When you suffer from gastritis- [an inflammation of the stomach lining]- you can experience a consequent fallout, painful peptic ulcers which are sores that develop in the lining of the small intestines and can even start bleeding. It is caused by spicy foods, among other foods, or stress. However, it is important that you adjust your diet so that your stomach isn’t further irritated.
FOODS THAT YOU NEED TO EAT
- FILL UP ON FIBRE. Fibre plays a major role in preventing the formation or reoccurrence of ulcers. For example oats, apples, and legumes are most effective. Vitamin A rich foods such as carrots, leafy green and butternut are also protective.
- EAT SMALL, MORE FREQUENT MEALS. Plan for four to five small meals per day instead of 3 large meals. Plus, avoid eating just before going to sleep as this delays gastric emptying and worsens your ulcer.
- SOY BEANS, LEGUMES, RED GRAPES, BROCCOLI, APPLES, BERRIES. These foods help the body fight against Pylori bacteria. [Bacteria that causes ulcers]. They defend the lining of the stomach and could allow ulcers to heal since there are no side effects of consuming these foods.
- It is far from simply sweet it can contain up to 200 elements including polyphenols and other antioxidants. It is a powerful antibacterial and has been shown to inhibit H.pylori growth. Honey helps sooth ulcers.
- CRANBERRY. This helps decrease urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from settling on the walls of the bladder, you can drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements in moderation.
- FRUITS VEGETABLES AND WHOLE GRAINS. A diet centered on fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help heal your ulcers. Vegetables such as carrots, kale, broccoli, cabbage juice, grapes and kiwi fruit contain beta-carotene and vitamin c content which helps protect the lining of the stomach and intestine
Fruits such as berries contain high levels of antioxidants which lower the risk of ulcers and ease symptoms when an ulcer has already developed.
FOODS TO AVOID
People with ulcers have acid reflux diseases and certain foods can affect the lower part of the esophagus allowing the acid and stomach contents to back up in the esophagus, to reduce these risks avoid food and drinks like:
- MILK. Milk stimulates the stomach to increase acid production, leading to an increase in ulcer irritation. If you have ulcers refrain from drinking milk and eating other daily products because it can delay the healing of your ulcer.
- COFFEE AND OTHER CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES. If you are trying to heal a stomach ulcer, it’s time to cut down on your intake of coffee as well as other caffeinated products. Coffee tends to irritate existing ulcers.
- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. This increases the acidity level in the stomach and therefore aggravates symptoms of existing ulcers. Not only does it increase the gastric acid in your system, but it can also leave you dehydrated.
- CHILIES AND HOT PEPPERS. This normally irritates the lining of the stomach. They can worsen the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
- PROCESSED FOODS. You should stay clear of processed and deep fried foods as they require more stomach acid for digestion, thus worsening the condition.
- RED MEAT. People suffering from peptic ulcer should avoid red meat totally. Red meat is high in fat and protein and takes a longer time to digest. As it stays in the stomach longer, the more acid is released to digest it. More acid in the stomach can irritate the stomach lining and worsen the ulcer symptoms. Avoid red meat completely until your ulcer has healed.
- High salt diet.
- Acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce or tomato juice.
Over eating and eating within two to 3 hours of going to bed may worsen the symptoms of acid reflux but not every food reacts the same so keep track of which foods seem to make acid reflux symptoms. Also, apart from eating healthy, strict adherence to your treatment plan and close follow up with your doctor are the best ways to make sure your treatments is effective and your ulcers is healing.
