A thick mucus layer protects the lining of your stomach from harmful digestive juices. Ulcers occur due to the erosion of this mucus layer, which allows digestive juices to make contact with the stomach lining and form an ulcer. The most common causes of mucus layer erosion are bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Although foods cannot cause an ulcer, eating certain foods can further irritate your ulcer and delay the healing process. The use of medication along with dietary changes can help your ulcer heal.
Types of Medications
Common antibiotics prescribed to treat H. pylori include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline; you will take the prescribed antibiotic for about two weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole or pantoprazole, to block acid production. The addition of histamine blockers is useful to reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract. Examples of histamine blockers include ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine and nizatidine. Other medications that are helpful in the treatment of ulcers include cytoprotective agents to protect the lining of your digestive tract, such as sucralfate, cytotec and bismuth subsalicylate, and antacids to neutralize stomach acid. Medications to treat your ulcer, other than antibiotics, may be necessary for two months or longer.
Foods to Avoid
Foods that are spicy, high in fat or high in acid tend to irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acids. Foods to avoid include hot peppers, onions, garlic, chili powder, black pepper or products containing caffeine. Additionally, avoid foods that contain peppermint or spearmint and do not eat tomatoes or tomato-based products. Avoid all citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, and do not consume citrus or vegetable juices. Do not drink alcohol and do not eat fried foods or fatty meats. Also avoid high-fat dairy products and choose low-fat or fat-free products instead.
Foods to Eat
Eat foods that are mildly flavored and do not cause stomach discomfort. Consume lean meats, such as skinless poultry and fish, and drink caffeine-free beverages. Eat low-acid fruits, such as apples and grapes, and eat potatoes and pasta without high-fat toppings or sauces. Consume dried beans and peas if they do not cause you to experience excess gas or pain. Also, eat whole-grains such as dry cereal, cooked cereals and whole-grain breads.
Warnings
Contact your doctor if you experience sudden increased pain, your pain reaches your back or your pain does not go away when you take your medicine. In addition, call your doctor if you vomit blood or contents that resemble coffee grounds. These symptoms may all indicate that your ulcer is getting worse.
