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How Diet Affects Stomach Ulcers in Adults

Ulcers in the stomach are painful raw areas found inside the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are often caused by H Pylori, a bacteria that attacks the body by damaging the interior lining of the stomach. Stomach acid fluctuations caused in large part by diet and digestion can aggravate the ulcers, produce extreme discomfort. Maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce the incidence of painful episodes of ulcer attacks in the body.

  1. How Diet Affects Ulcers

    • Certain foods can cause an increase in stomach acid, which can worsen the condition of an ulcer. Foods high in saturated fats cause frequent ulcer attacks. The higher the fat content, the more work it takes the digestive system to break down the fats, causing an increase in acid in the stomach.

    Avoiding Trigger Foods

    • It is important to reduce your intake of certain foods to help prevent ulcer attacks. Aside from foods that are rich in fats (such as fried foods, rich dishes with cheeses or red meats); spicy foods also can increase the acid production in the body causing ulcer attacks. Tabasco sauce, chili powder, spicy peppers or international cuisine (such as Thai, Indian and Mexican foods) are high in spices and should be ordered as mild as possible to help reduce the risk of ulcer attack.

    How Eating Affects Ulcers

    • A higher volume of food content inside the stomach requires more work on the digestive system, so it is important to lessen food intake in one sitting. Eating smaller portions throughout the day can help ease the work load on the digestive system and make it easier for the stomach to break down its contents. In order to help prevent ulcer attacks, eat more frequent meals throughout the day. Adopt the European way of eating (instead of three big meals, try five or six smaller ones).

    Recommended Dietary Foods for Ulcers

    • Nutritionists recommend food that is easy to break down to help lower the risk of an increase in stomach acid. Healthy, whole grain foods are an excellent source of nutrition and seem to be easier for the stomach to break down. Instead of a cheeseburger, opt for a light wheat pita or wheat bread turkey sandwich. Rather than that bowl of Tex-Mex chili, try a lighter vegetable stir fry with brown rice. Help your body decrease stomach acid by introducing more whole grains and vegetables into your diet.

    Warning

    • Some over-the-counter medications should not be incorporated into a diet for those who suffer from stomach ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen, Motrin or Aleve) can cause an increase in ulcer attacks and should not be taken. Aspirin also should be avoided. Smoking also causes the lining of the stomach to break down and increases the chances of an ulcer attack.

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