Gastric ulcers are open sores or lesions in the lining of the stomach and are typically caused by inflammation from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The condition causes abdominal pain both after eating and on an empty stomach as well as indigestion. Treatment includes antibiotic treatment of the bacteria and a diet change that allows the lesions to heal. Maintaining a healthy diet is important during the healing process but there are certain foods that should be avoided for people with gastric ulcers.
Alcohol
People with gastric ulcers should avoid the use of alcohol, according to the Mayo Clinic. The alcohol in these beverages can irritate the stomach lining and cause further inflammation and bleeding.
Caffeinated Beverages
Beverages containing caffeine can also irritate the stomach lining in people with gastric ulcers, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Examples of these beverages include colas, tea and cocoa. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees and teas can increase acid levels in the stomach and cause abdominal pain, according to the UMMC.
High-Fat Meats
High-fat meats, such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs, can cause irritation of the stomach lining, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center website. Patients should substitute low-fat meats like poultry and fish or beans in place of these types of meats.
Whole Fat Dairy Products
Drinking milk can sometimes soothe the abdominal pain caused by a stomach ulcer and used to be prescribed as a part of the treatment, according to the UMMC. However, doctors have found that full fat milk can increase the amount of acid in the stomach and make the situation worse. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, patients with gastric ulcers should avoid whole fat dairy products completely and limit the amount of low-fat milk consumed to two to three glasses a day at most. Using low- or non-fat cheese or yogurt or soy milk can help supply the necessary amount of calcium; a calcium supplement may also be needed.
Fried Foods
Fried foods contain high amounts of fat and can also irritate the stomach lining, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. Patients with gastric ulcers should also avoid butter, lard and margarine because of the fat content, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Using heart-healthy unsaturated fats such as olive or canola oils for cooking are better options.
Spices
Spices do not actually play a role in the healing of a stomach ulcer, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. However, the spices and spicy foods can cause stomach pain and should be avoided in patients with a stomach ulcer. Examples include black pepper, red pepper and chili powder, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. If other spices cause abdominal distress, they should be avoided as well depending on personal tolerance.
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