Ulcers, or sores in the lining of your stomach, can cause pain, heartburn and nausea. Many ulcers are caused by an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori; other ulcers may be caused by taking too many over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin or ibuprofen. While treating an ulcer, your physician will generally start you on an antibiotic to treat the bacteria and ask you to stop using any offending medications. When you develop an ulcer, you should change your diet to avoid foods that can cause gastric irritation. Certain types of foods may contain substances that may inhibit the growth of the H. pylori bacteria. A registered dietitian can help you create a diet plan to help your through your ulcer treatment.
Eat Foods Rich in Flavonoids
Flavonoids -- substances in fruits and vegetables -- have been shown to prevent the growth of the H. pylori bacteria, as noted on DrJanson.com. Eating foods that contain these substances may help get rid of the bacteria and allow you ulcer to heal. Flavonoids are responsible for the color found in various fruits and vegetables; eating foods like apples, cranberries, onions and garlic can be an important part of your diet while you have an ulcer. Fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants, which can also be helpful when you have an ulcer.
Reduce Caffeinated and Alcoholic Beverages
Caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid, which can increase irritation and pain. While you have an active ulcer, you should avoid beverages that contain caffeine like coffee, cocoas, caffeinated teas and chocolates, advises Drugs.com. Decaffeinated coffees tend to irritate the stomach linings as well, so you should abstain from all types of coffee during your treatment. Alcohol can irritate and wear away the stomach lining and lead to bleeding from your ulcer; you should significantly decrease or eliminate your alcohol intake.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Spicy and greasy foods do not cause ulcers as was once believed, but spicy, fried and fatty foods can all cause stomach irritation and you should avoid them while you have an ulcer, notes Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Spices, such as red and black pepper, chili powder, mustard seeds, nutmeg and hot pepper lead to abdominal pain; avoid foods that contain these spices unless your physician recommends otherwise. While garlic contains flavonoids, this seasoning may also lead to heartburn, so monitor your reactions to foods and eliminate foods that cause problems while you have an ulcer.
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
Eating a diet that is high in fiber can also help your stomach heal when you have an ulcer. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, like rice, bread, and pasta, which contain important vitamins and nutrients that you need to recover. Fiber may also help absorb some of the excess acid which can also help with the healing, according to DrJanson.com. Certain foods with high amounts of fiber may cause gas and bloating, but that does not mean that you should avoid fiber while you have an ulcer. Monitor how you feel after you eat a food with fiber; if you notice discomfort, you can eliminate it for the time being.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Acidic foods can also add to your stomach irritation while you have an ulcer. Limit foods like citric fruits like oranges and lemons and the juices from these fruits during your ulcer treatment. Tomatoes are also high in acid; foods that contain tomatoes, like salsa, pizza, spaghetti sauce, and tomato juice may all cause additional stomach irritation while you have an ulcer.
