Diet Plan For Peptic Ulcer : If you have an ulcer, there are many varied diets that can be beneficial. A wide variety of both acidic and alkaline foods and beverages are restricted as they may irritate the lining of your stomach or trigger heartburn. But if you know which foods to avoid, there’s no reason why you can’t eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
What are Peptic Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers, also called as stomach ulcers, are characterized by the occurrence of an open sore on the inner lining of the stomach. The sore may be on the proximal, middle or distal part of the stomach or in the duodenum, the initial part of small intestine, following the stomach.
Diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract such as peptic ulcers and dyspepsia are quite common among the urban population today due to improper eating habits and erratic lifestyle adopted due to the influence of technology. People today have chosen jobs involving prolonged hours of sitting in front of the PC and often skipping meals, which is quite common due to busy working hours.
Irregular meal timings combined with having large meals at a time all play a role in disturbing the functioning of the normal digestive system. Paying proper attention to regularizing meal timings & minding the portion size of meals can help reverse gut disorders such as peptic ulcers.
Ulcers are often the result of inadequate presence of the bicarbonate ions in the stomach lining. Hence, on account of inadequate bicarbonate ions to neutralize the H+ ions in the acidic secretions of the gut, the stomach acid has the capacity of corroding the stomach lining. This gives rise to ulcers.
Peptic ulcers have characteristic symptom of dull, continuous, throbbing pain before meal time or sharp, shooting pain experienced while consuming meals or during night. The pain may persist for few minutes to hours, in some cases of severity, it may also prolong for days or months. The pain is most probably centered around the upper abdominal region, close to the sternum.
Other associated symptoms of peptic ulcers may be heartburn, belching, nauseous feeling, bloating, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding. Bleeding results when the open sore causes a perforating through the stomach lining. Blood from the ulcers may be observed either in stools or in vomit.
What are the Causes of Peptic Ulcers?
The most common causes of peptic ulcers has been found to be Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection which invade the intestinal lining and damage it while proliferating. Also, indiscriminate use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and other pain killers) has found to precipitate peptic ulcers.
Alcohol & tobacco intake as well as consumption of oily, spicy foods may worsen the condition of peptic ulcers, but has not been found to cause them. The most common, first line treatment for ulcers is administration of antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which dilute the concentration of acid secretions in the stomach or reduce the acid production respectively.
Dietary Indications For Peptic Ulcers
The daily diet regime & nutrition do play a significant role in controlling the symptoms & recurrence of peptic ulcers. The main purpose for providing optimum nutrition support is to promote healing of the ulcers as well as to prevent the aggravation of symptoms. Following are the foods which can be included as well as those which needs to be avoided in the diet for effective management of peptic ulcers.
Foods Recommended
Foods which are well cooked and mashed must be included. Fruits such as apple, pear should be skewed. As the diet should be non-irritating and non-stimulating to the digestive tract, it is advisable to cook vegetables to a well mashed consistency. Whole grains, rice, corn, barley can be included.
Cranberries, cherries, tomatoes, bean vegetables like cluster beans, french beans, broad beans, should be mashed well. Bell peppers, gourd vegetables such as bottlegourd, ridgegourd contain moisture which soothens the digestive tract. Probiotics in the form of curd, yogurt, buttermilk, helps in the growth of friendly bacteria that aids better digestion.
Foods Restricted
Citrus fruits such as orange, amla (Indian Gooseberry), sweetlime are rich in Vitamin C and helps in wound healing but the question whether it can be used is still a controversy.
Skimmed milk & milk products, low fat cottage cheese are acid- stimulating and so they are restricted.
Foods prepared by mainly using refined flour & refined sugar such as baked products, white bread loaves, pasta, noodles, cookies, desserts containing full, rich cream, whole milk & milk products are limited.
Foods Avoided
Caffeinated drinks & beverages like tea, coffee are avoided as it increases gastric acid production and irritates the mucosal membrane. Spices like black pepper, chilli powder, cinnamon, Red meat of all kinds (barbecued or charred on the surface), foods containing hydrogenated vegetable fats (trans fats) such as peanut butter, milk based bread spreads, rich chocolates & cocoa based sweets, alcohol & all kinds of alcoholic beverages, aerated soft drinks are avoided.
Nutrients Essential in Management of Peptic Ulcers
Zinc
Zinc is an essential micronutrient which hastens the healing of ulcers. It also improves immunity against H.pylori infection which is one of the causative factors of peptic ulcers. Good immunity resists the bacteria to multiply & damage the lining causing ulcers. Zinc is also found to promote the growth of new cells in the stomach lining.
