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Stomach ulcers are lesions in the stomach, esophagus and small intestine caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Heredity, age, history of chronic pain, alcohol use, diabetes, stress and smoking are all risk factors for developing stomach ulcers.
Before you reach for a glass of milk to soothe your ulcer pain, consider this: Much of what we used to "know" about ulcers has been proven wrong. Most ulcers aren't caused directly by stress but by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is why ulcers today are often treated with antibiotics along with an acid suppressor.
Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.
Treatment requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria and antacids to reduce the acid in the digestive tract and promote healing and pain relief. There is no specific diet prescription for a stomach ulcer. However, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms of burning, pain, indigestion, gas, nausea and vomiting and therefore should be limited or avoided. See this slideshow
Find out which foods can aid in healing and preventing ulcers.
HONEY
Honey inhibits bacterial growth which in turn will reduce acid formation. Start by taking a tablespoon of raw unprocessed Honey in the morning and at night to calm your stomach.Green Veggies such as Kale, Rape, Broccoli
Eat a plate a day of raw or cooked listed vegetables. Provides vitamin C and a generous amount of fibre which are useful in the fight against ulcers.Cabbage
Eat at least 2 cups of raw cabbage daily...add it to salads, coleslaw and wraps.Yogurt with active cultures
Foods like yogurt and sour milk (fermented milk) contain "good bacteria" that can inhibit the secretion of excess acid and may help ulcers heal faster. Have a cup of yogurt or fermented milk without sweeteners at least once a day.Bananas
Eat at least one banana per day to prevent discomfort through the day. When in pain eat at least two bananas and you will have immediate relief.Green or black unsweetened tea
Have a cup of green or black unsweetened tea in the morning to jump start the day and prevent pain and discomfort through the day.Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer
You may need to avoid acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods worsen your symptoms and limit those foods. The following are some foods that may worsen ulcer or gastritis symptoms:Beverages:
- Whole milk and chocolate milk
- Hot cocoa and cola
- Any beverage with caffeine
- Regular and decaffeinated coffee
- Peppermint and spearmint tea
- Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
- Orange and grapefruit juices
- Drinks that contain alcohol
Spices and seasonings:
- Black and red pepper
- Chili powder
- Mustard seed and nutmeg
Other foods:
- Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
- Chocolate
- Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
- Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
- Hot chilis and peppers
- Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice
Read more below
Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer
What other guidelines may be helpful?
Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.
