buds)

- Legumes (e.g. dried beans/peas)

6. You may find other foods that are not listed here which may cause you pain or discomfort when you have a peptic ulcer. If this occurs, it may help to limit or avoid these foods also. It may also help to keep a food journal to keep track of these trigger foods.

Things to Consider

1. Probiotics:

Research is currently investigating the use of probiotics in the treatment of ulcers caused by H. Pylori. While no definite results are available, feel free to talk to your dietitian about whether adding probiotics may be helpful for you.

2. Stress:

Stress does not cause the formation of an ulcer, but it may worsen the symptoms of an ulcer. Try to make lifestyle changes to help you manage your daily stressors.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is a diet for stomach ulcers and gastritis? A diet for ulcers and gastritis is a meal plan that limits foods that irritate your stomach. Certain foods may worsen symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, or indigestion.

Which foods should I limit or avoid? You may need to avoid acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods worsen your symptoms and limit those foods. The following are some foods that may worsen ulcer or gastritis symptoms:

 Beverages:

1.    Whole milk and chocolate milk, 2. Hot cocoa and cola 3. Any beverage with caffeine 4. Regular and decaffeinated coffee 5. Peppermint and spearmint tea 6. Green and black tea, with or without caffeine 7. Orange and grapefruit juices 8. Drinks that contain alcohol

Spices and seasonings:

1.    Black and red pepper 2. Chili powder 3. Mustard seed and nutmeg

Other foods:

1.    Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream 2. Chocolate 3. Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper 4. Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts 5. Hot chills and peppers 6. Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice.

 People searching for What are the best foods to eat with a stomach ulcer? | Treatment for Stomach Ulcers.

Which foods can I eat and drink? Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar.

Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy meal plan.

What other guidelines may be helpful? Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime. Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.

CARE AGREEMENT: You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you