What to Eat When You Have an Ulcer

Suffering from stomach ulcers or gastritis can be quite distressing with all the pain, discomfort and food restrictions. An ulcer, also referred to as peptic ulcer, is a sore that is formed in the gastrointestinal tract due to a bacterial infection. The main culprit behind it is the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which attack the inner lining of the digestive tract and cause damage. This leads to the eruption of sores, or ulcers, in the digestive tract lining. Certain medications are also known to cause ulcers, since they erode the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Some doctors believe that stress also is a culprit in aggravating this condition. The food we eat is also responsible for aggravating or reducing the symptoms. Hence a stomach ulcer diet is designed for this condition and includes foods that are ulcer friendly and help in reducing the severity of the ulcers.

Foods to Eat When You Have a Stomach Ulcer

Generally, doctors advice the patient to follow certain diet restrictions to minimize the pain and discomfort caused due to this distressing disorder. Here is a list of what you can eat when you have a stomach ulcer.

• Bagels
• Barley
• Cereals
• Crackers
• Dinner rolls
• English muffins
• French toast
• Low fat pancakes
• Bran flakes
• Oatmeal
• Noodles
• Pasta
• Pita breads
• Waffles
• Whole wheat bread
• Cabbage
• Cabbage juice
• Potatoes, mashed or baked
• Celery
• Kale
• Salad greens
• Apples
• Bananas
• Berries
• Cranberries
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Melons
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Wood apples
• Milk
• Legumes
• Beans
• Soy products
• Tofu
• Lean meat
• Poultry
• Seafood

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer

Being aware of the foods to avoid with ulcers is an added advantage. Not including them will be helpful as these foods can worsen the condition.

• Chocolate and other cocoa products
• Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruit
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Condiments like nutmeg, cinnamon, mustard, cloves etc.
• Garlic, ginger and other spices
• Pickled vegetables
• Junk foods like potato chips, fries and other fried foods
• Peppermint
• Foods that induce bloating and gas like Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, sauerkraut, cauliflower, broccoli etc.

Some Important Pointers Regarding Ulcers

Ulcers can be quite a painful affair, so proper precautions must be exercised so as not to aggravate them. Here are some things that you need to follow if you also have an ulcer complaint.

• Eat small, regular meals instead of having larger meals. Smaller meals can be easily digested, without putting too much strain on the stomach.
• Foods containing flavonoids and probiotics like green teas, yogurt etc have a soothing effect on the ulcer pain. Drinking a glass of cold milk will relieve the burning sensation in the stomach and also reduce heartburn.
• Avoid oily as well as spicy foods, as these may flare up the ulcer, causing more pain and discomfort. Foods containing chilies, chili powder, black and red pepper, etc tend to irritate the inner lining of the stomach and aggravate the condition.
• Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks are also a strict no-no if you are having a stomach ulcer. These drinks increase the acidity levels in the stomach and also intensity of pain.
• Nicotine can also exacerbate the ulcer and even cause bleeding. So smoking should be completely stopped to avoid this complication.
• Modifying the lifestyle accordingly will prove to be helpful in treating this condition successfully and also prevent the recurrence of ulcers and other digestive system related problems.

These food restrictions will help reduce the intensity of the ulcer and bring down the pain. Apart from food, appropriate medications and routine checkup with a health care provider can provide relief from this health disorder without any serious complications. Take care!