The most beneficial diet for a stomach ulcer is one that includes easily digested and mildly flavored foods. Everyone reacts to food differently, so there is no single diet that works across the board. Ulcers stem from an infection caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori. Certain foods can increase the production of stomach acid, which contributes to ulcer damage, but eating certain foods will not cause an ulcer.
Types
Ulcers are sores in the lining of your digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and first part of your intestines known as the duodenum. Stomach ulcers are located in the stomach and called gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers are located in the duodenum and esophageal ulcers are in the esophagus. In addition, peptic ulcer is another term that refers to ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production. Do not consume foods containing caffeine such as regular and decaffeinated coffee, tea, colas, cocoa and chocolate. In addition, do not eat black or red pepper, hot peppers or chili powder. Avoid tomato products, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, vegetable juices, sauerkraut and pickled vegetables, peppermint, fatty food such as potato chips, citrus fruits and juices, onions, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, dried beans and peas, fatty or greasy meats, nuts and all fried foods. In general, limit or avoid any foods that cause heartburn, pain in your esophagus or stomach distress.
Friendly Foods
Foods that are less likely to cause stomach distress include caffeine-free drinks, mild herbal teas and low acid juices, such as apple, grape or pear. Eat pasta without spicy or tomato-based sauces, rice, cream of wheat or oatmeal cereal, dried cereal, baked or mashed potatoes, breads and saltine crackers. Other stomach friendly foods include apples, peaches, pears, grapes, kiwi, melon, berries and bananas. In addition, dairy products can be consumed in low-fat or fat-free options and salt, mild seasonings and low-fat gravies and sauces are usually well-tolerated.
Prevention
Stress can cause an increase in stomach acid so if you are feeling stressed, talk to your doctor about stress reduction. In addition, do not smoke. The use of tobacco will aggravate your ulcer and slow the healing process. If you are unable to quit smoking on your own, ask your doctor about available smoking cessation programs. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen, which can cause an ulcer and do not consume alcohol, which increases acid production.
Warnings
Contact your doctor right away if you vomit blood, feel cold or clammy, have ongoing nausea or repeated vomiting, sudden severe pain, you are losing weight, have black or tarry looking stools, pain in your back or you feel weak or dizzy. These could all be signs that your ulcer is worse.
Tips
Set up a schedule of regular mealtimes. Eating too often can produce excess stomach acid.
