What Causes Stomach Ulcers Dont Assume Spicy Foods Are To Blame
For decades, spicy foods were blamed for painful stomach ulcers. People doubled over in pain were advised to cut back on fiery foods.
In the 1980s, however, that theory was debunked, as was the thought that stress causes ulcers. Matthew Bechtold, MD, a gastroenterologist at MU Health Care, said the primary causes of ulcers are a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
H. pylori spreads through contaminated food and water or unsanitary conditions. It can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach, producing inflammation and causing the stomach and intestinal lining to be more easily damaged by stomach acid.
NSAIDs that can lead to ulcers include popular over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They can irritate the stomachs lining and may interfere with chemicals that help regulate the protective lining.
Ulcers caused by NSAIDs can be prevented by reducing or eliminating use of the drugs. Your doctor may also prescribe a daily medicine, such as Prilosec, Pepcid or Cytotec.
Even though the beliefs about what caused ulcers were disabused more than 30 years ago, Bechtold said to this day many patients dont know that spicy foods are not harmful.
They tend to blame the spicy foods for their issues, he said.
A study on capsaicin the ingredient responsible for spiciness in peppers showed it might even be good for the stomach.
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Citrus Fruits And Juices
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes, can increase the acidity in your stomach. This makes it more likely to experience heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux.
If you have an ulcer or experience frequent bouts of acid reflux, limit or avoid citrus fruits to minimize potential stomach discomfort.
If you like citrus fruits and want to take advantage of their health benefits, do not eat them with other foods.
Do not drink any juice made from citrus fruits after eating another food.
A Natural Approach To Helping Yourself Through Your Diet
Ulcers are sores that can happen in your digestive tract, including your lower throat , stomach and intestines. Ulcers are usually caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that many of us have in our bodies already. The symptoms can be made worse by your stomach acid.
It is not entirely clear why ulcers start but stress and diet, especially a fatty diet, are big contributing factors. A higher intake of fat can greatly increase your chance of getting an ulcer in the first place and cause other gastrointestinal problems. High salt intake is also implicated.
STOMACH ULCER TREATMENT
You can treat ulcers. A doctor will recommend antibiotics to kill the bacteria, a medical herbalist will recommend herbal antibiotics such as goldenseal.
Carefully controlling your diet is crucial to successful treatment. This is to make sure that your stomach produces less acid when digesting your food. Eating large meals requires the stomach to produce large amounts of stomach acid. So it is best to eat small meals. Ideally, you should be having 5 to 6 small meals a day and not 2 or 3 large ones.
Your meals should be low in fat and sugar and high in fibre. A diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains is just that. The reason for avoiding fatty foods, is that they are harder for you to digest, so your body then produces more stomach acid and aggravates your condition. Foods that are low in fat can speed up your recovery.
CUTTING DOWN ON RED MEAT
TASTY ALTERNATIVES
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Foods To Eat On The Gastritis Diet:
- Foods that are high in fibre: E.g. fruit, vegetables, whole grains and beans
- Low-fat foods: E.g. turkey mince instead of beef, fish and chicken
- Alkaline foods, low in acidity: Such as bananas and green leafy vegetables
- Still drinks: avoid carbonated drinks like cola and sparkling water as much as possible
- No caffeine: caffeine is known to irritate the stomach lining.
Its also suggested that you eat foods that are high in good protein, like eggs.
In some cases, consuming more probiotics, the good bacteria for your gut, has been proven to help those with gastritis as well, as they combat bad bacteria that can lead to stomach infections.
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What Is Ulcer Diet
An ulcer diet is aimed to lessen the pain and irritation that arises due to a painful sore that occurs in the lining of the stomach, oesophagus or small intestine. Diet plays a vital part in an overall care plan and helps to mitigate symptoms and heal the ulcer.
An ulcer diet together with a proper treatment plan may help to :
Correct nutritional deficiencies that may be causative factors for symptoms.
