What cause stomach ulcer?
Doctors used to think that certain foods could cause stomach ulcer. But now we know other things cause stomach ulcer, like taking pain-relieving drugs for a long time, or infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Although food doesn’t cause or treat ulcers, some foods can make your pain worse, while other foods may help the ulcers heal faster.
Best foods for people with stomach ulcer: foods with probiotics
Foods like yogurt, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and tempeh are rich in “good” bacteria called probiotics. These foods may help ulcers by fighting an H. pylori infection, or by helping treatment methods work better.
Best foods for people with stomach ulcer: fiber-rich foods
Apples, pears, oatmeal, and other foods that are high in fiber are good for people with stomach ulcer in two ways. Fiber can lower the amount of acid in your stomach while easing abdominal bloating and pain. Research has also shown that a diet rich in fiber may help prevent stomach ulcers.
Best foods for people with stomach ulcer: sweet potato
Sweet potato is high in vitamin A, and there’s evidence that this nutrient can help shrink stomach ulcers and may also play a role in preventing them. Other foods with a good dose of vitamin A include spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, and beef liver.
Best foods for people with stomach ulcer: red bell pepper
Red bell pepper is rich in vitamin C, which can help you heal and prevent stomach ulcers. Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing. People who don’t get enough vitamin C are also more likely to get ulcers. You can get this nutrient in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, and broccoli, too.
Worst foods for people with stomach ulcer: milk
Before better remedies, like acid-blocking drugs, were found out, doctors used to tell people to drink milk to treat their stomach ulcers. Today we know milk can’t help prevent or relieve stomach ulcers. In fact, milk might actually make things worse by prompting your stomach to make more acid.
Worst foods for people with stomach ulcer: alcohol
If you’re having stomach ulcers, it’s best to limit alcohol or avoid it altogether. Research has shown that booze irritates and can even damage your digestive tract. Alcohol can make ulcers worse.
Worst foods for people with stomach ulcer: fatty foods
It takes longer to digest fatty foods, which can lead to abdominal pain and bloating. These problems will increase the pain from stomach ulcer.
Spicy foods
For a long time, doctors thought spicy food was a major cause of stomach ulcer. We now know this isn’t true. Still, some people find that spicy foods makes their symptoms worse. Avoid spicy foods if they make you feel more painful.
Citrus fruits
Before, doctors used to think that acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes would aggravate stomach ulcer. But there’s no strong evidence that these foods have any effect on the ulcers. Still, we all have unique reactions to foods, so if acidic foods make your ulcer feel worse, avoid them.
Chocolate
Chocolate has lots of potential health benefits. But chocolate often causes discomfort for some people who have stomach ulcers. If eating chocolate makes you feel worse, wait to indulge until your ulcer has healed.
Caffeine: ask your doctor
Researchers have different conclusions about whether caffeine – coffee in particular – makes stomach ulcers feel worse. However, the common advice is that you should avoid or reduce caffeine if you have stomach ulcers. Ask your doctor, but you may not have to give up coffee as long as your symptoms don’t get worse.
