Peptic Ulcer Diet

A peptic ulcer is a painful sore in the lining of your stomach or upper small intestine. While medication is crucial for healing, your diet is also important to manage symptoms and support recovery.

In this article, we will learn about the best and proper peptic ulcer diet to help soothe irritation, promote healing and prevent flare-ups.

What is a Peptic Ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that forms on the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). It often results from:

Helicobacter pylori infection
Overuse of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Excess acid production or poor dietary habits

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How Diet Helps in Ulcer Healing

The right diet helps in multiple ways:

It can lower stomach acid and reduce irritation.
It supports your body's ability to repair and recover.
It helps avoid symptoms like heartburn or pain that can make you uncomfortable.
It supports a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut.

While food doesn't cure ulcers alone, it plays a supportive role along with medication.

What to Eat With a Peptic Ulcer

Eating the right foods can help reduce irritation and promote healing in individuals with peptic ulcers. A soothing, non-acidic and nutrient-rich diet supports the stomach lining and helps manage ulcer symptoms.

Bananas and apples: These fruits are gentle on the stomach and may help with healing.
Oatmeal and whole grains: Foods like oatmeal are high in fibre and can help lower stomach acid.
Boiled or steamed vegetables: Steamed or boiled vegetables like carrots, broccoli, spinach and kale are easy to digest and provide important nutrients.
Lean proteins: Foods such as skinless chicken, turkey, tofu and eggs help your body repair itself.
Low-fat dairy: Yoghurt and milk can soothe your stomach and contain good bacteria that promote gut health.
Herbal teas: Try drinking chamomile or ginger tea, which can help reduce inflammation. It's best to avoid caffeinated drinks.
Healthy fats: Using small amounts of olive oil and avocado can also help with tissue repair.

Foods That Heal Stomach Ulcers

Some foods can support your body in healing stomach ulcers by protecting the stomach's surface and reducing inflammation. Here are some foods for stomach ulcer patients:

Cabbage: This vegetable is packed with a nutrient called glutamine, which helps repair the protective lining of the stomach.
Honey: Known for its healing qualities, honey can fight bacteria and may help reduce harmful stomach bacteria.
Garlic: Whether you eat it raw or cooked, garlic has natural properties that can help lower the bacteria that cause ulcers.
Probiotic-rich foods: Foods like yoghurt, kefir and other fermented items are great for improving digestion and balancing the good bacteria in your gut.
Blueberries and cranberries: These fruits are rich in antioxidants, which can prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the stomach lining.
Licorice root (DGL): This natural remedy can increase mucus production and help protect the stomach, but it should be used under a doctor's supervision.

Peptic Ulcer Foods to Avoid

If you have a peptic ulcer, it's important to avoid some foods that can make your symptoms worse and slow down the healing process. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

Spicy foods: Things like chili peppers and strong spices may irritate your stomach, so it’s best to skip them.
Caffeine and coffee: These can boost the production of stomach acid and might lead to more discomfort.
Carbonated beverages: Sodas and fizzy drinks can make your stomach feel bloated and may cause irritation.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can harm the stomach lining and make it harder for your ulcer to heal.
Citrus fruits and juices: Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are quite acidic and can increase stomach acidity.
Tomato Products: Foods like tomato sauce, soups and fresh tomatoes can be too acidic for your stomach.
Fried and fatty foods: These can slow down digestion and increase acid reflux, leading to more discomfort.

Sample Peptic Ulcer Diet Plan (1-Day Meal Plan)

Here’s a gentle, soothing meal plan:

Breakfast:

Oatmeal with banana slices and honey
Chamomile tea (non-caffeinated)

Mid-morning Snack:

Low-fat yoghurt with soft-cooked apples

Lunch:

Grilled chicken breast
Steamed carrots and rice
Coconut water

Afternoon Snack:

A slice of whole wheat toast with a bit of unsweetened almond butter

Dinner:

Baked fish (no spices)
Mashed sweet potatoes
Boiled spinach

Bedtime:

Warm milk or chamomile tea (if tolerated)

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Tips

Natural approaches and daily habits can support healing and help reduce ulcer symptoms. While these remedies don’t replace medical treatment, they can complement your doctor’s plan and improve overall digestive health.

Natural Remedies to Manage Peptic Ulcer

Honey: This sweet treat not only tastes great but also has special properties that can help fight off bacteria that cause ulcers.
Licorice root (DGL form): Taking liquorice root in a specific form (called DGL) before meals may help protect and heal your stomach's lining. It's best to consult a doctor before trying this.
Cabbage juice: Cabbage juice is packed with nutrients that can help your stomach heal. If you can handle it, try drinking half a cup each day.
Probiotics: Found in foods like yogurt and kefir, probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy and improve digestion.
Aloe vera juice: This soothing juice can help reduce inflammation in the stomach. Just make sure it’s safe for consumption and approved by your doctor.
Chamomile or ginger tea: Both of these teas can help ease discomfort and calm your stomach naturally.

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Peptic Ulcer

Eat Smaller Meals: Try having smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three big ones. This can help keep stomach acid levels down.
Be Careful with Timing: Avoid eating too close to bedtime and don’t lie down right after eating, as this can make reflux worse.
Limit caffeine, alcohol and smoking, as they irritate the stomach lining.
Reduce Stress: Take time to relax and find ways to manage stress like practising deep breathing, doing yoga or meditating. Stress can make symptoms worse.
Get Good Sleep: Make sure to have a regular sleep schedule. Good rest helps your body heal and supports digestion.
Stay Active: Find time for light to moderate exercise regularly. It can help keep your digestive system healthy.

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Conclusion

Taking care of a stomach ulcer with the right diet can help reduce pain, protect your stomach and speed up healing. It’s important to avoid foods that can make your ulcer worse and focus on eating meals that are gentle on your stomach. Adopting healthy habits is also crucial for maintaining good stomach health in the long run. Always remember to follow your doctor’s advice along with any dietary changes to get the best results.