Bleeding is a serious complication of peptic ulcers, an open sore that can affect the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. Diet cannot cure ulcers, but it can minimize the risk of contracting an ulcer, decrease complications of an ulcer like bleeding and promote recovery. A diet for ulcers restricts food and beverages that are known to irritate ulcers and aggravate symptoms.
Peptic Ulcers
Ulcers are usually caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin or ibuprofen, notes MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of a peptic ulcer include pain, bloody vomit or stool, nausea, changes in appetite and unintentional weight loss. MayoClinic.com says peptic ulcers that are not treated can result in bleeding, infection and a buildup of scar tissue. Ulcers that bleed can lead to anemia, a blood disorder, hospitalization or the need for a blood transfusion.
Food
Certain foods are known to aggravate ulcers, which may lead to increased symptoms and complications like bleeding. MayoClinic.com and University of Maryland Medical Center recommend limiting foods high in fat or spices because they may exacerbate symptoms. Examples include deep-fried foods and foods made with a lot of butter, oil, cream, cheese or chilies. UMMC also notes that a high-fiber diet may prevent ulcers from developing in the first place and speed up recovery. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, seeds, dried beans or peas and whole grains like brown rice, 100 percent whole-wheat bread or pasta, oats, barley and cornmeal.
Beverages
Treatment for a peptic ulcer focuses on reducing the amount of acid in the digestive tract to decrease pain and promote healing, notes MayoClinic.com. According to UMMC, coffee and carbonated beverages should be avoided with a peptic ulcer because they tend to increase stomach acid. MayoClinic.com says alcohol should be avoided because it can irritate and erode the lining of the digestive tract and cause inflammation and bleeding. The National Institutes of Health adds that alcohol can also prevent ulcers from healing.
Supplements
According to the UMMC, probiotic supplements may prevent ulcers from developing. Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that may help balance out H. pylori and other dangerous bacteria in the digestive system. Vitamin C supplements may also help treat bleeding ulcers that have been caused by aspirin use. UMMC says herbal supplements that have been used to treat peptic ulcers include cranberry, mastic, DGL-licorice and peppermint. Individuals interested in taking a dietary supplement for an ulcer should consult a physician; supplements are not federally regulated and many have not been proven to be safe or effective and can have side effects.
Considerations
Ulcers in the esophagus can be aggravated by acid reflux, a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. MayoClinic.com says dietary measures to control acid reflux include avoiding spicy and fatty foods, restricting alcohol and losing weight if overweight. Weight loss is achieved by moderately reducing calories and increasing physical activity. UMMC recommends exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week to reduce symptoms of a peptic ulcer.
