Top Five Foods for Stomach Ulcer Patients

Peptic ulcers are wounds that occur in the human lower throat (oesophagus), intestine and stomach. Peptic ulcers are often caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Stomach ulcer common signs are upper abdominal pains, belching, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting.  The abdominal pain is always characterized by a dull ache. Some types of foods exacerbate peptic ulcers’ condition while others aid in its healing process. Therefore, people who are suffering from stomach ulcers should strictly follow their diets. The following foods help peptic ulcers’ healing process.

 Whole grains

Whole grains comprise of low fat and sugar but high fibre which speeds up the ulcer healing process. Whole grains also contain zinc that aid in body’s healing process. Foods that are high in fat spend a lot of time in the stomach, this trigger voluminous production of hydrochloric acid that worsens peptic ulcer conditions.

Fruits and vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables like cabbages, carrots, cabbage juice, grapes, kiwi fruit, and apricots have ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and beta-carotene components that help in protect stomach’s and intestines’ lining.
• Some fruits such as berries have antioxidants that decrease the prevalence of peptic ulcers and lessen the signs of existing stomach ulcers.
• Seaweeds produce prostaglandins that guard the lining of intestines and stomach. Seaweeds can be taken as powder form or capsules, however, its powder form works well when it is added to foods as a seasoning.
• Sunflower seed oils, soya-bean, hazelnuts, and wheat-germ have vitamin E which together with zinc assists in stomach ulcer healing process.
• Sesame seeds, almonds, cheddar cheese, seaweed, sunflower seeds and wheat germ contain a good amount of amino acids that possesses body’s healing action.

Herbal teas

Herbs like peppermint, chamomile, and liquorice and marshmallow contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. These effects make fundamental in ulcer healing process and hence make peptic ulcer patients feel comfortable.

Slippery elm diets

Slippery elm foods comprise of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. They have been clinically used to help people suffering from peptic ulcers. They are precursors in the synthesis of vicious mucilage which lines the intestines and stomach. It is recommended that one takes slippery elm foods before meals so that they can protect the gut.

White meats

White meats from turkey, chicken or fish are just good for stomach ulcer patients. Fish like herring, mackerel, sardines and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids release prostaglandins which protect intestines’ and stomach’s lining. Omega oils possess eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic(DHA) which are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Seed oil supplements, cod liver oil, and krill oil contains large amounts of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic, hence someone who cannot get access to white meats can use them. Prostaglandins function in the same as the omeprazole which is always prescribed for peptic ulcer patients to decrease excessive acids in the stomach.

Managing peptic ulcers needs the collaboration of different practices; however, one’s correct diet has been effective and less expensive in controlling and treating peptic ulcers for decades. Foods that cause the release of less hydrochloric acid in the stomach during digestion are recommended for peptic ulcer patients. Stomach ulcer patients should avoid eating a lot of foods since it stimulates excessive production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.