“Peptic Ulcer Disease Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid”

Introduction

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by formation of ulcers that occur in any portion of GIT. Peptic Ulcer Disease is caused by the action of gastric secretions and impaired mucosal defenses. It is characterized by the painful sores in the stomach lining or small intestine. Medicines no doubt helps in healing of peptic ulcers but the food you eat plays a crucial role in healing or worsening of the symptoms of the peptic ulcers. So, it is essential to understand what’s on your plate. If you’re trying to soothe irritation, promote healing, or prevent future flare-ups, making the right dietary choices is always important.
Locations:

• Duodenum = first portion of duodenum (most common)
• Stomach= lesser curvature within the antrum (most common)
• Gastroesophageal junction
• Within or adjacent to an ileal Meckel diverticulum.

Foods to Eat:

1. High-Fiber Foods

High fiber diet increases the digestion and relieves constipation which decreases the pressure on the stomach this leads to decrease in irritation in stomach the high fiber diet includes Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Probiotics:

Probiotics help the gut friendly bacteria to grow that overall improves the health of the gut and helps the gut combat Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) which is a very common cause of Peptic Ulcers. Probiotics that are ulcer-friendly foods include Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods

3. Lean Proteins:

Lean proteins are easy to digest, and it provides essential nutrients that help in repair and healing of the stomach lining. Lean proteins that are ulcer-friendly foods include Chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins.

4. Healthy Fats:

Healthy fats help in decreasing the inflammation of the stomach lining and they provide energy that is sustained energy without causing reflux if stomach content in esophagus. Peptic Ulcer Disease Diet that has healthy fats include Avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

5. Healing Foods:

Different healing foods work differently and helps in the Peptic ulcer disease. Honey is an antibacterial that fight against the H. pylori and promote wound healing some are rich in glutamine that helps the repair of the stomach lining. Some (e.g Banana) are rich in antioxidants that neutralize stomach acid and provides protection to the stomach repairing while Aleo Vera soothes the inflammation and promotes the healing of digestive tract.

6. Non-Citrus Fruits:

They are low in acid and gentle on the stomach, providing essential vitamins and minerals without causing irritation. Peptic Ulcer Disease Diet includes the non-citrus foods are Melons.

Foods to Avoid:

1. Acidic Foods:

These foods increase the production of acids in stomach that irritates the ulcers which leads to burning sensation inside the stomach. Examples: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), tomatoes, and vinegar-based products.

2. Spicy Foods:

Spicy foods increase the inflammation of the stomach lining that makes it difficult to heal for the ulcer further direct contact of spices leads to irritation and extreme burning sensations. Examples: Chili peppers, hot sauces, and heavily spiced dishes.

3. Caffeinated Drinks:

Caffeine stimulates the acid production in the stomach which aggravates ulcers and increase the pain. examples: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sodas.

4. Carbonated Beverages:

These drinks consist of bubbles and when these bubbles enter the stomach, they expand which increase pressure and cause bloating and discomfort. Examples: Soda, sparkling water, and fizzy drinks.

5. Fried and Fatty Foods:

High fat foods are difficult to digest so they stay in the stomach for the longer duration of period which increase acid production and leads to irritation. Examples: French fries, fried chicken, pizza, and processed snacks.

6. Refined Carbohydrates:

Refined carbohydrates cause sugar spikes which leads to inflammation and slowdowns the healing process Examples: White bread, pastries, and sugary snacks.

Conclusion:

More than 10% percent of population face the problem of peptic ulcer disease at some stage of their lives. Managing this disease is not difficult with your little attention towards what you are eating. By giving more importance to the healing foods and avoiding the trigger foods you can control the symptoms and recover in a short duration of time.

Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. Always seek guidance from the doctor in case of any unusual symptoms. Consult a dietitian for the guidance on food. Take care of your stomach, and it will take care of you!

FAQ’s

Can I drink milk with a peptic ulcer?

Yes, you can as it soothes the stomach mucosa but if you drink milk in large quantities then it will increase the acid production in the stomach which is not good for you PUD.

 Is it okay to eat spicy food if I have a peptic ulcer?

No, it is not okay as they increase the inflammation of the stomach lining that makes it difficult to heal for the ulcer further direct contact of spices leads to irritation and extreme burning sensations.

 What foods help heal peptic ulcers?

Foods that promotes the healing are High-fiber foods, Probiotics, Lean proteins and Healing foods

 Can stress cause peptic ulcers?

While stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms and delay healing.

Are there any foods I should completely avoid with a peptic ulcer?

Yes, avoid Acidic foods, Caffeinated drinks, Alcohol and carbonated beverages, Fried and fatty foods.

Remedy Talks. (n.d.). Régime alimentaire pour la maladie ulcéreuse peptique: Ce qu’il faut manger et éviter [Diet for peptic ulcer disease: What to eat and avoid]. Retrieved from https://remedytalks.com/regime-alimentaire-pour-la-maladie-ulcereuse-peptique-ce-quil-faut-manger-et-eviter/

Remedy Talks. (n.d.). পেপটিক আলসার রোগের ডায়েট: কী খাবেন এবং কী এড়িয়ে চলবেন [Diet for peptic ulcer disease: What to eat and avoid]. Retrieved from https://remedytalks.com/%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%aa%e0%a6%9f%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%95-%e0%a6%86%e0%a6%b2%e0%a6%b8%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%b0%e0%a7%8b%e0%a6%97%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%a1%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%af%e0%a6%bc%e0%a7%87/

Remedy Talks. (n.d.). پیپٹک السر کی بیماری کا غذا: کیا کھائیں اور کیا نہ کھائیں [Diet for peptic ulcer disease: What to eat and avoid]. Retrieved from https://remedytalks.com/%d9%be%db%8c%d9%be%d9%b9%da%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d8%b1-%da%a9%db%8c-%d8%a8%db%8c%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%db%8c-%da%a9%d8%a7-%d8%ba%d8%b0%d8%a7-%da%a9%db%8c%d8%a7-%da%a9%da%be%d8%a7%d8%a6%db%8c%da%ba/

Remedy Talks. (n.d.). पेप्टिक अल्सर रोग आहार: क्या खाएं और क्या न खाएं [Diet for peptic ulcer disease: What to eat and avoid]. Retrieved from https://remedytalks.com/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%87%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%9f%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%95-%e0%a4%85%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%8b%e0%a4%97-%e0%a4%86%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%8d/