A peptic ulcer is a small hole or sore in the lining of the stomach or in the top of the intestine. Ulcers also can develop in the mouth and esophagus. The corrosive affect of acid and gastric juices irritate an ulcer and cause it to worsen. Ulcers may develop rapidly or slowly over a period of time. The Mayo Clinic reports that ulcers are not caused by diet or stress, but certain foods should be avoided while treating an ulcer with medication.
Modifications
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that typically only minor modifications in a normal diet are required for patients with chronic ulcers. The major goal of any diet for people with ulcers is to avoid drastic levels of gastric juices. Milk should be avoided because of its effect on gastric juice production, as well as spices like red and black pepper and chili powder. Coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided because they can stimulate acid production. The NIH encourages ulcer sufferers to limit their intake of food that causes heartburn or discomfort, which may vary among individuals. For example, while citrus fruits and juices cause pain and discomfort in some patients, others report no effects from the food. If it hurts, don't eat it anymore is the mantra promoted by most healthcare professionals, the NIH reports.
Variations
Eating large quantities of food in one sitting that cause the stomach to distend is not healthy for a peptic ulcer, notes the NIH. Previous ulcer diets advised patients to eat large portions of bland food such as soups and bread with no butter, but newer research has proven that any large portions can be harmful to the ulcer healing. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that no specific diet has proven helpful in treating ulcers. Smoking, however, has been shown to irritate an ulcer and slow or inhibit the healing process.
Gluten-free
Many people with ulcers, particularly those that develop in the mouth and small intestine, are diagnosed with celiac disease, which is a genetic immune disorder. Patients are found to be allergic to gluten, or products containing wheat, barley, rye and oats. Since the gluten caused the ulcers in the first place, it must be eliminated from the diet to prevent further ulcerations and the inherent side effects. People who develop ulcers because of gluten sensitivity can find a plethora of gluten-free products on grocery and health food store shelves. The Mayo Clinic recommends other healthy grain alternatives such as bread, muffins and bagels made from potato, rice or corn flours. Corn tortillas, hominy, grits and rice cereals are good foods to eat on a gluten-free diet. To avoid future ulcers and promote healing, patients should carefully read labels for products that contain gluten, such as certain medications, toothpaste and sodas.
