Types of Foods To Avoid If You Have Stomach Ulcers

Are you suffering from ulcers in stomach? Are you wondering what exactly the cause is for the discomfort that you are facing? Well, you are not alone. There are many people like you, who are suffering from this problem. Though it sounds like a minor ailment, it needs to be treated otherwise, it can lead to major repercussions.

If you are not sure whether you have an ulcer or not, you can ask yourself these questions.

• Do you have constant pain in the stomach?
• Are you experiencing weight loss?
• Do you feel nauseated or have vomiting sensations?
• Does your stomach feel bloated?
• Do you have a burning sensation or heartburns in your chest, in between the meals?
• Do you feel the pain reducing when you eat or drink something or on taking antacids?

If your answer is “Yes” to most of them, then, you are suffering from stomach ulcers.

What are Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are blisters in the lining around the stomach, small intestine, and the Oesophagus. These sores could be anywhere around the digestive tracts, but small intestines are the most commonly affected. The stomach is protected with a thick covering of mucus. When this lining is reduced, it causes pain and ulcers. A lot of reasons are attributed to this problem, and it could be caused due to stress, diabetes, alcoholism, hereditary issues, aging, drug abuse, and use of steroids.
There are two types of peptic ulcers: These include duodenal ulcers, which are found in the upper part of small intestine and the gastric ulcer, which occurs in the stomach.

There are treatments available which can put your problems to rest, and you could take antacids which can lessen the acid and help in the healing process. But, you should also know whether the diet that you are following, has any impact on the ulcers. Won’t it be useful to find out the food items that you could avoid during ulcers in stomach so that you can minimize your discomfort?

Foods to Avoid If You Have Ulcers in Stomach

There are some food items that can aggravate the ulcer symptoms and these should be taken in reduced quantities or should be completely avoided, whenever possible.

 

1. Carbonated and Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is actually a psychoactive drug, found in coffee, tea, and chocolates. It is a stimulant and people easily get addicted to it. For a coffee-drinker, the most challenging task is to let go of his favourite cup of coffee. The problem with caffeinated and carbonated drinks is that these can stimulate the production of acid in the body and can cause acidity and indigestion. Even harmless-looking peppermint or green tea can also worsen your ulcers. So, do stay away from them. Similarly, a carbonated drink like soda also needs to be avoided as it also aggravates the ulcers in stomach.

 

2. Milk

Well, we all think that milk is the best food item available. Loaded with nutrients, it can act as a perfect substitute for any other food. Also, cold milk is so soothing for our tummies and provides temporary relief from the stomach irritations too. But, sadly, milk and other dairy products actually aggravate the ulcers in the stomach, by increasing the acid production, causing irritation. You never thought about that, right? So, do try to stay away from milk and other tempting dairy products till your ulcer is completely healed and cured.

 

3. Alcoholic Beverages

For a person, who is suffering from a ulcers in stomach, alcohol is a strict “No”. It erodes the lining in the stomach and cause irritations, leading to inflammation and heavy bleeding. Alcohol increases dehydration and also the gastric acid in the body.

 

4. Spicy Foods

Does the thought of spicy food tingle your taste buds and make your mouth water? Unfortunately, spicy foods should be completely avoided, too when you are suffering from ulcers in stomach. You will just have to forego those chilies, black pepper, and those tongue-tickling spicy sauces. These can increase the acidity and trigger the reflux of acids.

 

5. Salty Food

High salt content in the food can also lead to aggravated ulcers. But, food without salt would be quite tasteless, right? So, how about choosing some low-sodium variant of salt which would enhance the taste without being dangerous?

 

6. Citric Acid

Even though the tangy lemons and the juicy oranges look harmless, they are quite high in citric acid. So, you might have to start avoiding lemons and oranges, along with other high-citric-acid content fruits like pineapples and grapefruits. No, you should not even have these fruits in the juice format. Similarly, all those tomato products, like sauces, puree, and juices need to be avoided. Jellies and jams can also cause a lot of harm and should be avoided, as well.

 

7. Refined Food

Refined food items should also be restricted. These include pasta, white bread, sugar and other processed foods. It is better to eat them in the whole grain form. Anything refined is not good for your body.

 

8. High-Fat Foods

Even though you cannot resist those deep fried and high-fat items, you need to have control of your cravings. These food items are quite dangerous for your health. Not just in your stomach, but,these food items can actually cause a lot of damage to your body too if taken in huge quantities and on a regular basis. All those cheese-loaded pizzas, salami, sausages, ham and bacon taste yummy but you really need to stay away from these foods till you are completely recovered. 

 

9. Red Meat

This has a huge fat and protein content and is quite difficult to digest. As it remains in the stomach for a longer duration, it needs more of acid secretion, which can worsen the ulcer.

Well, if you can avoid these above-mentioned food items, you would be able to save your body from further discomfort due to ulcers. Try to include more of green leafy vegetables in your diet, and make your diet rich in fiber. These can heal the ulcers in stomach and improve your digestive system. Divide your meals into smaller portions and lesser intervals.Lastly, don’t forget to drink 1 to 2 liters of water every day.