Gastric Ulcer Diet

Gastric ulcer, also termed as peptic ulcer, is a sore or lesion in the esophagus or lining of the stomach or just beyond the stomach in the first part of the intestine, called the duodenum. It affects people of all age groups at some point in their lives and is equally common in men and women. The most prominent cause of gastric ulcer is the inflammation or destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining of the stomach by hydrochloric acid, one of the digestive juices secreted by the stomach. This is most likely a result of Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection or inflammation which occurs due to poor eating habits or consumption of contaminated food or water.

Other causes like smoking, alcohol consumption, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), even stress, can lead to gastric ulcers anywhere in the stomach. Heartburn, indigestion, feeling of burning and gnawing in the stomach area, etc., are some common symptoms experienced by people suffering from gastric ulcer. Therefore, here comes a diet guide that will help overcome all these ailments and discomforts.

Diet for Gastric Ulcer

The main purpose of this diet for gastric ulcer patients is to provide necessary nutrients and minerals, while restricting the food items which normally irritate the stomach and the digestive tract, and cause acidity or can aggravate the symptoms. Along with this, having small and frequent meals can comfort by reducing the risks of acid reflux and stimulating gastric blood flow. Avoiding spicy foods, large meals and food four hours before sleeping will minimize the chances of acid back flow in to the esophagus. Also more intake of omega fatty acids in the diet will help combating inflammation around the stomach ulcer.

Foods Recommended

	Food Item
Breads	Breads, bagels, tortillas, English muffins, hamburger and hot dog buns, dinner rolls, pita bread.
Cereals	Enriched rice, barley, noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, and other pastas, French toast, muffins, pancakes, and waffles made with low-fat ingredients, low fat crackers.
Vegetables	All fresh, frozen, canned vegetables can be consumed.
Fruits	All fresh, frozen, canned fruits can be consumed.
Milk and Dairy Products	Low fat and non-fat milk and milk products, plain mild cheeses, low-fat and nonfat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese.
Meat and Meat Substitutes	Lean meat like beef, pork, lamb, veal, etc., fresh, frozen or canned fish packed in water, crisp bacon, lean ham, eggs.

Foods to Avoid

	Food Item
Breads	Crossiants, biscuits, bread or bread products with nuts or dried fruit.
Cereals	Granola-type cereals, bran cereals, wild rice, high fat snack crackers.
Vegetables	Corn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers,rutabagas, tomatoes, turnips, sauerkraut, vegetables prepared with added fat.
Fruits	Lemons, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples, tangerines, berries and figs.
Milk and Dairy Products	Whole milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, evaporated whole milk, cream, strong flavored cheeses.
Meat and Meat Substitutes	Highly flavored or fried meat, poultry, sausages, fish.

Sample Menu Plan

Following is the sample meal diet plan for patients suffering gastric ulcer.

• Breakfast: ½ cup apple juice, ½ cup oatmeal, 1 slice toast, 1 cup skim milk, 1 tsp margarine, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp jelly, ¼ tsp salt.
• Lunch: ¾ cup cream of potato soup, 3 oz broiled chicken patty, bun, tossed salad, low-fat dressing, 1 tsp mustard, ½ cup peaches, 1 cup skim milk, ¼ tsp salt.
• Dinner: ½ cup apricot nectar, 3 oz baked fish, ½ cup mashed potatoes, ½ cup green beans, 1 slice bread, ½ cup vanilla pudding, 1 tsp margarine, ¼ tsp salt.

The prime aim of this gastric ulcer diet is to obtain sufficient nutrients and vitamins by incorporating high consumptions of vegetables, fruits and fiber-rich foods in the diet. This will reduce the risks of ulcer complications and malnutrition that can intervene with the gastrointestinal wound healing. Additional multivitamin supplements is also recommended but under a doctor's supervision.