Selenium
Selenium in conjunction with zinc helps in building immunity to prevent recurrence of as well as heal the ulcers.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin A help in building new cells in place of the damaged cells. They along with flavonoids also help in protecting against oxidative stress developed in the digestive system as a result of the inflammation induced by the ulcers. The flavonoids also help in inhibiting the spread of H.pylori.
Fibre
Adequate fibre intake, both soluble as well as insoluble fiber, in the diet has found to decrease the risk of occurrence of peptic ulcers. Conversely, inadequate fiber intake through the diet has shown to increase incidence of ulcers. Fibre helps to dilute the bile & gastric secretions which may aggravate the ulcer symptoms, if they are more concentrated in the gut.
Probiotics
Probiotics, which contain healthy strains of lactobacillus bacteria, prevents the growth & proliferation of harmful bacteria like H.pylori, responsible for causing ulcers. They also protect the stomach lining from damage.
Vitamin C
Studies have found Vitamin C to be more effective against bleeding ulcers, i.e, they help to heal the wound faster and stop blood loss.
Fluids
Adequate intake of fluids in the form of strained vegetable soups, plain water, lime or coconut water, buttermilk helps to accelerate gastric emptying which prevents the concentrated gut contents from staying in the gut for long. They dilute the concentrated gastric secretions.
General Health Tips to Help in Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
- Avoid smoking & use of nicotine products.
- Avoid alcohol use.
- Avoid lying down or going to bed immediately after having a full meal. This can cause acidic reflux of the stomach contents.
- Do not keep large time gaps between main meals during the day.
- Have small, 4-5 regular meals through the day.
- Avoid skipping any of the main meals.
- Get adequate rest & 6-7 hours of sound sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques or deep breathing exercises to relieve stress. Handle stress effectively by positive thoughts, engaging in hobbies & activities you love to do.
- Adopt a more active lifestyle by moving about often at your place of work in between work hours.
What is a diet for stomach ulcers and gastritis?
A diet for ulcers and gastritis is a meal plan that limits foods that irritate your stomach. Certain foods may worsen symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, or indigestion.
Which foods should I limit or avoid?
You may need to avoid acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods worsen your symptoms and limit those foods. The following are some foods that may worsen ulcer or gastritis symptoms:
- Beverages to avoid:
- Whole milk and chocolate milk
- Hot cocoa and cola
- Any beverage with caffeine
- Regular and decaffeinated coffee
- Peppermint and spearmint tea
- Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
- Orange and grapefruit juices
- Drinks that contain alcohol
- Spices and seasonings to avoid:
- Black and red pepper
- Chili powder
- Mustard seed and nutmeg
- Other foods to avoid:
- Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
- Chocolate
- Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
- Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
- Hot chiles and peppers
- Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice
Treatment options
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
- Protonix
- pantoprazole
- Carafate
- Protonix IV
- Tagamet HB
Which foods can I eat and drink?
Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy meal plan.
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What other guidelines may be helpful?
- Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
- Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Diet for Stomach Ulcers and Gastritis
Treatment options
- Medications for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
Symptoms and treatments
- Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Health Guide
Stomach ulcers are essentially open sores within the lining of the stomach. They are a type of peptic ulcers caused either by inflammation or by the erosion from stomach acids. They can be very painful considering the amount of acid present in the stomach. Individuals suffering from peptic ulcers are given antibiotics to reduce the secretion of acid in the stomach. To enhance the remedy from medication, they are advised to follow a diet that also seeks to block stomach acid. Some of the foods that are known to do so are as follows. Flavonoids – Flavonoids are gastro-protective meaning they defend the stomach’s lining, heal ulcers and prevent them from forming. Grapes, broccoli, apples, legumes, kale, berries and tea (particularly green tea) are rich sources of flavonoids. Probiotics – Probiotics are known to enhance recovery when complemented with antibiotics. Probiotics are yeast and other microorganisms that provide the digestive tract with necessary microbes. Food sources rich in probiotics are buttermilk, yogurt and kefir. Honey – Honey, a natural sweetener, is a potent antibacterial which is known to inhibit the growth of the bacteria responsible for causing peptic ulcers. It is advised to avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages, salty and spicy foods, fried foods, processed foods and foods with high acidic content such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Diet Chart
| Sunday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Vegetable soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + 1 Apple (Unskinned) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Khichdi (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Boiled Black grams (1/3rd cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Khichdi (1/2 cup) |
| Monday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Boiled White Chickpeas n Tomato (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + Grapes (1/2 cup) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Fish(1pc.) stew |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Roasted Rice Flakes (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Baked Pumpkin (1/3rd cup) |
| Tuesday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Carrot soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + Pomegranates (1/2 cup) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Boiled rice (1/2 cup) + Cabbage curry (1/3rd cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Boiled Potato n Black grams (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Mashed potato(2) + 1tsp Ghee |
| Wednesday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Vegetable soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + 1 Guava |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Carrot Uttappam (1) + Raita (1/3rd cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Puffed Rice (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Khichdi (1/2 cup) |
| Thursday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Baked Tomato n Brolli wity bell peper soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + Ripe Papaya (1/3rd cup) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Baked vegetables (1/2 cup) + Raita (1/3rd cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Boiled Black grams (1/3rd cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Bottle gourd curry (1/3rd cup) |
| Friday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Broccoli n Bell peper soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + 1 Orange |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Lentil soup (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Roasted Rice Flakes (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Fish(1pc.) stew (1/3rd cup) |
| Saturday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Carrot n Beetroot soup (1 cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Tender coconut water (1 cup) + 2 Chikus |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Dosa (1) + Samber (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Boiled Potato n Black grams (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Pointed gourd(without seeds n Unskinned) Curryurry |
Food Items To Limit
- Coffee and/or tea- Caffeine content which leads to GERD.
