Are You Suffering from Stomach Ulcers? Try These Diet Plans

Updated on March 11th, 2020
diet for ulcers

Ulcers are the most severe complications of gastritis, which can cause bleeding of the stomach lining, intestine, or food pipe. Ulcers can sometimes be life-threatening too. Untreated gastritis can lead to ulcers, ongoing pain, swelling, and also bleeding.

Chronic stomach inflammation can also lead to stomach cancers. The symptoms which signal ulcers are burning sensation, stomach ache, nausea with constant burping. If the condition is severe, you may even experience vomiting.

Diet for ulcers plays a vital role in the treatment process. Certain foods heal your ulcers, whereas some foods can aggravate them. Changes in lifestyle can be an essential step towards improving the stomach lining and preventing inflammation.

[Also Read: Natural Treatments For Stomach Ulcer]

Foods to Eat

The happy news is that some ulcer diet foods can help give relief from symptoms and pain. Here are some foods or what we call “the ulcers diet menu,” that you can include in your diet for ulcers:

ulcer food
Image:ShutterStock

1. Broccoli

Broccoli contains fiber, which is very good for ulcers. Fiber can help lower the amounts of acids in your stomach. It can also ease bloating and pain. Research(1) also proves that a fiber-rich diet can help prevent ulcers. Broccoli has a chemical called sulforaphane which has antibacterial properties. It can help to fight against H. pylori bacteria.

2. Yogurt

On the other hand, yogurt has a unique feature of the coating itself around the sores. It helps reduce pain and irritation. Eating yogurt every day can cure ulcers. Yogurt is rich in good bacteria called probiotics. It helps ulcers by fighting H.pylori bacteria, which can make the treatment work better.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A. There is evidence that shows that vitamin A can help to shrink stomach ulcers. It plays a vital role in preventing them. Other foods with proper amounts of vitamin A are spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, and many more.

4. Red Bell Pepper

Red bell pepper is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a significant role in wound healing. People who do not get sufficient vitamin C are prone to ulcers. The supplements of vitamin C include strawberries, tomatoes, and cantaloupe.

[Also Read: Home Remedies for Ulcers]

Other foods that help to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria and reduce ulcer formation include:

  1. Apples
  2. Celery
  3. Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, Cranberries)
  4. Olive oil
  5. Honey
  6. Herbal teas

Foods to Avoid During Ulcers

There are certain foods that can aggravate your ulcer.

1. Milk

People have using milk to treat peptic ulcers for many years. But they could also worsen your ulcers by promoting your stomach to produce more hydrochloric acids. So it is best to avoid milk during ulcers.

2. Alcohol

It works on your digestive tract and makes your ulcers even worse.

3. Fatty and fried foods

They can increase the bloating, which thereby increases your ulcers. It can also increase your pain.

4. Spicy food

It is the primary cause of sores. So you should avoid it till you recover completely.

5. Citrus fruits

They may trigger pain for some. So, it is better to avoid citrus fruits until your ulcer is completely healed.

6. Chocolate

Chocolate has a lot of potential health benefits. However, it could cause discomfort for some people having ulcers. It may make you feel worse, so try to avoid it.

7. Caffeine

It can particularly worsen your ulcers by irritating your stomach and lining. So, you should avoid all drinks like coffee and tea that contain caffeine.

[Also Read: Herbs That Heal Ulcers]

Get the Most Benefits from the Diet for Ulcers

Here are some tips for people to get the most from a diet for ulcers.

  1. Split your meals into six smaller meals rather than having three large meals. Eating in smaller amounts can boost stomach healing by reducing the effects of stomach acids.
  2. Water is an excellent choice for hydration, and it also helps to reduce the production of stomach acids.
  3. You should always avoid the consumption of alcohol, cola, and other high-carb beverages.
  4. There are some dietary supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids, which are an excellent source for probiotics.
  5. If you are considering taking vitamins supplements, please contact a doctor as it can interfere with the treatment of other conditions.
  6. Emotional stress is a well-known factor for triggering stomach acid production. So try to reduce your stress levels.

[Also Read: Essential Oils That Treat Ulcers]

We can, at this moment, conclude, stating that diet plays a vital role in the treatment of your ulcers. But it alone cannot heal your ulcers. You should take proper medication along with a proper diet for ulcers to get a total cure. Always drink plenty of water as it can help in digestion and prevent the formation of gas, and soothe discomfort and heal your ulcers.


FAQs

1. Can a diabetic patient take honey for ulcers?

When you have diabetes, you should avoid honey as it can increase your sugar levels. Try other alternatives such as herbal teas, broccoli, carrot, spinach, and many more. Drink plenty of water as it can give relief from symptoms. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.

2. What diet should be given to children with ulcers?

Children should avoid milk and increase the quantity of curd. You can provide vegetables like broccoli, carrot, and spinach. Try to avoid chocolates, spicy food, and fried food. Make sure the child drinks a lot of water. If the pain or discomfort is severe, you need to contact your doctor immediately.

3. Can we eat green chilies when we have ulcers?

Generally, spicy foods must be avoided during ulcers. If you want to enhance the taste of your food, you can add a pinch of pepper. But it depends upon the severity of your ulcer. If it is severe, avoid chilies and spicy foods.

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