Stomach ulcer: Foods to eat, those to avoid

It isn’t hard to find someone battling stomach ulcers these days hence the reason it has been dubbed a disease of civilisation.

Generally, ulcers are sores on the skin or mucous membrane so stomach ulcers are sores developed within the stomach lining.

Experts say the stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria and excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.

Some even say people with the ‘O’ blood type are at risk of producing excessive stomach acid which could cause an ulcer.

All parties, however, agree that stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers although these could worsen symptoms.

Ulcer-friendly diet

Ulcer-friendly diet is a type of diet targeted at reducing stomach irritation common to stomach ulcer patients.

In addition to recommended suspensions and tablets prescribed by medical personnel, patients can incorporate fruits, vegetables, probiotic foods and honey into their diets.

Foods rich in antioxidants help the stomach in protecting and forming immune systems against the ulcer infection.

Foods like blue peppers, cherries and blueberries are great antioxidants.

Broccoli contains a strong anti-Helicobacter called sulforaphane. Fatty acids contained in Olive oil has been testified to also be a great anti-Helicobacter.

Foods to avoid

It is common knowledge that stomach ulcer patients should avoid spicy, fatty and gaseous foods.

In addition to this basic knowledge, foods to avoid include chocolate, drinks that contain caffeine, deep-fried foods, salty food, carbonated drinks, alcohol and acidic fruits like citrus.

Experts recommend patients avoid eating too close to bedtime and to eat small frequent meals to encourage stomach tolerance.