Stomach Ulcer: Proper Nutrition - What to Eat and What to Avoid

Gastric ulcers, also known as digestive, or gastric ulcers, are open wounds in the inner lining of the stomach. Due to the amount of acid present in the stomach when ulcers occur, they are often extremely painful.

The most common cause of stomach ulcer is Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Ulcers may also be caused by excessive use of aplasins, such as aspirin and non-steroidal antiinflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Stomach ulcer is often treated with antibiotics and medicines that reduce, block, or neutralize stomach acids. There are also natural treatments that you can apply to relieve the symptoms of a stomach ulcer and help it heal.

Flavonoids
Research suggests that flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, may be an effective remedy for stomach ulcer. Flavonoids are chemical compounds that are naturally present in many fruits and vegetables. Foods and beverages that are rich in flavonoids include:

Soy
Legumes
Red grapes
Cabbage
Broccoli
Apples
Berries
Tea (especially green tea)

However, some foods and drinks containing flavonoids, such as citrus and red wines, can irritate stomach ulcer.

Flavonoids are characterized as "gastroprotective", which means they defend the lining of the stomach and contribute to the healing of the ulcers. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, there are no side effects from eating flavonoids in quantities that are normally present in a balanced diet, but excessive consumption of flavonoids may affect blood clotting.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that help in good digestive health. We find them in many common foods, especially those that have been fermented, such as buttermilk and yoghurt.
You can also take probiotics as a supplement. Studies have shown that probiotics contribute to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori and faster recovery in patients with ulcers.

Honey

Honey offers much more than a sweet taste. Depending on the plant from which it comes, honey can contain up to 200 elements, including polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey is a powerful antibacterial and has been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Since you have normal blood sugar levels, you can enjoy honey, as you would with any sweetener, with the "bonus" of its soothing stomach ulcer property.

Garlic

Garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori in laboratory experiments, both in animals and in humans. If you do not like the taste (and the ... smell that leaves it behind your breath) you can take it as an extract supplement as a dietary supplement. Garlic is known to make the blood thinner, so ask your doctor before taking it as a supplement, especially if you are using warfarin or other blood anticoagulants.
Cranberry (berries)
Cranberry berries are known for their ability to fight infections of the urinary tract, preventing bacteria from sitting on the bladder wall. They can also help fight Helicobacter pylori. You can drink cranberry juice, eat berries cranberries, or get supplements with cranberry.
Unfortunately, there is no specific amount determined by research, in terms of relieving stomach ulcer. Excessive consumption of berries in any form can cause stomach discomfort, whether you have ulcers or not, so it is advisable to start with small amounts and gradually increase them. In addition, many of the commercially available juices have a lot of sugar and / or high fructose corn syrup, which can also cause stomach upsets and add empty calories.
Gum
Mastic is the juice of the corresponding tree on the island of Chios. There are conflicting studies on the effectiveness of mastiha in stomach ulcer, but at least one of them has shown that mastic chewing helps fight against Helicobacter pylori. If your ulcers do not respond to other treatments, it is worthwhile to try mastic as it does not seem to be associated with any side effects. You can chew it as a chewing gum, or drink it as a supplement.
Fruit, vegetables and whole grains
A diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and whole grains is not only good for your overall health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a vitamin-rich diet can help your body to heal your ulcer. Foods containing polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) can protect you against ulcers and help in their healing. Polyphenol-rich foods and spices include:

Dried rosemary
Oregano
Black chocolate
Blueberries (berries)
Black olives

Stomach Ulcer: Which foods to avoid
Some foods can cause ulcers to worsen, while others have preventative and therapeutic action. Fatty and acidic foods are more likely to irritate your stomach than spicy foods.

To reduce the pain of the ulcer, avoid:
Coffee, including decaf (without caffeine)
Carbonated beverages
Hot peppers
Processed foods
Red meat
Fried food
Milk and alcohol

The ability of milk to overlap the inside of a glass can make you think it also creates a protective barrier inside your stomach. And indeed, initially drinking milk can ease the pain of the ulcer. But in the long run, it is not good for ulcers. It has been shown to make things worse causing your stomach to produce more acid.

If you've ever had hnagover, you know the effects that alcohol can have on your stomach. Alcohol is also directly associated with Helicobacter pylori infections, which means that it contributes to stomach ulcers and can make things worse. Excessive drinking is defined as more than one drink a day for women and more than two for men.

Source: iatropedia.gr