How to Heal Ulcers With Diet

Do you have a burning pain in the stomach? You may have an ulcer, a small sore in the stomach or intestine. Ulcers are common and affect more than 25 million Americans. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that a particular diet will help ulcers heal faster, but there are general dietary guidelines that can ease symptoms and potentially prevent frequent recurrence. If you suspect you have an ulcer, consult a doctor and follow the steps below to heal yourself through a healthy diet.

Instructions

1. Eliminate high-risk habits. The habits linked to increased ulcers are excessive drinking, regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), and tobacco use. Stopping these behaviors is a first step in preventing ulcer recurrence.

2. Track eating habits and make note of stomach pain. Most ulcers are not caused by food, but any food that causes you distress should be eliminated. Many people report feeling better after removing fruit juices, spicy foods, and fatty foods from their diet. Other triggers include caffeine, salt, and sugar. Find your trigger and avoid that food.

3. Eat small, frequent meals when in pain. If you are having problems with ulcers, avoid big meals. Instead, eat smaller meals more times during the day.

4. Eat a high-fiber diet. A study published by The College of Family Physicians of Canada found that a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of duodenal ulcers (ulcers found in the top part of the small intestine). Eat more fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain cereals. Click the link in the resource section below for a comprehensive list of high-fiber foods.

5. Increase vitamin A. The Canadian study also found that vitamin A has a preventive effect. Eat leafy green vegetables to increase vitamin A. Carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, and papaya are also good sources of vitamin A. (Click the link in the resource section below for a full list of foods high in vitamin A.) The best way to consume vegetables high in vitamin A is to eat them raw. When cooking vegetables, use minimal water so that the nutrient isn't lost to the water.

Tips & Warnings

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that most ulcers are caused by an infection from the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. This type of infection can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

• If the acid in fruit juices triggers stomach pain for you, don't be afraid to increase your fiber intake by eating raw fruits and vegetables. You may want to start with the blander options, like bananas, carrots, and peas, before trying the more acidic options like oranges, apples, and tomatoes. If you do find a trigger, avoid that food.

References

• Helicobacter Pylori and Peptic Ulcer Disease
• How Diet and Lifestyle Affect Duodenal Ulcers
• Ulcers: What You Can Do to Heal Your Ulcer

Resources

• High-Fiber Foods
• Vitamin A Rich Foods
• The Doctors Book of Food Remedies