The lining of your stomach has a very important function -- it produces the acid that breaks down the foods you eat, and that acid also fights infection by warding off bacteria. Unfortunately, this acid may also damage your stomach lining, which can lead to a variety of maladies, including ulcers. Your physician may suggest medications to protect your stomach lining, but there are also foods you can eat to help do the same.
Bananas
Eat bananas to guard your stomach lining against acid. This tropical fruit triggers your body to produce more mucus, which coats the stomach and protects the lining from the corrosive effects of stomach acid. This action helps prevent stomach ulcers. Certain compounds in bananas also contribute to this by decreasing the amount of bacteria that play a role in ulcer development.
Fatty Fish
Fish high in omega-3 fatty acid may provide benefits for the lining of your stomach. A study published in the February 2006 issue of "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" looked at the effects of these types of fish on stomach ulcers as well as the protective effects on stomach mucus in rats. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids increased antioxidant activity that helps protect the stomach lining and augmented the stomach lining mucus. More research is needed to confirm these findings, but you can add salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna and sardines to your diet now as a protective measure.
Yogurt
Certain types of yogurt are an excellent choice for protecting your stomach lining. Specially formulated yogurt that contains an antibody known as urease fights Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that infects the stomach lining and causes stomach ulcers and gastric cancers. Yogurt that contains probiotics, or good bacteria, also has a positive influence on the H. pylori bacteria, according to the April 2006 issue of "The Clinical Journal of Nutrition."
Foods Low in Salt
Eat foods low in salt to prevent damage to the stomach lining. Consensus Action on Salt and Health suggests that salt irritates the lining of the stomach and also increases the growth and activity level of the H. pylori bacteria. Endeavor to include less than 1,500 mg of sodium in your diet each day; the American Heart Association recommends this maximum consumption level for almost all Americans.
References
- Bupa; Stomach Cancer; April 2010
- Quickcare.org: Heartburn and Indigestion
- DrWeil.com; Banana Bread; Andrew Weil, M.D.
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Effect of Fish Oil on Offensive and Defensive Factors in Gastric Ulceration in Rats; A. Bhattacharya, et al.; February 2006
- American Heart Association; Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids; September 2010
- Reuters; Special Yogurt Fights Stomach Ulcer Bug; M. Rauscher; March 2009
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