Ulcers are a common digestive problem. A peptic ulcer erodes the mucous membrane of the stomach and a duodenal ulcer erodes the mucous membrane of the duodenum, the top portion of the small intestine, leaving underlying tissues unprotected against gastric juices. Excessive bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and infection.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ulcer causes include infection with Helicobactor pylori bacteria that is treated with antibiotics, use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that is treated by discontinuing use, and disorders that affect gastric acid secretion, treated with prescription medications.
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that to avoid disagreeable symptoms, a person should eliminate certain irritating substances from the diet and avoid smoking. Medicines can suppress stomach acid and endoscopic therapy can stop the ulcer from bleeding.
Coffee
Coffee stimulates secretion of gastric acid. Limit or avoid both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.
Caffeine
Caffeine also stimulates acid secretion. Aside from increased acid secretion and the discomfort associated with its consumption, research has not strongly implicated caffeine as a direct cause of peptic ulcer. Limit caffeine containing beverages or drink only as tolerated.
Alcoholic Beverages
Fermented alcohol beverages stimulate gastric acid secretion. Alcohol in large amounts may damage the stomach lining or interfere with treatment of a peptic ulcer. Avoid beer and wine because they increase gastric secretions significantly.
Foods That Aggravate Ulcers
The role of diet and nutritional status has changed since the identification of the H. Pylori bacteria as the primary contributor to the development of ulcers. According to the Mayo Clinic, spicy foods do not directly cause ulcers but may contribute and delay healing.
Doctors and dietitians no longer advocate a bland diet, but recommend avoiding specific foods that routinely cause pain or indigestion. Offending foods may vary by individual. Eat foods as tolerated, but if certain foods cause irritation, discuss the problem with a doctor.
Things to Avoid
Some spices such as red and black pepper or large amounts of chili pepper can cause superficial damage to the stomach lining. Minimize aspirin use and avoid smoking tobacco. Use of tobacco products causes a decrease in secretion of bicarbonate and delays healing of ulcers.
Although stress does not cause peptic ulcers, it contributes to development by aggravating symptoms and delaying healing. To minimize the effect of stress on ulcers, manage emotional stress levels arising from work-related or family-related stress, or physical stress from the trauma of an injury or surgery.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Peptic Ulcer: Causes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stomach Disease or Trauma
- "Understanding Nutrition, Ninth Edition", Eleanor Noss Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2002
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy, 10th Edition"; Mahan and Escott-Stump; 2000
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