A proper diet is crucial in aiding the healing of peptic ulcers.

These ulcers are often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which requires antibiotic treatment.

They can also develop from long-term use of medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Knowing which foods to include and avoid can help manage ulcers and support their healing process.

Foods to Avoid When Dealing with a Stomach Ulcer

• Alcohol
  All types of alcohol can irritate the stomach, which can hinder healing. It is best to avoid wine, beer, and spirits.
• Caffeine
  Limit or eliminate coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas, as they can stimulate excess stomach acid production.
• Milk
  Although milk was once thought to soothe ulcers, research now shows it can actually increase stomach acid. It’s advisable to avoid milk during the healing process.
• Certain Meats
  Heavily seasoned meats, lunch meats, sausages, and fried or fatty proteins should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach lining.
• High-Fat Foods
  Excessive amounts of added fats, such as those found in gravies, cream-based soups, and some salad dressings, can trigger acid production and reflux. Stick to healthy fats in moderation.
• Spicy Foods
  Spicy foods like chili peppers, horseradish, and black pepper may not cause ulcers, but they can worsen symptoms by irritating the stomach.
• Salty Foods
  Too much salt, found in foods like pickles, olives, and brined vegetables, can encourage the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers.
• Chocolate
  Chocolate can stimulate stomach acid production and may trigger reflux in some individuals. It’s best to avoid it when managing an ulcer.

A diet designed for ulcers can assist in the healing process of peptic ulcers. One common cause of these ulcers is the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which requires antibiotic treatment. Ulcers can also develop from prolonged use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Understanding which foods to include and avoid can help manage and promote healing of ulcers.

Foods to Include in an Ulcer Diet

An ulcer diet is focused on reducing symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and lowering the risk of future ulcers by:

• Addressing nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to symptoms
• Providing protein and nutrients needed for healing
• Avoiding foods that irritate the ulcer
• Supporting the management of conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or bacterial infections

While these foods can be beneficial, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best dietary plan for your specific needs.

1. Fruits
   Fresh or frozen fruits are packed with fiber and antioxidants. Berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates are especially beneficial for healing. However, if citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit worsen acid reflux, it’s best to avoid them.
2. Vegetables
   Leafy greens, colorful vegetables (such as red and orange ones), and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that aid in overall health and healing. Cabbage has also been studied for its potential to help with digestive issues. It’s best to avoid spicy peppers and tomatoes if they trigger reflux, and choose softer, cooked vegetables, as raw ones may be harder to digest.
3. Lean Proteins
   Skinless poultry, lean beef cuts (like sirloin or tenderloin), fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and legumes (such as beans and peas) are excellent sources of low-fat protein. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce inflammation and help prevent further ulcers. Omega-3s may also reduce the health risks associated with H. pylori infection.
4. Fermented Dairy
   Probiotic-rich foods like kefir and Greek yogurt provide beneficial bacteria and protein, making them great additions to an ulcer diet. Emerging research suggests that probiotics may help manage peptic ulcers.
5. Breads and Grains
   Whole grain breads and grains like oats, quinoa, farro, millet, or sorghum are good sources of fiber. These contribute to digestive health, although fiber itself has not been proven to prevent ulcers. Whole grains are still beneficial for overall digestive wellness.
6. Herbs and Spices
   Although spicy foods should be avoided, certain mild herbs and spices may aid in healing. Studies show that spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help eliminate H. pylori bacteria. These spices are also rich in antioxidants, making them valuable additions to an ulcer-friendly diet.

Vitamin D is crucial for regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are vital for the health of bones, teeth, and muscles.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities like rickets in children and bone pain from osteomalacia in adults.

To ensure adequate vitamin D intake, individuals at higher risk of deficiency, all children aged 1 to 4, and infants (unless consuming over 500ml of infant formula daily) should take a daily supplement year-round.

Good sources of vitamin D include:

• Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
• Red meat
• Liver (should be avoided during pregnancy)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods like certain fat spreads and breakfast cereals

The body can also produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight, but from October to early March, sunlight alone is not sufficient for adequate vitamin D production. Supplements are an alternative reliable source of vitamin D.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for several functions in the body:

• It helps protect and maintain healthy cells.
• It supports the health of the skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage.
• It plays a role in wound healing.

Read Also: 6 Potential Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes

A lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges and orange juice
• Peppers
• Strawberries
• Blackcurrants
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Potatoes

There are several types of vitamin B, each essential for maintaining good health.

This section covers the following B vitamins:

• Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic Acid
• Vitamin B6
• Biotin (Vitamin B7)
• Folate and Folic Acid
• Vitamin B12

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

Thiamin helps:

• Convert food into energy
• Maintain a healthy nervous system

Good sources of thiamin include:

• Peas
• Fresh fruits like bananas and oranges
• Nuts
• Wholegrain breads
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Liver (avoid during pregnancy)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin supports:

• Healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system
• Energy release from food

Good sources of riboflavin include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Mushrooms
• Plain yogurt

Note: Riboflavin is sensitive to UV light, so it’s best to store these foods away from direct sunlight.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin aids in:

• Releasing energy from food
• Maintaining healthy skin and nervous system

Good sources of niacin include:

• Meat
• Fish
• Wheat flour
• Eggs

There are two forms of niacin: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, both of which are found in food.

Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid helps release energy from food and performs other essential functions.

Good sources include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Liver and kidneys (avoid liver during pregnancy)
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Avocados
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supports:

• The body’s use and storage of energy from proteins and carbohydrates
• The production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells

Good sources of vitamin B6 include:

• Pork
• Poultry (e.g., chicken or turkey)
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Soybeans
• Wheatgerm
• Oats
• Bananas
• Milk
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin helps the body produce fatty acids, although it’s needed in small amounts. Gut bacteria can also produce biotin, so dietary intake may not always be necessary.

Good sources of biotin include:

• Various foods, but typically in small amounts.

Folate and Folic Acid

Folate, or vitamin B9, is vital for:

• Forming healthy red blood cells
• Reducing the risk of birth defects like spina bifida in unborn babies

A deficiency in folate can lead to folate deficiency anemia.

Good sources of folate include:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Leafy green vegetables (e.g., cabbage, kale, spinach)
• Peas
• Chickpeas and kidney beans
• Liver (avoid during pregnancy)
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

• Producing red blood cells and maintaining the nervous system
• Releasing energy from food
• Working with folate in the body

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Good sources of vitamin B12 include:

• Meat
• Fish
• Milk
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, plays several crucial roles in the body, including:

• Supporting the immune system to defend against illness and infection.
• Aiding vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
• Maintaining healthy skin and the lining of various body parts, such as the nose.

Good Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A (retinol) can be found in various foods, including:

• Cheese
• Eggs
• Oily fish
• Fortified low-fat spreads
• Milk and yogurt
• Liver and liver products (like liver pâté) – Liver is especially rich in vitamin A, so eating it more than once a week may increase the risk of excessive intake. (Pregnant women should avoid liver and liver products.)

In addition to retinol, vitamin A can also be sourced from foods containing beta-carotene, which the body can convert into retinol.

Main sources of beta-carotene include:

• Yellow, red, and green (leafy) vegetables like spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers.
• Yellow fruits such as mango, papaya, and apricots.