High-fat foods: Try to avoid large amounts of added fats, which can increase stomach acid and trigger reflux. On the other hand, fibrous foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, which help with digestion, are suitable for preventing ulcers. Eating enough protein is also important. Avoid wine, beer, and spirits. Some choices, like berries and grapes, help repair damaged tissue. 2020;8(11):2173-2180. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2173. The main causes of stomach ulcers include: Some people with stomach ulcers do not experience any symptoms at all. However, they may aggravate symptoms. An ulcer diet offers options to improve your overall health and nutrition while reducing your ulcer risk. One source suggests that the. It can also cause swelling and tenderness and might lead to bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum. Doctors used to think that certain foods could give you ulcers. Apples, pears, oatmeal, and other foods that are high in fiber are good for ulcers in two ways. There is also some evidence to suggest that cranberry juice may be useful in treating H. pylori infection. "There have been several international studies suggesting certain foods may be helpful, but without larger trials in humans, one cannot definitively say for sure.". Cucumber is also not a friendly snack for people with sensitive stomachs. Plus, this type of food contains beneficial bacteria which help prevent ulcers from getting worse over time. Fresh cow cheese is also rich in protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A. Non-fat and spiced cheeses are less likely to cause ulcers. Your child's doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe treatment to help. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The most common symptom of an ulcer is pain and discomfort in the abdomen that lasts for more than 24 hours. Vegetable juice (strained) Lean protein is also ideal whether you have active UC symptoms or not. Vegetables: Leafy greens, bright red and orange vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that are especially good for your overall health and healing. cucumbers, mushrooms, onion, garlic, beans. Food and drink don't cause peptic ulcers, nor can they cure them. If you're like a lot of people, you probably spend some time every day wondering what to eat. occurs off and on for several weeks. Eating yogurt with honey can help to decrease the pain. cherries, figs, plums (especially dried ones), marmalade, jam, nuts, almonds. Home Fruits Does Cucumber Cure Stomach Ulcer? We used to think that if you have an ulcer, you should drink more milk, but that has been found to potentially have a negative impact, he says. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. However, a growing body of research is showing that fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi, might inhibit the activity of H. pylori. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Beef, chicken, lamb, fish (only non-fat). If youre prone to ulcers or have one now, its best to limit alcohol or avoid it altogether. These include unhealthful diets and certain illnesses or medications. Debunking health claims. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines. NSAIDs. Best Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Best Medicare Advantage Plan Companies 2023, Best Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Companies 2023. Insoluble and soluble fibers have shown this effect, with a strong correlation between diet and soluble fibers and a reduced risk of developing ulcers. Sources: 2 Studies have shown that fiber-rich diets reduce the risk of peptic ulcers by lowering stomach acid. Sharon Gillson is a writer living with and covering GERD and other digestive issues. No. Sources: 0, 15 Zucchini is good food for ulcer patients because it is low in fat and rich in fiber and water. Definitely avoid foods that make you feel worse or that trigger acid production and reflux. A defect in any or all of these layers results in an ulcer, which he compares to a sore in your mouth, but instead its in the stomach lining.. Herbs and spices: Hot, spicy foods are usually avoided on an ulcer diet, but a review of studies on food andH.pylori found that some spices added for flavor also help kill the bacteria. This makes this dessert the perfect choice for people suffering from ulcers and other digestive issues. Stomach acid is produced every time you eat, but large meals require much more of it for digestion, which can be irritating. Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, which may increase hydration and help you meet your daily fluid needs. The fermentation period will allow beneficial cultures to grow. You have to do what you can to reduce your risk. You may hurt when you eat, you may have cramps, you may have discomfort," she says. An evidence-based analysis. Following a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for those with stomach ulcers. There are various ways of cooking spinach to make it more effective for healing ulcers. However, choosing high fiber, unprocessed foods can help slow digestion and reduce bile acid concentration, which may help reduce symptoms such as bloating and pain. Fruits have many health benefits, but berries might be particularly helpful in reducing H. pylori infection. A bleeding ulcer requires immediate treatment. However, it is worth keeping in mind that most studies have focused on supplemental probiotics, not on diets rich in probiotics. probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and, acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although there is no strong evidence that any foods prevent or heal an ulcer, a healthy diet is the best policy. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to ease the pain and swelling of ulcers. That evidence is also limited to supplements' use when treating H. pylori bacterial infections. Peptic ulcer disease - exams and tests. Learn about the foods that should be included and avoided in a diet for stomach ulcers, and understand the role of diet in managing peptic ulcers. cakes with nuts, poppy, honey, almonds, all pies, and fried cakes. Some people with stomach ulcers may need to avoid or limit the following foods: Avoiding high fat, salty, and sugary processed foods may help relieve symptoms in people with stomach ulcers. They may help ulcers by fighting an H. pylori infection or by helping treatments. Sulforaphane is also present in other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Lerrigo is associate chief of gastroenterology and hepatology with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California. One key element of your diet may be polyphenols. