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Duodenum Diet

Jun 14, 2011 | By Lila Roe
Duodenum Diet
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The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine and a common location of peptic ulcers. In the past, doctors believed that diet strongly contributed to ulcer formation but have since discovered that most peptic ulcers stem from infection caused by the bacteria helicobacter pylori. While diet might not play as strong a role in ulcer formation as previously thought, certain dietary changes still might help prevent their occurrences.

Importance of Tracking Diet and Symptoms

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that no specific diet exists to reduce the symptoms of an ulcer. The recommendation of avoiding spicy, fatty and acidic foods in favor of a bland diet has been found ineffective, explains the UMMC. This does not mean that what you eat has no effect on your symptoms. Like many other health issues, symptom triggers can vary among individuals. Taking the time to track what you ate in relation to the presence and severity of symptoms can help you design a personalized eating plan.

Caffeine and Alcohol

While certain foods might not affect ulcers, medical recommendations against consuming caffeine appear to be valid. According to the UMMC, caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, which can aggravate ulcers. The Mayo Clinic recommends cutting back on your alcohol consumption as well; alcohol can irritate and break down the lining of your stomach and intestines, worsening peptic ulcers.

Controlling Heartburn

If you have a duodenal ulcer, you will want to avoid acid reflux, explains the Mayo Clinic. The registered dietitian-created website Healthcastle explains that while many suggestions have been found ineffective for managing acid reflux, such as avoiding spicy and acidic foods, some dietary strategies can still help. The site recommends cutting back on fatty foods; they remain in the stomach longer, forcing your body to secrete more acid to digest them. Instead, eating starchy carbohydrates like bread, rice or pasta at every meal can help as these food items absorb excess stomach acid. Your body also generally has an easier time digesting these types of foods.

Probiotics

Adding probiotics to your diet might also help heal ulcers, reports a study published in the 2007 edition of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. These friendly bacteria can help kill H. pylori infection, the cause of most duodenal ulcers. The study showed that the addition of a probiotic supplement to the standard antibiotic therapy for this infection eradicated the infection in 92 percent of patients compared to the rate of bacteria death in those taking the standard therapy on its own, which was 72 percent. However, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Eating Tips

How you eat can make a significant impact on managing ulcer symptoms. Eating smaller meals leaves less food for your body to digest at once, reducing acid secretions. Eat sitting fully upright and avoid lying down for at least 45 minutes after eating. Avoid exercise, bending, twisting and other movements soon after eating that will interfere with digestion. Do not eat within two or three hours of going to bed.

References

Article reviewed by SPEstes Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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