There are foods you need to avoid as an ulcer patient and it is very important to identify those foods. Furthermore, it is not just enough to identify them, but you should endeavour to stay away from these foods. A stomach ulcer patient, you need to understand what causes ulcers and the pains that come with it. We will briefly describe them in this article before talking about foods you should stay clear of.
A Little Information On Stomach Ulcer
WebMD describes Peptic ulcer disease as painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Yes, it can be really painful. I know because I have seen people suffer from it. You can click on the WebMD link to read more on the condition, its causes, and all symptoms.
This article does not intend to treat your ulcer. I suppose you must have seen a medical doctor that confirmed you have an ulcer and probably has medications for it — as well as dos and don’ts. This will help you manage your peptic ulcer. What we intend to do here is show you foods you should avoid if you are a peptic ulcer patient. Of course, and why you should avoid them.
Which Foods Should Ulcer Patients Avoid & Why?
Depending on the cause of the ulcer, the foods that bring up the symptoms may be different amongst individuals. Patients only need to be observant and watch out for the symptoms when they eat any of these foods. The following are the foods you should limit or avoid totally if you can;
Coffee and Carbonated Beverages
A study from the “Medical Clinics of North America,” reported in July 1991 revealed that coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated) and tea should be avoided because they stimulate acid production and can cause indigestion, especially in individuals with stomach ulcers.
Just like we said before, the food or group of foods that aggravate ulcers is different amongst individuals. Therefore, just observe when you eat any of the following foods.
Foods you should avoid as an Ulcer Patient
Alcohol
The year 2000 in the “American Journal of Gastroenterology”, confirmed that consumption of alcohol increases gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which is known to aggravate stomach ulcers. Alcohol can irritate and erode the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Avoid alcohol.
Other foods you should avoid include,
- Spices and seasonings such as garlic powder, black and red pepper, hot chiles and peppers, etc.
- Dairy foods (foods made from whole or skim milk)
- Onions and garlic
- Tomato products; tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice
Watching the foods you eat is as important as taking your medication when you have an ulcer. This helps the healing process. You don’t want to be using drugs that heal the ulcer and still eat foods that aggravate the ulcer. This is counterproductive.
