Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, also called ZES is a condition in which small tumors in the pancreas or duodenum cause an increased production of the hormone gastrin. High levels of gastrin cause production of excess stomach acid, which can lead to peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Your doctor may suspect ZES if your peptic ulcers do not respond to treatment. Certain dietary modifications can help speed the healing of peptic ulcers.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Diet
The doctor may advise you to eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, according to MayoClinic.com. These foods contain vitamins that can help speed the healing of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. A diet that contains little vitamin-rich foods can make it difficult for your body to heal peptic ulcers. Additionally, a diet rich in fiber may speed the healing of ulcers. Fiber found in fruits and vegetables is particularly effective.
Irritating Foods
Choose mildly flavored foods and easy to digest foods such as well-cooked vegetables, steamed rice and baked fish. Spicy foods can worsen symptoms of existing ulcers, according to Drugs.com. Avoid or limit stomach irritants such as tomatoes, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, salsa, hot pepper, chillies, black pepper, red pepper, curry powder, peppermint and citrus juices.
Alcohol
Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Foods with caffeine increase the production of stomach acid, which can worsen existing peptic ulcers. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, decaffeinated coffee or tea, colas, chocolate, energy drinks and carbonated beverages. Excess alcohol can irritate and erode the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
Zollinger-Ellison Symptoms
ZES symptoms are similar to those of peptic ulcers. You may experience a dull or burning pain in your stomach. The pain normally starts between meals or at night and stops when you eat or use antacids. Other symptoms of peptic ulcers include heartburn, indigestion, bloating, belching, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and unintentional weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Call your doctor right away if you have bloody vomit, black stools or sudden sharp stomach pain that does not go away.
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