Bleeding in your digestive tract from an ulcer can be life threatening if not treated, and you should immediately consult a doctor if it occurs. Mild bleeding may cause blood to appear in your stools or vomit. While you are being treated for ulcers you may be encouraged to remain on a special diet to prevent additional bleeding.
Causes
A peptic ulcer occurs when the protective lining of your stomach erodes. A hole develops that can eventually lead to a perforation. You may experience bleeding when the hole is small; extensive bleeding from a perforation requires emergency surgery. Early signs include being unable to drink very much fluid because you have a full feeling all the time. You also may feel hungry shortly after eating. Abdominal pain may wake you up at night. Your diet should be altered to reduce stomach acid that exacerbates the symptoms.
Regular Meals
When your ulcer is causing you pain, it often occurs when you have an empty stomach and unused bile backs up from your stomach, aggravating your symptoms. Eating regular meals every two to three hours can keep the pain at bay, as the symptoms often appear after you've digested your food, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should eat before retiring at night to prevent abdominal pain while you're sleeping. A glass of milk at bedtime may soothe the acidity levels as well.
Fiber
While spicy and fried foods do not harm or damage your stomach, they may cause you discomfort and should be avoided if you experience pain after eating them. You don't want to avoid fiber, however. A diet high in fiber-rich foods can help to speed recovery from a bleeding ulcer. Start your day with whole grains in the form of cereal or whole-wheat toast. Salads and fresh vegetables provide sufficient fiber for a mid-day meal, and your dinner should consist of more vegetables and whole grains in addition to your entrée. Break up your meals into five or six portions during the day to prevent attacks, and snack on fiber-rich foods like popcorn, crackers and fruit.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants in fresh fruit and vegetables are vital for healing ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria. The same foods you used to heal your system with fiber also contain healing antioxidants. Additionally, you should add food and drink into your diet that are high in flavonoids to speed up your healing. Cranberries and cranberry juice are especially useful when you are recovering from a bleeding ulcer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other antioxidant foods that should be included in your menu planning include apples, onions, celery and garlic. Green and black tea may destroy the bacteria and serve as a healthy drink to add to your diet, as long as it doesn't give your heartburn or stir up stomach acid.
