Ulcers of the digestive tract often occur because of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, smoking, caffeine, alcohol, stress acid production in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. While dietary factors can play a role in the amount of acid produced by your stomach and affect the healing process of ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center no one diet helps all ulcer patients. Consult your doctor prior to using diet to control your ulcers.
Foods That Heal
The selection of foods high in fiber, vitamin A and flavenoids can help prevent ulcers from forming or help heal current ulcers. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains to help protect your digestive tract from ulcer formation and improve the healing rate of current ulcers. Flavanoids, found in cranberries, garlic, onions, tea and celery might inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and prevent ulcer formation. Vitamin A helps heal organ tissue and can protect the lining of your digestive tract from ulcers caused by excessive acid production. Foods naturally high in vitamin A include broccoli, asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, papaya and pumpkin.
Foods To Avoid
Just as some food can help ulcers, others can make them worse. Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, milk and spicy foods. Alcohol may not produce ulcers, but ulcers occur more frequently in people with cirrhosis of the liver, which results from heavy alcohol consumption. Foods containing caffeine, including soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and tea, can increase the production of acid in your stomach, increasing the risk of ulcer formation and the pain caused by current ulcers. The consumption of more than 2 to 3 glasses of milk each day can also increase the production of acid by your stomach. Foods seasoned with black pepper, red pepper, garlic, chili powder or onion can increase stomach acid production in some people. Limit their intake only if they cause feelings of stomach discomfort or acid reflux.
Eating Pattern
How you eat your foods can also have an effect on living an ulcer-free life. Dr. Frank W. Jackson from Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology in Pennsylvania suggests improving your digestive process by chewing your food thoroughly, eating in a calm manner, stopping all food consumption within two hours of going to bed and avoiding any foods that cause stomach upset. Instead of eating three large meals during the day, consider eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Considerations
Lifestyle factors can also help prevent ulcers from forming. Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water to prevent contaminating yourself with Helicobacter pylori and ensure all foods you eat are completely cooked. If you rely on over-the-counter pain relievers to control body aches or pains, consult your doctor about alternatives or take them with meals. Find ways to control your stress levels such as exercising, meditating or journaling to reduce your risk of ulcer formation even further. Consult your doctor about the best treatment for your ulcers.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Somach and Duodinal Ulcers; January 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peptic Ulcer; D. Ehrlich, NMD; September 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- Ohio State University Medical Center; Avoiding Gastric Stimulants Diet Changes for Ulcer Disease; June 2009
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Peptic Ulcer Disease and Non Ulcer Dyspepsia Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
