•Wangari says most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and other factors.
•If left untreated and unmanaged, a stomach ulcer can become life-threatening.
Image: webmd
Having stomach ulcers can be a very painful experience especially if you cannot find meals that work for you.
A stomach or gastric ulcer is a break in the tissue lining of the stomach.
Wincate Wangari, a Nutritionist, advises people suffering from stomach ulcers to avoid alcohol, milk and caffeinated products.
She said avoiding such products may help reduce the risk as well as ease the symptoms.
“We highly recommend skipping milk. Milk eases the symptoms temporarily by coating the stomach, after a while, it causes the body to produce more gastric acid, which can lead to stomach ulcers,” she said.
“Drink at least 2 liters of water daily when ulcers are “active” and have a full glass whenever you experience discomfort, drinking water helps dilute acid in the stomach, unlike milk, it doesn’t stimulate the production of more acid.”
The nutritionist also recommends avoidance of foods which are high in fats especially processed fats and animal fats which can irritate.
“Avoid spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper, and highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, and ham,” she said.
Wangari advised people to opt for omega-3-rich foods; fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines can help prevent another ulcer.
People managing stomach are also advised to reduce or stop consumption of acidic fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, lemons, limes, pineapples, and oranges which may aggravate the irritation.
Dr Wangari says patients should opt for more carrots, melons, cauliflower, broccoli, and steamed cabbage.
Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
“A person’s stomach is made up of three layers, if any or all the layers have a defect, it may result in an ulcer (wound) developing."
Stomach ulcers can also be caused by chronic overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Other causes include: Infections, overeating, fast eating and smoking.
According to an analysis published in October 2017 in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, approximately 50 percent of people are infected with H. pylori, and the rate of infection is estimated to be much higher in developing countries.
While a common symptom of stomach ulcers is indigestion or discomfort in the stomach area, Wangari noted that one may also experience heartburn, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
“As with any wound, you have to watch and be careful how you take care of and handle it. Eating the right foods especially may help you control the symptoms and may even promote healing.”
If left untreated and unmanaged, a stomach ulcer can become life-threatening.
Here are some of the fruits and vegetables that can be consumed by those diagnosed with the disease;
- Avocados
The Nutritionist says that the fruit is packed with soluble fiber which may help ease the ulcer symptoms.
Despite being high in fat, she said avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
- Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in potassium, beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber.
“Eating sweet potatoes can help increase mucus production since it is packed with Vitamin A,” she said.
Research also states that sweet potatoes have compounds that may have an anti-inflammatory effect and should replace processed bread.
She further advised people to seek professional help from a doctor to manage the problem in the early stages instead of self-treatment.