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 2021;11(2):232-236. doi: 10.22270/jddt.v11i2.4593, Zaidi SF, Ahmed K, Saeed SA, Khan U, Sugiyama T. Can diet modulate Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric pathogenesis? That said, commonly avoided foods and beverages include: Reddy notes that while avoiding chocolate, coffee and citrus fruits was "thought to help reduce symptoms, theres no scientific data to recommend this practice. However, some individuals find that eliminating these foods can reduce symptoms. Uncomplicated gastric ulcers take up to two or three months to heal completely. To optimize consumption levels of this substance, it is best to eat the vegetables raw or to steam them lightly for up to 3 minutes. Abousaif is a gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California. Digestive problems Some people find some types of cucumber hard to digest. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, which is a phytochemical that inhibits the growth of H. pylori. Complications may include: Surgery may be required to address these complications, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. For example, if your stomach ulcer is caused by H. pylori, you'll likely be prescribed an antibiotic to clear up that infection. Its high in vitamin A, and theres evidence that this nutrient can help shrink stomach ulcers and may also play a role in preventing them. Learn how your comment data is processed. An ulcer diet may help, but your healthcare provider should determine your overall treatment plan. All of these are acidic or can increase stomach acid. These are called stomach or peptic ulcers. Health benefits of cucumber: 10 reasons to eat more cucumbers this summer Detoxifies your body. Its rich in vitamin C, which can help protect you from ulcers in a number of ways. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183777. Berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates are among the best choices for healing polyphenols. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (taken one hour before meals) and curcumin extracts have shown promise in some ulcer research due to their action against H. pylori. The foods to be avoided affect those that lead to gastric acid production, disrupt the healing of the ulcer, and scrape the digestive tract lining. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25779680/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22759331/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15543930/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531715000469?via%3Dihub, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fried-foods-linked-to-earlier-death, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18343637/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047973/, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/ulcers, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037652/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719912/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01148/full, https://gi.org/topics/peptic-ulcer-disease/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4231502/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5759180/, New clues to slow aging? Keeps your brain healthy. But theres no strong evidence that they have any effect on them. Call your healthcare provider if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting that lasts longer than a few days. For those who have ulcers, a list of vegetables that may help with the healing process is provided. Research has also shown that a diet rich in fiber may help prevent ulcers. It also provides relief from acidity as well as indigestion. This is a normal physiologic phenomenon, and the stomach lining has protective mechanisms to prevent damage from physiologic acid secretions, she explains. An ulcer diet is an eating plan designed to bring relief from peptic ulcer symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent more ulcers from developing in the future. They can be used as stomach acid blockers and thus, reduce the risk of ulcers. People can try home remedies to relieve the. National Institutes of Health. Taking probiotics such as Lactobacillus, which is naturally present in the gut, could help restore the natural balance of bacteria. Staying well hydrated has lots of health benefits and can promote better health of the digestive tract. Pickles are an excellent source of: Vitamin A. Vitamin K. Potassium. This question can be made more complex if you're dealing with a digestive health issue, such as stomach ulcers. If an excess of stomach acid is responsible, taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. The foods you choose, though, can make a big difference in how you feel and how quickly they heal. Today we know milk cant help prevent or relieve an ulcer. Homemade shakes made with healthy ingredients such as plant-based yogurt or ice cream, fruit, bananas, peanut butter and avocado can help.What food can help you with is symptom management," Simmons adds. There are no strict rules about which foods to eat, but try to add as many foods as you can from the best choices list above. Stomach ulcers are associated with a buildup of acid in the gut. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation, and are believed to be protective against a range of diseases. However, some ulcer patients avoid pork because its thought to be the cause of their ulcer. J Drug Delivery Ther. In one study from 2012, people with H. pylori infection took various doses of olive oil every day for 14 days. A guide to COVID-19 and wellness from the health team at U.S. News & World Report. Vaughn is a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Learn about symptoms, complications, and more. Olivia Vaughn, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, adds that stomach or peptic ulcers can cause stomach pain or stomach upset and lead to internal bleeding. Read our, Foods to Eat and Avoid When You Have an Ulcer, Foods to Avoid With a Peptic Ulcerand What to Reach For Instead, Natural and Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcers, What to Eat When You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Bleeding Ulcers: Everything You Need to Know, Peptic Ulcer Disease as a Cause of Chest Pain, What to Eat After Surgery and What to Avoid, A review on natural plants for phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities, Can diet modulate Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric pathogenesis? Sources: 10, 11 Fermented probiotic foods have shown promise in clinical studies for ulcer treatment. It has the ability to cleanse and detox the entire body as well as help to alleviate digestive problems such as gastritis, acidity, heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers. Spicy foods can irritate people with ulcers, so doctors should emphasize a high-fiber diet rich in vegetables and fruit. ", Lastly, Kelley notes that its important to see your family doctor once a year for a wellness visit. During that visit, mention if youve noticed any changes in your bathroom habits or if youve had any symptoms that could be related to a stomach ulcer. 