A stomach ulcer is a debilitating condition. It is worth noting though that ulcers can occur throughout the digestive tract from throat through to the intestines. The main cause is due to a bacteria Helicobacter pylori which lives in our guts under normal circumstances. The other cause appears to be the over use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The symptoms are made worse by the over production of stomach acid usually as a consequence of stresses and strains.
It is the case that certain foods are recommended for consumption and others are not although no one diet can be recommended because the requirements are so specific to the person affected by the ulcer.
An ulcer is an open sore which develops in the lining of the stomach.
Generally, the best foods to consumer are ones which can reduce the impact of particular bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori which is one of the main causes of ulcers.
Top Foods To Take If Suffering With Stomach Ulcers
- Green vegetable foods such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and spinach.
- Wholemeal and fibrous foods.
- Carrots
- Garlic and to a certain extent onions.
- Berries especially blueberries, strawberries, raspberries.
- Apples
- Probiotic foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.
- Olive oil and any other plant-derived oil
- Turmeric and curcumin
- Green tea but decaffeinated.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
Fish especially those which are oily and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. There is anecdotal evidence that supplements using omega-3 fatty acids are not that effective – it’s the fish itself which suggests the protein or some other factor is critical and important.
The berries are rich in polyphenols which may explain their positive impact on the immune system. It’s also possible they possess anti-microbial compounds within their composition including methylbenzoic acids, benzoic and sorbic acid which are known antimicrobials.
Broccoli contains sulforaphane which has been shown to be active against H. pylori.
Probiotic and fermented products contain bacteria which can redress the bacterial imbalances created when opportunistic bacteria take hold.
Foods To Avoid
- Spicy foods – those that are considered to irritate the stomach and digestive tract.
- Foods high in citric acid which include citrus and tomato.
- Coffee or tea especially caffeine
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol especially wine although beer is not ruled out because there are compounds in beer which have known antibacterial activity. It is known that alcohol increases gastroeasophageal reflex (GERD) that aggravates stomach ulcers in particular.
- Refined foods including white (but not brown or wholemeal) bread, pasta, red meat but not chicken.
The information on trans fats is not clear and neither is it that clear on omega-6 fatty acids which are found in nuts.
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