What to eat and what to avoid when you have stomach ulcers?

Patients with stomach ulcers should avoid acidic, sour, and spicy foods, and instead increase their intake of probiotics and fiber to improve symptoms.

Gastric ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach is damaged, swollen, and forms sores. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, etc. Some small, newly formed ulcers are usually benign and do not require treatment. Ulcers that cause many symptoms need to be checked and treated to avoid complications.

Some foods can worsen ulcers, but many others can soothe pain and aid in the healing process.

Dishes you should try

Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, are rich in good bacteria. They support wound healing by fighting H. pylori infection, helping other treatments work more effectively.

Foods rich in fiber include apples, pears, oatmeal, leafy greens, and broccoli. Fiber reduces stomach acid levels, preventing ulcers from progressing. Fiber also reduces bloating and gas by promoting bowel movements, thereby reducing pain caused by ulcers.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, and other vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin can help shrink stomach ulcers. Other foods rich in vitamin A include spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, and beef liver, which are also beneficial for patients.

Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for the digestive system. Photo: Freepik — Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for the digestive system. Photo: *Freepik*

Red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps protect the stomach from ulcers. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in wound healing and boosting immunity to help the body fight disease. This fruit is not spicy and can be used in many dishes such as fried, stir-fried, grilled, or boiled.

Foods to avoid

Milk can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, worsening inflammation and ulcers, and causing more cramping pain.

Alcohol should be limited, or ideally avoided entirely, when suffering from stomach ulcers. This beverage irritates and harms the digestive tract, leading to complicated digestive disorders.

Fatty foods take longer to digest, which can lead to stomach pain and bloating. If they cause more stomach discomfort, they should be avoided.

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C but also high in acid, which can worsen ulcers. When ulcers are developing, it is advisable to avoid citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and lemons.

Chocolate offers many health benefits. However, it is often difficult to digest, leading to stomach discomfort, especially for those with gastritis or stomach ulcers.

( According to WebMD )

Readers can ask questions about digestive diseases here for doctors to answer.

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