What Is Peptic Ulcer Diet?

Lily

B.R
Staff member
Peptic ulcers or ulcers of the stomach or digestive tract is a tricky thing to deal with – all kinds of food restriction are imposed on you and still there is no guarantee that the ulcer will be cured completely and will not occur again. People are told not to consume too many spicy foods, too starchy foods, too much of fats, especially saturated fats, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, vegetables like tomatoes and a whole list of other foods – the more sour and spicy the item, the more stringent the restriction on it. The diet chart has to be followed very religiously or else there are chances that ulcer may recurr increases. However, many do not know that a peptic ulcer diet is equally good for those who are having a temporary bout of indigestion. In fact, one could see that the symptoms of indigestion are very similar to that of peptic ulcer – only the pain is absent which happens because of the ulcer. Here’s more information about the diet followed by those who suffer from peptic ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer Diet Plan

What is Peptic Ulcer?

As we all know, ulcer is a painful growth in areas like the mouth or the digestive tract and is acidic in nature. When this ulcer grows inside the stomach or the mouth of the small intestine, it is known as peptic ulcer. For many years, people thought that peptic ulcers are caused by a very spicy diet or too much stress, but the fact was known later that these only served to hasten the process of development of ulcer – the main reason for the development of ulcers in this region is the presence of the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. These kinds of ulcers can also be worsened by too much intake of aspirin and other kind of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs with antipyretic or analgesic properties like paracetamol.

What Does A Peptic Ulcer Diet Do?

Though a diet meant for those with peptic ulcers cannot cure the ulcer or prevent it from occurring again, which can only be done by a doctor’s intervention and proper medication, this kind of diet can help relieve the pain and discomfiture that people experience during ulcers or even indigestion. In fact, those suffering from indigestion are cured of their symptoms faster when they follow this diet. There are some foods, which are good for people suffering from ulcers, and some that they should avoid. They are listed below:

Foods To Have

These are foods that are recommended for those who are suffering from peptic ulcers:

  • Whole grain breads, tortillas, bagels and chapattis, pita bread, English muffins, whole grain cereals
  • Par boiled rice, idlis, foods made with barley
  • Beans, bottle gourd, carrots, pumpkin
  • Bananas, apples, mangoes
  • Skimmed milk and low fat milk products, plain mild cheese, low fat yogurt
  • Lean meat, preferable white meat and sea food, eggs, soups and stews
Foods To Be Avoided

These are foods that to be avoided by those who have peptic ulcers or even sever indigestion as they increase the production of acids in the stomach:

  • Croissants, white bread, biscuits, bread products with nuts in them, bran cereals, granola cereals or granola bars.
  • Cabbage, cauliflower, onions, cucumber, tomatoes and tomato products, turnips, green peppers or capsicum, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, corn.
  • Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and lemons, pineapple, berries, figs.
  • Whole milk, chocolate milk, cream, strongly flavoured cheeses.
  • Too spicy meats or those filled with lard.
  • Carbonated drinks, coffee, tea.
  • Strong spices, chili powder and green chilies.
  • Pickles.
Tips

Here are some advices that doctors give to patients of peptic ulcers:

  • To avoid overeating and long periods of starving afterwards, eat three small meals and three snacks.
  • Eat slowly and chew foods well; also, do not eat on the run and sit in an upright position while you eat
  • Avoid eating within three hours before bedtime
  • Use the antacid that the doctor prescribes at the right times and dosage. Also, do not use milk or milk products for antacid therapy.
 
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