Supply adequate protein and other essential nutrients that the body needs to recover.
Help eliminate foods that worsen the inflammation.
A high fibre diet is associated with a low risk of peptic ulcers and adding foods rich in zinc and selenium may speed up the healing process.
Help to manage other related conditions like Crohns disease, celiac disease or bacterial infections, which may be contributing factors for ulcer development.
It is also advisable to limit certain foods that make trigger excess acid production and reflux.
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Living With Celiac Disease
Meat, fish, rice, beans, fruits, and vegetables are all fine for people with celiac disease, when prepared without ingredients that contain gluten. Some restaurants now offer gluten-free meals. And many stores carry gluten-free versions of pasta, pizza, and cookies. Strict adherence to the diet can prevent health problems. If you don’t see improvement, you may need to look for hidden sources of gluten.
Plantain Is Among The Best Ulcer
This large, green, banana-like fruit is starchy and sticky in texture. It helps to soothe inflamed and irritated mucous membranes and has some antibacterial properties to boot. Studies on rats with ulcers caused by daily aspirin use have shown that unripe green plantain can both prevent the formation of ulcers and help to heal them. Plantain works its magic best when its unripe.
Recommended dose: Until human studies determine the amount that might help, use the fruit as they do in Latin America, where green plantain is eaten boiled like a potato. Avoid fried plantain, as the fat can aggravate ulcers.
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Can I Eat Potatoes With An Ulcer
Potato contains unique antibacterial molecules that can treat stomach ulcers, a new study has claimed. Scientists from Manchester University have discovered that a key molecule in potato can both cure and prevent the bacteria that lives in the stomach and causes stomach ulcers and heartburn, the Daily Mail reported.
Foods To Eat For Stomach Diet
Although there is little scientific evidence that some diets can aid in the healing of stomach ulcers, incorporating and avoiding certain foods in your diet can catalyze the healing process. Ensure that you incorporate the following into your diet:
1. Flavonoids
Flavonoids derive their name from flavone, a crystalline compound that is the basis of plant pigments. For this reason, flavonoids are present in some plants and vegetables such as apples, carrots, cabbage, legumes and green tea. Flavonoids have a gastroprotective effect on the stomach lining.
Be cautious about fruits like kiwi and oranges because even though they contain flavonoids, they are acidic in nature and will counteract the action of the flavonoids. There are supplements out there for flavonoids, but be careful. Excessive use of flavonoid supplements poses a risk of blood clots.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics boost the number of good bacteria in your stomach. This helps combat harmful bacteria like H. Pylori that cause ulcers. The risk of contracting bacterial ulcers increases significantly if your stomach lining has few good bacteria to come to its aid. Yogurt, pickles, Kim Chi, tempeh and certain types of cheese are good sources of probiotics.
3. Vitamin A
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Cabbage Can Help Prevent Ulcers
Scientists think that it may be the amino acid glutamine that gives cabbage its anti-ulcer punch. Glutamine helps to fortify the mucosal lining of the gut and to improve blood flow to the stomach, meaning it not only helps prevent ulcers but can also speed healing of existing sores.
Recommended dose: Eat two cups of raw cabbage daily. Add it to salads, coleslaw, and wraps. You can also drink raw cabbage juice, sold in health food stores. Drink a quart a day for three weeks ifyou can stand it!
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What Are The Causes Of Peptic Ulcers
The most common causes of peptic ulcers has been found to be Helicobacter pylori infection which invade the intestinal lining and damage it while proliferating. Also, indiscriminate use of NSAIDs has found to precipitate peptic ulcers.
Alcohol & tobacco intake as well as consumption of oily, spicy foods may worsen the condition of peptic ulcers, but has not been found to cause them. The most common, first line treatment for ulcers is administration of antacids and proton pump inhibitors which dilute the concentration of acid secretions in the stomach or reduce the acid production respectively.
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What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease
An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:
- Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
- Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
- Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
- Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately, this is uncommon.
