Stomach Ulcer Diet

An ulcer is actually any kind of lesion or sore wound that grows inside the body. Stomach ulcers are ulcers found mostly 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 a stomach ulcer. Ulcers can occur along any part of the digestive tract which involves either the esophagus, the stomach, or the intestine. The size of a stomach ulcer can range from 1/8 of an inch to 3/4 parts of an inch.

Stomach Ulcer Causes
Stomach ulcers are in no way contagious or carcinogenic. However, 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 stomach ulcer cases. Actually, nicotine from cigarettes together with alcohol tend to gnaw the mucous membrane and increase the levels and concentration of stomach acids. Both alcohol and nicotine can thus be said to be pretty strong causative factors behind a stomach ulcer, if not at least aggravating an existing one.
• Pain Relievers: NSAIDs (Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) trouble the mucous membrane as well as the lining of the small intestine. Pain killers and pain relievers that are taken on a regular basis in the prescribed manner or as over-the-counter medication intensify the risk of a 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 factor. Stress, due to a hectic lifestyle, physical trauma, and mental as well as emotional disturbance actually aggravates the risk of a stomach ulcer and also lowers the effectiveness of any kind of stomach ulcer remedies that you have put into action.
• Infections: A certain type of bacteria called the Helicobacter pylori were 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 all stomach ulcers.

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

Stomach Ulcer Diet
The diet for a stomach ulcer can vary according to the tolerance level of the person. There are several food items that may work wonders with one patient but might easily go wrong with another. Nevertheless, here is a list of food products that you need to incorporate in your diet to cure the ulcer.

• Grains: The diet for stomach ulcers must be rich in food items made up of whole grain and cereals. They include rice, barley, tortillas, pita breads, bagels, French toast, low fat pancakes, crackers, English muffins, and waffles.
• 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 with the exception of tomatoes and tomato products. Fruits with low citrus levels are allowed in your stomach ulcer diet.
• Meat and Dairy Products: Non-fat and at least low-fat milk and other dairy products, plain mild cheese, low fat cottage cheese, and low fat yogurt are good to be included in the daily diet. All lean meats too can be included. Lean meats like pork, ham, beef, veal, lamb, poultry, all fresh fish, eggs, meat stock (mildly seasoned) are all good for you because it will help you get your energy back and will hasten the recovery process.

What to Avoid in a Stomach Ulcer Diet
All food products containing high fat ingredients must be strictly avoided in your stomach ulcer diet program.

• Grains: Food products like croissant rolls, cereals like granola and bran, dry fruits, nuts, breads and crackers with seeds on the top are a no-no because their abrasive nature can do more harm to the ulcer.
• 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 a high citric acid level must not be consumed.
• Meat and Dairy Products: Meat, fish and poultry items that are highly seasoned, corned beef, frankfurter sausages, anchovies, and 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.

Advice to Follow
The above list with the food items that should ideally make up the diet for a stomach ulcer will serve as an effective cure. Following the stomach ulcer diet will also help one to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Rather than having three full meals, try planning an even distribution of your daily nutrition intake 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, never lie down or slouch, repeat the same for an hour after having the meal. Have your dinner at least three hours before you tuck into bed for the night.
• Have a low-fat and low-carb diet and introduce a protein rich diet, avoid food products containing caffeine like coffee, tea, soft drinks etc. Avoid smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and consuming a high amount of chocolates as well.

Stomach ulcers are avoidable with the help of a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and timely observed medication. Follow the above tips for the stomach ulcer diet along with your regular stomach ulcer treatment. Lead a healthy life and try to cut down on alcohol and smoking. The condition is completely treatable, however, you have to make sure that you make a conscious effort to help your body take care of itself.