20. Food choices dont cause ulcers or make them worse. Another rule of thumb is to choose foods that are high in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. There is strong evidence that no food can prevent or cure an ulcer, so a healthy diet is the best policy. Unless your doctor has said its OK, you should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Definition & Facts for Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers)., Mayo Clinic: Peptic Ulcer, Belching, intestinal gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them., Current Opinion in Biotechnology: Health benefits of fermented foods: microbiota and beyond., Frontiers in Microbiology: Fermented Foods: Are They Tasty Medicines for Helicobacter pylori Associated Peptic Ulcer and Gastric Cancer?, World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology: Use of probiotics in the fight against Helicobacter pylori, Consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome., International Journal of Food Properties: Probiotics for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection: A review., Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva (Brazilian Archives of Digestive Surgery): Nutritional care in peptic ulcer., PLoS ONE: Association of peptic ulcer disease with obesity, nutritional components, and blood parameters in the Korean population, No Association of Coffee Consumption with Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer, Reflux Esophagitis, and Non-Erosive Reflux Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study of 8,013 Healthy Subjects in Japan., Canadian Family Physician: How diet and lifestyle affect duodenal ulcers. It's a good idea to ask your healthcare provider about fiber intake. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Hence, intake of any foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, help during the healing process.. These foods, such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi, may prevent reinfection. For example, the walls and membranes that protect the muscle structures of the stomach become thin and wear out with the consumption of acidic foods. Some research also suggests that taking certain strains of probiotics may help reduce antibiotic treatment-related side effects, improve the balance of gut bacteria, and help make treatment more effective. Caffeine: You should cut back or stop drinking coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. Kelley is a family medicine physician with Orlando Health Physician Associates in Florida. People can take probiotics as a supplement or consume them in fermented foods. Making certain dietary changes can help alleviate symptoms, help keep the body healthy, and help reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers. For the same reason that it can help heal a skin ulcer, honey may help thwart H. pylori. The use of probiotics in peptic ulcers Probiotics are defined as food supplements based on living microorganisms that affect human organisms and provide microbial equilibrium33. Sources: 1 Learn about a diabetic coma, a serious complication of diabetes. Please share it with those who need it. Learn more about the surprising factors that can make you more vulnerable to sun damage, including tips on how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Some polyphenols help to heal stomach lining ulcers faster, while others have antibacterial effects and help kill H. pylori. They have been shown to help fight acid reflux as well as many other conditions. (2018). Ulcers can be serious if they cause internal bleeding. Food and drink don't cause peptic ulcers, nor can they cure them. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. A bland diet is generally your best bet when dealing with a peptic ulcer. But it is common for an ulcer to recur or for another ulcer to form nearby, if the bacteria are not killed. Stomach ulcers are a relatively common and irritating medical condition. Green salads are often the best choice for people with an ulcer. Kim J, Kim KH, Lee BJ. It's best to avoid it. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in many plant foods that can be used to manage peptic ulcers. You will also learn about the different ways in which you can consume them. But whats interesting about that is thats not always the case. Vemulapalli is associate professor in gastroenterology and medical director of the digestive disease clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Pudding for ulcers is a dessert that helps to soothe an irritated stomach. Relieves constipation. It is suggested that you learn to identify the foods that have the worst effects on your stomach ulcer and the symptoms that are affected by it. Shop for deglycyrrhizinated licorice and curcumin extracts. Reddy is a gastroenterologist and medical director at the Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands, California. Recent studies have shown probiotics inhibit colonization and burden of H. pylori infection, Reddy says. Muni Raja Lakshmi K, Kiran M, Sai Prasanna K. A review on natural plants for phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Keep reading to learn more about the best diet for stomach ulcers, including which foods to eat and avoid. (2015). Meat pies are generally considered to be healthy because they are made of lean meat and vegetables. Patients were encouraged to eat a bland diet in the past, but recent research does not prove this to be beneficial. This is because green salad is low in fat, contains many nutrients that are good for digestion, and has antioxidants that help prevent ulcers. high in potassium and fiber; help lower cholesterol Beans: a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, zinc Brussels sprouts: high in vitamins A & C & K Chives: high in antioxidants. It May Aid in Weight Loss Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight. With regard to heartburn, cucumbers are an alkaline food and thus neutralize acid in the body by increasing the pH value. If you can't pass up that glass of wine or piece of chocolate cake, make it a small one. The pulp of apples can actually make the pain of ulcers worse and irritate your stomach.