Diet For Gastric Ulcer Patients

Gastric ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach. Peptic ulcers can develop in several places throughout the digestive tract at once or in a single area. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about half a million people develop a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. A combination of drug and diet therapy can greatly reduce symptoms and future development of gastric ulcers with the help of a physician and dietitian.

Background

Gastric ulcers are an erosion of the lower stomach tissue close to the small intestine. In serious cases that go untreated, stomach erosion leads to perforation, requiring immediate medical attention. The act of erosion and perforation of the stomach tissue leaves nerves exposed that cause the painful, burning feeling due to the highly acidic environment of the stomach.

Causes

The two main causes of gastric ulcers are a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Helicobacter pylori is transmitted into the body by poor hand washing when handling food, contaminated food or water or improper cooking or washing of food. Less common contraction of Helicobacter pylori is through contact with stool or vomit, and rarely, infected saliva. Once inside the body, Helicobacter pylori causes damage to the coating of the stomach. Both Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decrease the strength of the protective mucosa in the stomach over time.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom you will feel is abdominal discomfort in the form of a burning pain between your sternum and your navel. This type of pain usually occurs on an empty stomach between meals or at night, and can last anywhere from a minute to hours. Eating food or taking an antacid can give you a quick feeling of relief, but not permanently. Additional symptoms include poor appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, burping and vomiting. Serious gastric ulcer symptoms range from sharp, persistent stomach pain to blood in the stool or vomit, requiring immediate medical attention.

Nutrition Therapy

In addition to the drugs your physician will prescribe that decrease acid secretion, adjusting your diet can help to relieve and prevent further symptoms. Avoiding black or red pepper, caffeine, peppermint, both regular and decaffeinated coffee and alcohol, can help you tolerate your meals better without feeling pain. If you experience pain after drinking citrus fruit juices, limit or avoid them in your diet. Other strategies to avoid pain are to avoid lying down after eating and avoid eating meals close to bedtime. Also, you may tolerate small, frequent meals better than three large meals throughout the day.

Warning

If you experience any symptoms of a gastric ulcer, consult your physician immediately. Before changing your medications or diet, consult your physician and dietitian.