Diet For Ulcers: What Are the Best and Worst Foods When You Have Ulcers

As the name suggests, diet for ulcers includes foods that are safe to eat when you are suffering from stomach ulcers.

An open sore on the stomach lining is called a stomach ulcer. They may also go by the name gastric or peptic ulcers. Young people can be affected by them, but people over 60 are more likely to experience them. The prevalence of stomach ulcers is considerably higher in men.

When the stomach wall is damaged by acids from digested food, ulcers develop. Infection from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the most frequent cause of stomach ulcers (H. pylori). Long-term usage of NSAIDs is another contributing factor (NSAIDs).

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Diet for Ulcers: Ulcer-Friendly Foods

A healthy diet will aid in reducing the common discomfort associated with this condition together with medicines.

A plate full of fruits. (Image via Unsplash/ Brenda Godinez)

The first thing you need to do is stop eating the things that make you acidic. Citrus fruits, sauces, particularly tomato sauces, fatty or high-fiber foods, salt, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and stimulants are a few examples.

Check out these foods that are best to include in the diet for ulcers:

1) Lean protein

Low-fat protein options include sirloin or tenderloin of lean beef, fish, tofu, and dry beans, which must be included in your diet for ulcers. Salmon and sardines are examples of fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fats, which can assist in reducing inflammation and may be beneficial in preventing further ulcers.

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2) Fruits

Any fruit, whether it is fresh or frozen, has beneficial fiber and antioxidants. The best sources of therapeutic polyphenols include berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates. Avoid citrus fruits and juices like oranges and grapefruits if they cause reflux.

Woman eating salad. (Image via Unsplash/ Farhad Ibrahimzade)

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3) Honey

Try replacing sugar with honey as a sweetener. There is proof that certain kinds of honey, such as the rare oregano honey produced in Greece, can eradicate H. pylori and other bacteria.

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4) Flavonoid rich food

Included in this are snap peas, cranberries, blueberries, and garlic. These foods may aid in defending your gut against stomach cancer, H. pylori infection, and chronic gastritis, according to research. These foods aid in reducing H. pylori development.

Different kinds of berries. (Image via Unsplash/ Davies Designs Studio)

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5) Vitamin A-rich food

Vitamin A is found in foods including broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and collard greens. These meals stimulate your digestive tract's mucus production, which some people should be added to the diet for ulcers.

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Diet for Ulcers: Foods to Avoid with An Ulcer

When you have a stomach ulcer, certain foods might cause considerable pain. They might also hinder healing. If you have a stomach ulcer, stay away from the following foods:

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1) Spicy food

Do you adhere to the notion that spicy food is better? You might want to lower the heat while your ulcer heals. A person with a stomach ulcer may experience pain, bloating, and discomfort from spicy foods like hot sauces and chilli-based dishes.

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2) Caffeinated drinks

You might feel more prepared for the day if you have a cup of tea or coffee in the morning. However, it's bad for your stomach ulcer. Caffeine-containing drinks might worsen stomach pain by causing your intestines to produce more acid. Soda falls under this.

A hot cup of caffeinated drink. (Image via Unsplash/ Leohoho)

Limiting your caffeine intake may help you feel less stressed. Because you'll be less stressed, your body will create less stomach acid, which could irritate your ulcer.

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3) Alcoholic drinks

Until your stomach ulcer has completely healed, you should refrain from drinking your usual glass of wine or beer. Any type of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, causes the body to produce more acid, promotes inflammation, and may even cause more damage to the lining of your stomach.

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The diet for ulcers should be loosely based on the aforementioned suggestions, though it may change depending on the tolerance of each patient.