Stomach Ulcer Diet

Ulcer is actually any kind of lesion or sore wound that grows inside the body. Stomach ulcers are the ulcers mostly found in the lining of the stomach, also known as the mucous membrane. Different types of stomach ulcers are defined by the location and the causes of stomach ulcer. There are several types of stomach ulcer namely, Gastric ulcer, Duodenal ulcer and the Esophageal ulcer. The size of the stomach ulcer can range to 1/8 part of an inch to 3/4 part of an inch.

Stomach Ulcer Causes
Stomach ulcers are nowhere contagious or carcinogenic. But if not recognized at the initial stage, they might turn into a malignant form. The following are the common stomach ulcer causes.

• Bad Habits: Habits like smoking and alcohol consumption are the most obvious reasons behind most of the stomach ulcer cases. Actually, nicotine from the cigarettes together with alcohol tend to gnaw the mucous membrane and also increase the levels and concentration of the stomach acids. Both alcohol and nicotine can be the basic cause behind stomach ulcer or they can at least aggravate the existing stomach ulcer.
• Pain Relievers: NSAIDs (Non steroidal Anti inflammatory drugs) troubles the mucous membrane as well as the lining of the small intestine. The pain killers and pain relievers that are taken on a regular basis in the prescribed manner or as an over-the-counter medicine, intensifies the risk of stomach ulcer. It is best to check with your health care provider before taking pain relievers containing substances like ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Stress: Stress is not the direct cause of the peptic ulcer but it obviously is the biggest contributing cause for the stomach ulcer. Stress, due to a hectic lifestyle, physical trauma, mental as well as emotional disturbance actually aggravates the risk of stomach ulcer and also lowers the healing rate of the stomach ulcer remedies.
• Infections: Certain kind of bacterium named, Helicobacter pylori was actually found in colonies in the lining of the stomach. These bacteria are said to be the main reason behind more than 60% cases of stomach ulcer.

A healthy diet is the key to stay healthy by lowering the secretion of the gastric acids and controlling the possible troubles that can disturb the gastric health. Stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer is a common disease that affects thousands of Americans every year. Healthy eating habits can be the key to avoid the initial risk of getting stomach ulcer in the first place.

Stomach Ulcer Diet
Diet for stomach ulcer can vary on the tolerance level of the person. There are several food items that work well with one patient but might easily go wrong with another. Still, here is a list of stomach ulcer diet that a person suffering from stomach ulcer must follow.

• Grains: The diet for stomach ulcers must be rich in food items made up of whole grain and cereals. Food items such as rice, barley, tortillas, pita breads, bagels, French toast, low fat pancakes, crackers, English muffins, waffles must be included in the daily diet for stomach ulcers.
  
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh vegetables should be consumed in a large amount on a regular basis. Almost all fresh as well as raw vegetables can be included in the stomach ulcer diet. Fruits having low citrus levels are good for the stomach ulcer diet.
  
• Meat and Dairy Products: Non fat and at least low fat milk and other dairy products must be included in the diet for stomach ulcer. Plain mild cheese, low fat cottage cheese, low fat yogurt are good to be included in the daily diet. All lean meats are good for the stomach ulcer diet. Lean meats like pork, ham, beef, veal, lamb, poultry, all fresh fishes, eggs, meat stock (mildly seasoned) are all good for the stomach ulcer diet.

Stomach Ulcer Diet to Avoid
All food products containing high fat ingredients must be strictly avoided for the stomach ulcer diet.

• Grains: Food products like croissant rolls, cereals like granola and bran, dry fruits, nuts, breads and crackers with seeds on top must be avoided.
  
• Fruits and Vegetables: Corn, gas forming vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, rutabagas, sauerkraut, cucumber, sprouts, turnips, green pepper, tomato and all tomato products should be avoided. Fruits like lemon, orange, grapefruits, pineapples, tangerines, figs and all types of berries and fruits containing high citric acid level must be strictly avoided.
  
• Meat and Dairy Products: Meat, fish and poultry items that are highly seasoned such as, corned beef, frankfurter sausages, anchovies, sardines must be avoided. High fat milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, strong flavored cheese, dairy products made up using whole milk, whole milk cream etc. must be strictly avoided.

Tips on Diet for Stomach Ulcer
The above list of diet for stomach ulcer will serve as an effective stomach ulcer cure. Following the stomach ulcer diet will also help one to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Rather than having three full meals, try meal planning for the even distribution into three meals and three snacks which will automatically avoid the periods of overeating as well as hunger. While eating, always eat slowly, chew the food well and be relaxed and tension free.
• Sit up while eating and also for an hour after having the meal. Don't have dinner before at least three hours of the night's sleep.
• Have low fat and low carb diet to avoid stomach ulcer. Have protein rich diet, avoid food products containing caffeine like tea, coffee, soft drinks etc. Avoid smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and high amount of chocolates as well.

Stomach ulcers are avoidable with the help of a balanced diet, plenty of exercises and timely observed medication. Follow the above tips for the stomach ulcer diet along with your regular stomach ulcer treatment. I hope this article will surely prove useful. Take care!