Ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum. These may be caused by bacterial infection and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ulcers are classified based on their anatomic location. Gastric ulcers are found in the stomach, duodenal ulcers affect the first part of the small intestine and the esophageal ulcer occurs in the esophagus. Nausea and abdominal pain are symptoms that may result from ulcers. Severe signs such as vomiting blood, unplanned weight loss and black or tarry stool may also occur. Drug therapy and lifestyle modifications are used to treat ulcers.
Acidic Food
Cut down on food that may increase gastric acid secretion. Food such as carbonated beverages, and caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may have this effect on your stomach. Avoid alcoholic beverages; these may cause more damage to the stomach tissue increasing your risk of bleeding and infection. Also citrus fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and orange may irritate the lining of the stomach.
Spicy Foods
Although spicy foods are not known to cause ulcers, sometimes they may irritate or delay healing of the lining of your stomach. Spicy food includes all types of peppers, chili, cayenne and black pepper, chili powder and curry powder, and foods prepared with them. Also cinnamon and peppermint may aggravate your symptoms.
Fat
Avoid consuming butter, lard, margarine and any product made with hydrogenated fats because these products are high in saturated fat and may irritate your stomach worsening your symptoms. Saturated fats can be found in cookies, bread, cakes, doughnuts and other pastry products. Olive or vegetable oil may be used instead. Avoid meats with high fat content; select lean meats, poultry and fish instead. Read the label and choose products with 0 grams of saturated fats.
References
- MayoClinic: Peptic Ulcers
- National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive, and Kidney Diseases: Peptic Ulcer
- MedlinePlus: Peptic Ulcer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peptic Ulcer
- Krause's Food & Nutrition Therapy; Mahan, L. Kathleen., Sylvia Escott-Stump and Marie V. Krause; 2008.
