All ulcers produce similar kinds of symptoms and the response to the treatment is also the same. The dietary recommendations hence, remain the same regardless of why they occur.
The following guidelines help in alleviating the symptoms:
- Eat frequent meals. Try and have about three to six meals everyday.
- Prefer to have small meals rather than one large meal.
- Avoid extremes of hot and cold foods.
- Limit tea, coffee and alcohol.
- Avoid foods and drinks that you think cause discomfort.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid self-medication of aspirin as it is known to cause damage to the stomach.
- Eat meals in a relaxed comfortable manner.
- Avoid spicy foods.
- Eat slowly and chew foods properly.
- Avoid drinking water with meals.
- Avoid chewing lots of chewing gums as they stimulate acid production.
- Do not overeat.
Foods to eat
- Whole grains cooked with a pinch of salt to alkalise them
- Apples as they inhibit the fermentation and growth of bacteria in the intestines.
- Ginger helps in overcoming the nausea.
- Lemon helps in alleviating flatulence and indigestion.
- Carrots treat excess acid production, indigestion and heartburn.
Soothing foods such as soups, banana, spinach, cucumber etc are specially recommended.
Foods to avoid
- Caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee etc
- High fat meats
- High fat milk and milk products
- Sugar and spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Citrus fruits
A diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits, with plenty of whole grains and omitting foods that cause discomfort (this may vary from individual to individual) helps to overcome the problem of ulcers.