Peptic ulcers occur in the stomach, duodenum or esophagus. Over 95 million people in America suffer from ulcers or other digestive problems, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Food does not cause ulcers, and special diets do not heal them. However, some foods are known to aggravate ulcer symptoms. To minimize pain and limit the recurrence of ulcer symptoms, restrict or eliminate foods that increase stomach acid.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits to restrict if you experience ulcer pain include citrus fruits, such as pineapple and grapefruit. Avoid vegetables known to cause gas and discomfort like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Other vegetables and vegetable products that aggravate ulcer symptoms include green or red peppers, tomato sauce or tomato paste, tomato-based soups, hot chilies and pickled vegetables.
Beverages
When experiencing ulcer pain or other symptoms, restrict beverages that increase acid, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade and limeade, vegetable juices, including tomato juice, regular or decaf coffee, regular tea and peppermint tea, all soft drinks containing caffeine, hot cocoa, chocolate milk products and alcoholic beverages.
Protein and Fats
Other foods that increase stomach acid and cause esophageal ulcer pain, discomfort or gas include high-fat, fried or greasy meats, highly seasoned foods such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham and deli meats, almonds and walnuts. Restrict tough or stringy meats, such as corned beef or beef jerky, meats with barbecue sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans and other dried cooked beans. Avoid chili, bean-based soups and spicy cheeses when you experience symptoms of pain or discomfort.
Spices and Condiments
Stress and spicy foods do not cause esophageal ulcers, but they do worsen symptoms. If symptoms occur, do not eat onions, garlic, horseradish, cinnamon, cloves, pickles, sauerkraut, spicy or hot sauces and marinades.
Meal Timing
Follow your regular meal schedule in order to minimize esophageal ulcer flare-ups. Avoid changing your eating pattern to include multiple small meals throughout the day, because frequent eating increases stomach acid secretion. Your doctor can provide specific meal-timing advice according to your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
Causes
Esophageal ulcers are associated with hiatal hernias. The esophagus passes through the hiatus, a small opening in the diaphragm, and connects to the stomach. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle tissue separating the chest from the abdomen. A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up through the hiatus and into the chest, causing food and acid to reflux, or back up, into the esophagus. Acid flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus erodes the lining of the esophagus and creates an ulcer.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori, is a leading cause of ulcers, along with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS, and smoking.
