Diet for an Ulcer

Ulcers are stomach or digestive-tract irritations that cause burning pains lasting weeks, months or even years. Hydrochloric acid is produced to digest food, and a weak spot in the mucous lining allows the acid to attack the stomach or intestine instead. A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can take hold, causing an ulcer. Eating certain foods and avoiding others help make an ulcer go away or, at least, subside. While there is no specific ulcer diet, following basic guidelines will steer you in the healing direction.

Function

• Each person has specific food triggers that cause more pain and discomfort than others. Found through trial and error, several items commonly appear on troublesome food lists. Avoid things that stimulate acid production, such as aspirin, alcohol, strong spices and caffeine. This includes chocolate, coffee and tea. Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange, grapefruit and lemon, fall in that group, as well. Tomatoes and tomato-based foods, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa and ketchup also can be problems.

Considerations

• Eat foods rich in zinc and vitamins A, C and E. These produce healing mucous in the digestive tract. Look for leafy-green vegetables and non-citrus fresh fruit. Cooked plantains are an ulcer-friendly wonder food. Also in this group are cabbage juice and extract powder from okra, both rich in vitamin C. They are used to coat the stomach before acid production begins. Mix the cabbage juice with tastebud-friendly drinks. Dissolve the okra powder with water and consume before eating.

Prevention/Solution

• How many meals to eat is a much-debated topic among medical professionals. While six small meals per day helps prevent the empty stomach from digesting itself, for some patients it causes overstimulation and creates more discomfort. When this happens, try three sensible meals each day instead. Avoid eating the last one right before bedtime to prevent digestive pain keeping you awake at night.

Misconceptions

• Skip the ice cream and the milkshakes. Once regarded as a sure-fire way to calm the stomach, milk has moved to the caution list on an ulcer diet. Protein and calcium are acid producers, making milk and cream, with vitamin D, problems rather than helpful. Don't drink them between meals and use sparingly when cooking. Try substituting water or at least skim milk in recipes and avoid foods where they are the main ingredient, such as creamed soups.

Pitfalls

• Non-edible things exacerbate an ulcer just as much as food and drink. Smoking irritates the stomach lining and curbs the body's ability to heal itself. Chewing gum is a tummy teaser, stimulating acid production, but not sending anything digestible down the chute to work on. Stress exacerbates ulcers, so avoiding hectic situations greatly reduces ulcer activity. Take that long-awaited vacation or make changes in your living environment to calm things down.