- Chocolate- It is well known as an acid producing food stuff.
- Spicy food- Spices and ‘masalas’ as we call it, are always proved to be an irritating agent and many a times the cause for gastric irritation.
- Alcohol- It not only adds empty calories to the body but also worsens the condition by excessive fermentation of sugar present in it as a result excess acid production in the stomach in combination of others ligitimate conditions may lead to ulcers.
- Acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes- The higher the acidic content of the foods the more probability of excess acidic evironment inside the stomach and so ulcers.
- Uncooked foods may be a risk factor for transmitting H.pylori, as it is the prime cause of the ulcer.
Do’s And Dont’s
Do’s:
- Being overworked and overstressed are like extending a direct invitation to gastric problems. The body loses its ability to perform normal digestive functions and is often associated with increased production of stomach acids.
- Having 5 small easily digestible meals a day at proper intervals is a key to good digestive health. Eating slowly without talking and chewing the food properly also improves digestion. It reduces intestinal gas as less air is swallowed during the eating process. Emotional eating too causes such disorders. So it is very important to fix any so called underlying reasons, be it psychological or emotional to make a complete recovery from the said condition.
- Any physical activity which helps you break into a sweat improves the process of metabolism and assimilation in the body. Breathing exercises and yoga can bring relief from bloating, flatulence and other symptoms of indigestion and intestinal gas.
- A prerequisite in order to achieve a healthy digestive process is an efficiently hydrated body. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day is mandatory to prevent any gastric complications.
- Drinking 2-3 glasses of luke warm water first thing in the morning is said to help with regular bowel movements and relieve indigestion and flatulence.
- Probiotics are the friendly bacteria of the gut. They help in breaking down the food and making it easy for the body to digest it. Fermented milk products like yogurt contain the bacteria lactobacillus which is known to promote digestion.
- Non glutenous grains, non citric fruits and vegetables, high fiber and lean protein meats are the best choices.
- One of the best known herbs to treat gastritis is ginger. It heals the gastric lining and reduces inflammation. It reduces vomiting tendencies and is known for its anti microbial prowess.
Don’ts:
- Avoiding foods like complex carbohydrate and proteins (difficult to be broken down) following a gastric attack would be a good idea.
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking is absolutely essential to recover from a gastric attack. Prolonged intake of these could cause irrepairable damage to the gut.
- Staying away from certain medications like acetaminophens, analgesics, ibuprofen, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs is important in preventing gastritis. It is essential to ask one’s physician as to which other medications one could opt for in the given condition.
- Caffeinated beverages like sodas, tea and coffee should be in taken in a controlled portion.
- Keeping away from wheat, tomatoes, lemons, red meat etc is essential. Staying away from dairy is also recommended in gastritis. Anything hot and spicy like peppers, black pepper or red chili powder should be kept away from.
- Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beans are tougher on the gut and should be stayed away from.
Food Items You Can Easily Consume
- Cereals & Pulses: Cereals (rice, oats, jowar, bajra and ragi) and pulses (red gram, green gram, bengal gram and black gram dals).
- Fruits & vegetables: Fruits (stewed apple, banana, papaya, pomegranate, pear, melons (water melon, musk melon) and vegetables (all gourds, ladies finger, tinda, green leafy vegetables (indian spinach, fenugreek leaves, corriander leaves).
- Meat, Fish & Poultry: Lean meat, skin less chicken, fish (mackerel, trout, sardine, salmon, tuna).
- Milk & Milk products: Yoghurt, other fermented milk products. Nuts & Oils: Almonds, walnuts, pista, olive oil, canola oil, sun flower oil, rice bran oil.