So How Do They Work Exactly
Antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, blueberries, kale, and spinach boost your immune system to more effectively fight infections and even help ward off stomach cancer.
Whats more, mom was right about forcing you to eat broccoli. Research indicates that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, shows anti-H. pylori functionality.
Probiotic foods can be a little more complicated to work into your diet, but they are worth the effort! Clinical studies indicate loading up on foods like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi are like kryptonite for H. pylori bacteria.
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Treating The Underlying Cause
If there is an underlying cause of your dogs acid reflux that can be treated, your vet will likely tend to this issue.
For example, if your dog with a hiatal hernia is regurgitating after each meal, then it is clear that the hernia will need to be addressed for them to find relief.
Every case is different, so we always suggest following your vets guidance.
How To Use Them Safely
The FDA regulates probiotics like foods, not like medications. Unlike drug companies, makers of probiotic supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or that they work.
Ask your doctor if taking probiotics is a good idea for you. In general, probiotic foods and supplements are thought to be safe for most people, though some people with immune system problems or other serious health conditions shouldn’t take them.
In some cases, mild side effects might include an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and bloating for the first couple of days after you start taking them. They may also trigger allergic reactions. Stop taking them and talk to your doctor if you have problems.
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Yogurt With Active Cultures
Foods like yogurt and kefir contain good bacteria that can inhibit H. pylori and may help ulcers heal faster. In one large study in Sweden, people who ate fermented milk products like yogurt at least three times a week were much less likely to have ulcers than people who ate yogurt less often.
Recommended dose: Have a cup of yogurt, kefir, or another fermented milk product with live, active cultures at least once a day. Avoid sweetened varieties, which are less effective.
Diet For Duodenal Ulcer Patients
For patients suffering from the H pylori related duodenal ulcers, treatment is often done using antibiotics. There are some ulcers of this type that are not related to the H pylori bacteria and for that antacid, other related medications are considered effective. In this regard, it is relevant to mention that H pylori infection related risk reduction can be achieved using commonsense, simple hygiene practices include washing of hands using soap and water prior to food preparation are very useful. Keeping a watch on your diet can help in controlling the symptoms of duodenal ulcer.
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What Are Gastritis And Duodenitis
Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining. Duodenitis is inflammation of the duodenum. This is the first part of the small intestine, which is located just below your stomach. Both gastritis and duodenitis have the same causes and treatments.
Both conditions may occur in men and women of all ages. The conditions may be acute or chronic. The acute forms come on suddenly and lasts for a short time. The chronic form may progress slowly and last for months or years. The conditions are often curable and generally dont cause any long-term complications.
What Are The Best Foods To Eat With A Stomach Ulcer
Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are fairly common. The majority of people with stomach ulcers do not experience any symptoms, but some may experience pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or bloating.
Current research into stomach ulcer diets is based on evidence that suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection plays a role in the formation of stomach ulcers.
Stomach ulcers usually require a combination of medications, including antibiotics. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that eating certain foods can also help get rid of stomach ulcers or, at least, reduce the symptoms they cause.
Keep reading to learn more about the best diet for stomach ulcers, including which foods to eat and avoid.
As well as taking any prescription medications, a person could try including the following food types in their diet:
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You Have Pain Specifically In Your Upper Abdomen
One of the most common ulcer symptoms is a severe pain in the upper abdomen, according to Neil Sengupta, MD, a gastroenterology specialist at the University of Chicago. Ulcers can develop anywhere in the upper digestive track, but Dr. Sengupta says we often think about those occurring in the stomach or small intestine, where we feel pain. This pain usually occurs between the breastbone and belly button, and can bring on a burning, aching, or dull feeling. The sensation may begin as a light, mild pain but often progresses into something more serious as the ulcers develop.
Foods To Avoid With Stomach Ulcer
There are certain kinds of foods and drinks that you should exclude from your diet. They include the following:
1. Alcohol
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages are not any good as you try to recover from stomach ulcers. