Stomach ulcers cause inflammation and deterioration of the superficial layer of the mucosa. Although restrictive diet is usually not recommended since proton pump inhibitors stabilize the amount of gastric acid secretion, but avoiding the following foods aid in faster healing and providing symptomatic relief:
Spicy Cuisine like Indian and Mexican Foods
Particular spices such as black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne powder are known to irritate the gastric mucosal lining and subsequently increase gastric acid production that causes the formation of ulcers. Since they are used excessively in certain cuisines, the incidence of peptic ulcers is greatest in those parts of the world. Thus, occasional splurges are acceptable but completely switching to a spicy diet can increase the risk of the formation of ulcers. On the contrary spices like turmeric have healing effects.
Low pH, Acidic Foods
Foods with a power of Hydrogen less than seven are considered acidic. Although, pH five to six are well-tolerated their interaction with the stomach acid seems to exacerbate the symptoms associated with peptic ulcers. Thus, bland diets are preferred at least in the initial healing of peptic ulcers so that the first few layers of the wound regenerate without dehiscence or aggravation. Avoid high-protein foods, processed sodium-containing foods, citrus fruits as well as bananas and tomatoes, fish and seafood are all acidic. Here’s a blog post with more details.
High Fat Containing Meals and Snacks
Alcohol
A high-fat diet, as well as obesity, is seen as an exacerbating factor in the disease progression of peptic ulcers. A high-fat diet has been strongly correlated with a higher incidence of peptic ulcers in several animal studies, although the link in humans is still unclear. Obesity tends to worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcers such as dyspepsia, bloating, feeling of fullness, and retching – thus dietary and lifestyle changes are used as a preventive measure instead of a therapeutic one. A diagnosed peptic ulcer makes a clean diet imperative – spicy snacks, unsaturated fats, and carbohydrates with a higher glycemic index should be limited.
Alcohol is directly proportional to the occurrence of peptic ulcers. It tends to disrupt the body’s natural protective mechanisms against peptic ulcers – these include prostaglandins and vasoactive chemicals that increase vascularity and improve the function of the stomach wall. Alcohol also increases gastric acid secretion and adversely interacts with the protective mucus layer of the stomach. Once the mucus layer is damaged, ulceration of the gut wall becomes inevitable.
Fizzy Drinks
All fizzy beverages contain carbonic acid that causes the familiar pop sound and the loud gas when they’re opened. Since peptic ulcers are caused by an uncontrolled surge in gastric acid, any external acid ingestion will inevitably worsen the healing and recovery. Thus, fizzy drinks are strictly avoided in inflammatory bowel disease as well as diagnosed peptic ulcers.
Milk
Dairy products and milk in excess have a contradictory effect on the gut wall. They are known to buffer the gastric acid secreted in a small amount. But excessive ingestion of cheese, cream, and milk can trigger the gut cells to secrete greater amounts of hydrochloric acid to effectively neutralize the additional diary products.
Nicotine
Nicotine is known to cause vasoconstriction which is one of the prime reasons for the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers. Thus, smoking – even infrequently – can hinder effective peristalsis and gut vascularity.
Coffee – Both Caffeinated and Decaffeinated
Coffee should be strictly avoided since it causes an increase in HCl secretion due to its biochemical properties. Although with the use of proton pump inhibitors, this secretion can be controlled, frequent ingestion of coffee can still irritate the gastric mucosa causing recurrence of peptic ulcers.
Fruits
Families of fruits have been researched indefinitely to procure a diet that benefits peptic ulcers’ healing. These include the fruits of Phyllanthus Emblica, the fruit of Vitis Vinifera, and the seed as well as the fruit of Myristica Fragrans. They have been successfully used as remedies due to their anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, cytoprotective, anti-H. Pylori, and anti-secretory attributes.
In conclusion, the complete dose of medicines prescribed by your doctor should be taken with staunch compliance. Since this will bring about speedy recovery as opposed to dietary modification whose effects are still being verified and researched to discover new parameters.
