Basics
Ulcers are holes or sores in the digestive tract. They can occur anywhere along the system, from the mouth and esophagus to the stomach. Most ulcers, also called duodenum ulcers, occur in the upper part of the intestines, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). While the H pylori bacteria causes ulcers, acid and other juices produced by the stomach aggravate them and burn the walls lining the digestive tract. Symptoms of an ulcer are most apparent after eating, such as feeling better after eating, yet worse within two or three hours or experiencing stomach pain in the middle of the night. Ulcers cause patients to feel full quickly and to often feel sick immediately after eating. Ulcers can cause unexpected weight loss, vomiting and a bloated, burning or dull pain in the stomach.
Foods to Avoid
Doctors at the AAFP report that ulcer sufferers vary in their responses to various foods. While many people become sick after ingesting acidic citrus fruits or juices, others report no side effects. All people with ulcers should avoid food that causes heartburn because the acid backup of heartburn will aggravate an ulcer and slow the healing process. Certain foods tend to cause more pain in ulcer patients than others. Most people with ulcers should avoid caffeine in any form, from coffee and tea to chocolate and caffeinated sodas or use them in small amounts on a full stomach. Decaffeinated drinks provide ulcer pain in the same way. Spices that should be avoided while tending to an ulcer include black and red pepper, nutmeg, mustard seed and chili powder.
Ulcer Diet
Doctors at the AAFP recommend ulcer patients eat a balanced diet and consider breaking meals down into small, more frequent meals when pain is present. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health report that diets high in fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables can help to prevent the reoccurrence of ulcers, particularly duodenal ulcers.
Doctors at Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology in Pennsylvania recommend drinking milk to soothe the pain of ulcers. They also recommend adjusting the diet to reduce the amount of fatty meat, tomato products and peppermint that may be eaten. People with ulcer should eat more baked or broiled dishes and refrain from fatty, fried foods to prevent ulcer pain and to promote healing. Food always should be chewed slowly and thoroughly in a relaxed atmosphere to avoid stomach acid development due to stress. The final meal of the day should be eaten at least two hours prior to retiring.
