1. It's Not Just What You Eat, It's How You Eat
The most important thing to remember when eating for a peptic ulcer is that regardless of the type of food, if you eat too much or don't chew your food well, you will experience ulcer symptoms. Eating three small meals and three healthy snacks each day can help limit the stress on your stomach and keep you from feeling hungry. Additionally, you can aid digestion and prevent stomach upset by drinking plenty of water, standing or sitting upright while eating and stopping eating about 4 hours before bedtime.
2. Stop the Burn
Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastric ulcers, therefore your ulcer diet should items which cause heartburn. Be good to your tummy, and avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Spicy foods and citric fruits should be avoided as well as any other foods that you notice cause you discomfort. Additionally, as much as you may be tempted, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or over-the-counter painkillers as well as antacids should be avoided. These quick fixes are just that - they only mask the symptoms and do little to help you heal.
3. Feed Your Ulcer
There are many foods which can help to decrease acid production in the stomach and in turn help your ulcer heal. Some of the items you should definitely include in your ulcer diet are fresh fruits and vegetables, excluding tomatoes, peppers and citrus fruits. Additionally, high-fiber foods such as whole grains as well as nuts and beans can help aid digestion and soothe your ulcer symptoms. Finally, eat plenty of fish and white meat to ensure that you receive enough protein.
4. Give Your Stomach a Rest
Just like there are foods which decrease acid production, other exacerbate acid production, aggravating your symptoms. In addition to the obvious acidic foods, hard to digest meats such as pork and beef can do you more harm than good. Fats, refined flours and sugars and highly processed foods in general should be avoided, as they are difficult for your stomach to break down, causing the production of extra acid.
5. Recruit the Healing Power of Herbs
There are a number of natural remedies you can incorporate in your ulcer diet, which in addition to your doctor prescribed medication will help you heal. For instance, try replacing your morning coffee with a hot cup of licorice tea, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to protect the lining of the stomach. Aloe vera juice is another great option with a mild flavor. A cool glass of aloe vera juice several times a day is not only a refreshing drink, it will help to heal the damaged tissues of your stomach.
