Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum. They are usually caused by the Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, bacterium, although they can also result from long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While diet does not cause ulcers, the foods you eat can aggravate your condition. In addition, some foods can soothe your pain and may hasten the healing process. Always speak with your health practitioner before changing your diet to treat ulcers or other serious disease.
Symptoms
Constant burning or gnawing pain in the stomach is a common sign of a possible ulcer. Additionally, you may experience pain for several hours after eating, or pain may worsen on an empty stomach. Other signs are chronic indigestion, heartburn, belching, flatulence, weight loss, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and bleeding during vomiting or bleeding from the anus. If you vomit blood, have black, tarry-colored stools or an increase in the intensity of your abdominal pain, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Causes
The protective coating of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum can be compromised by the H. pylori bacterium, which allows stomach acids to damage the digestive tract lining, causing a peptic ulcer. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that 20 percent of American adults have H. pylori in their guts, but have no symptoms or signs of a developing ulcer. In addition, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers is responsible for eating away at the stomach lining, allowing the formation of ulcers. Other prescription drugs are also implicated in causing ulcers. If you suspect you might have an ulcer, consult your health practitioner about what pain medicines are safe for you to take.
Harmful Foods
Caffeinated beverages including sodas, coffee and tea cause the stomach to produce excess stomach acids, which can irritate your ulcers. You should also avoid refined sugars and white flour products, red meats and animal fat, foods high in trans-fatty acids like donuts, margarine and fried foods. The University of Alabama notes that anecdotal evidence indicates that people who drink alcohol and have cirrhosis of the liver are more likely to also have ulcers. At one time, milk and dairy products were recommended for the treatment of a peptic ulcer. This is no longer the case, according to 2008 information from the NYU Healthwise website. In some cases, drinking milk may actually aggravate an ulcer by triggering the release of additional stomach acids.
Helpful Foods
Certain herbs and other foods may help relieve pain and help speed healing. Peppermint has antibacterial properties, which may help eliminate the H. pylori bacterium, adds UMMC. Apples, cranberries, onion, garlic, tea and celery all contain flavonoids, which may inhibit H. pylori growth. Include foods high in antioxidants, like blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, orange and red colored fruits and vegetables, in your diet to help treat your ulcer. Foods high in B-vitamins, such as almonds, whole grains, beans and dark leafy greens, may help relieve symptoms. Healthy fats, such as avocado and olive oils, support the digestive system and may help soothe the digestive tract. The herb licorice helps restore the mucous lining of the digestive tract by creating a protective coating called mucilage, according to Phyllis Balch in her book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing." Consume licorice in an herbal tea for best results. Because it can thin the blood, do not use licorice if you take blood-thinning medicines.
References
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers -- Peptic Ulcers
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peptic Ulcer; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Sept. 20, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peppermint; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 19, 2009
- NYU Healthwide; Make Changes to Your Diet for a Peptic Ulcer; Monica Rhodes; Jan. 2008
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
