Stomach ulcers are open sores that occur on the inside lining of your stomach. Although diet alone cannot cause an ulcer, eating certain foods can increase stomach acid production, causing your ulcer to become more irritated. Approximately 10 percent of Americans will develop an ulcer at some point in their lives, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have a stomach ulcer, refrain from eating acid-causing foods to relieve ulcer pain and encourage healing.
Types
Your digestive tract includes the stomach, duodenum and esophagus, and ulcers can occur in any of these locations. Gastric ulcer is another name for stomach ulcer. Esophageal ulcers are located in the esophagus and duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, which is the upper small intestine. In addition, peptic ulcer is a term used to describe ulcers of the digestive tract in general.
Causes
A thick layer of mucus protects the lining of your digestive tract from harmful digestive juices. Ulcers form when the mucus layer weakens, allowing digestive juices to touch the lining. Some things that can cause weakening of the mucus layer include a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori and the regular use of anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin.
Foods to Avoid
Do not eat or drink any foods containing caffeine including coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. Avoid seasonings including black and red pepper, chili pepper, cinnamon, cloves and peppermint. Do not eat hot peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes or tomato-based foods, citrus foods and juices or gas-provoking vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Do not eat fried or greasy foods of any type, including french fries and fatty meats, and avoid pickled vegetables. Also, avoid dried cooked beans and peas, nuts and spicy marinades and sauces.
Foods to Eat
Drink herbal tea, apple juice and grape juice. Eat apples, peaches, pears, bananas, berries and grapes.
Have oatmeal, cream of rice, dried cereals, pasta, mashed and baked potatoes, bread, saltine crackers, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, tofu and lean meats such as fish, seafood and poultry. Other well-tolerated foods include low-fat cream soups, broth, bouillon, low-fat gravies and sauces, salt and mild seasonings.
Prevention
Avoid any foods that cause you to experience distress and do not smoke or drink alcohol. Smoking and drinking alcohol will irritate your ulcer and prevent it from healing. Also, avoid stress, which can cause increased acid production.
Warnings
Do not attempt to treat an ulcer on your own. Contact your doctor if have black or tarry-looking stools, vomit blood, are losing weight or experience increased abdominal pain or esophageal burning, which may indicate your ulcer is getting worse.
