If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop within the lining of your stomach. According to the American College of Gastroenterology , an organization of doctors who specialize in the digestive tract, there is no specific diet a person with ulcers needs to follow. Current diet recommendations are now based on research that certain foods may have ingredients that fight against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, a main cause of ulcers.
In the majority of all ulcer cases, the cause of ulcers can be linked to a bacterial infection known as a Helicobacter pylori H. Since H. In addition to taking the antibiotics and acid-blocking medications recommended by your doctor for your ulcer treatment, eating these foods may also be helpful against the ulcer-causing bacteria:. If your stomach ulcer is caused by an H. They could help protect and activate your immune system and help fight the infection. They may also help protect against stomach cancer.
Foods like blueberries, cherries, and bell peppers are packed with antioxidant power. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach contain calcium and B vitamins.
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that exhibits anti- H. Some research shows that the fatty acids contained in olive oil can also help treat an H. Fermented probiotic foods have shown promise in clinical studies for ulcer treatment.
These foods, such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi, may prevent reinfection. Garlic, decaffeinated green tea, and licorice round out the list of things you might want to incorporate in your diet.
If your stomach ulcer is being treated with an antibiotic, consider taking a probiotic supplement as part of your diet plan. This can help reduce antibiotic-associated symptoms. It may also improve the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Ask your doctor what probiotic would be best to take with your antibiotic medication.
Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , and Saccharomyces supplements have shown benefits in people with H. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice taken one hour before meals and curcumin extracts have shown promise in some ulcer research due to their action against H. Shop for deglycyrrhizinated licorice and curcumin extracts. Eating foods that contain these microbes can restore the balance of the gut microbiome. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, which is a phytochemical that inhibits the growth of H.
In a study involving people with H. Sulforaphane is also present in other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. 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. Fruits have many health benefits, but berries might be particularly helpful in reducing H.
In one older laboratory study , extracts of various berries inhibited the growth of H. There is also some evidence to suggest that cranberry juice may be useful in treating H. Although these results are promising, research must continue into the effects of berry intake on stomach ulcers. People have used honey since ancient times as both a food ingredient and a medicine. It is naturally antimicrobial, and some types — including manuka and oak tree honey — are particularly potent.
In one study , people with dyspepsia , or indigestion, added honey to their diets at least once per week. Consuming honey was associated with a lower presence of H. Olive oil has inhibited H. In one study from , people with H. The results were mixed, but the researchers conclude that olive oil might be moderately effective in treating H.
Using olive oil to cook and bake with, and in salad dressings and dips, could have some benefits for people with stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are associated with a buildup of acid in the gut. Certain foods and beverages increase acid production and can make stomach ulcers more likely. Drinking alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor can inflame and irritate the lining of the stomach.
Excessive alcohol use is associated with experiencing symptoms of stomach ulcers. They can also be high in fat and salt and, if cooked away from the home, might be fried in oil that a kitchen has used several times over. Some foods are naturally acidic, and, even though they have some health benefits, they are best avoided on a stomach ulcer diet.
Other foods have a high dietary acid load, which means that they contribute to an acidic environment in the body. Avoiding high fat, salty, and sugary processed foods may help relieve symptoms in people with stomach ulcers. People with stomach ulcers often have diets low in fiber and antioxidants.
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. Medical experts once believed that stomach ulcers developed due to factors such as stress and eating spicy foods. However, scientists and doctors now agree that these factors are not responsible.
In general, you can't go wrong with a healthy diet, but keep an eye on what aggravates your loved one's ulcer. It used to be that doctors recommended the same diet for everyone with an ulcer : Avoid spicy foods and eat bland ones.
But today doctors know that spicy foods do not cause an ulcer and bland diets do not necessarily help in ulcer treatment. So how do you prepare meals for a loved one with an ulcer? If your loved one notices a particular food causes a problem, just avoid that food and let the doctor know.
Although there is no strong evidence that any foods prevent or heal an ulcer , a healthy diet is the best policy.
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