Peptic ulcers describe holes in the lining of the stomach or duodenum usually caused by infection with a bacterium called helicobacter pylori, according to the website Lab Tests Online. H. pylori damages the layers of mucous that protects the lining of the stomach from the acidic stomach content, which exposes the inner sensitive stomach layer to stomach acids. Patients with peptic ulcers experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn and indigestion. Certain vitamins and minerals help heal stomach ulcers.
Vitamin C
Patients with peptic ulcers should consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that inhibits the growth of helicobacter pylori bacterium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients with active stomach ulcers should choose non-acidic fruits such as apples, pears, watermelons and bananas. Vegetables rich in vitamin C include green leafy vegetables such spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli and mustard greens.
Calcium
Patients with peptic ulcers should consume foods rich in calcium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Calcium is a mineral that helps heal wounds. Patients with active stomach ulcers should opt for low-fat, calcium-rich food because excess fat causes increased stomach acid secretion that may cause further irritation to stomach sores. Calcium-rich foods suitable for patients with peptic ulcers include fat-free milk, fat-free dairy products, beans and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Vitamin K
Patients with active ulcers should consume foods rich in vitamin K because the vitamin helps speed the healing of sores in the stomach. Vitamin K is important in aiding the blood to clot and prevents excessive loss of blood from bleeding ulcers. Foods rich in vitamin K include cabbage, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale and fat-free milk.
