An ulcer is an open sore that develops in your internal organs or skin. Gastric ulcers affect your stomach, while peptic ulcers may affect your stomach, the beginning of your small intestine or, less commonly, your esophagus. Ulcers are often caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. In rare cases, ulcers derive from tumors. While foods do not typically cause ulcers, a healthy diet, limited in certain foods and beverages, may help reduce your symptoms. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have a bleeding ulcer.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body protect itself from infections and disease. They also provide valuable amounts of fiber. Emphasizing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables may help prevent ulcers from developing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. If you already have an ulcer, these foods may help prevent recurrence. Fruits particularly rich in fiber include apples, bananas, berries, dried fruit, kiwi, guava, citrus fruits and pears. Fiber-rich vegetables include legumes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, leafy greens, butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Nutrient compounds in cranberries, cranberry juice, celery, onions, apples and garlic may help prevent the Helicobacter pylori virus from worsening.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are additional fiber-rich food options. As low-glycemic foods, whole grains have a milder impact on your blood sugar levels than refined grains such as white flour, thus promoting longer-lasting energy. For this reason, replacing refined grain products with whole grain equivalents may help reduce fatigue and lethargy associated with bleeding ulcer recovery. Incorporate a variety of whole grain foods, such as 100 percent whole grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, popcorn and barley, into your diet regularly for the broadest dietary benefits.
Nuts, Seeds and Plant-Based Oils
Nuts, seeds and plant-based oils provide healthy unsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and brain function, and help your body absorb certain nutrients. They also carry rich amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E. According to research published in "Clinical Nutrition" in 2007, nuts, seeds and oils may also reduce your risk for new ulcers. In the study, 100 patients with lung injuries -- potential triggers for bleeding ulcers -- consumed a diet enriched with healthy fats and vitamins A, C and E, or a diet without nutrient enhancement. At the study's end, patients who ate the enriched diet exhibited far fewer ulcer symptoms than patients who did not. To reap potentially similar benefits, incorporate vitamin E-rich foods into your diet, including wheat germ oil, almonds, almond butter, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, hazelnuts, peanuts and peanut butter.
Lean Protein
Protein provides amino acids, the building blocks of lean tissue. Protein-rich foods also help your body tissues repair and support the physical strength necessary for healing. UMMC reports that high-fat protein sources, such as red meat, fried chicken and whole milk, may trigger acid production and worsen esophageal ulcer symptoms, so select lean varieties most often. Valuable sources of protein include skinless white-meat poultry, egg whites, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish. Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, also contribute omega-3 fatty acids, which may help alleviate inflammation caused by bleeding ulcers.
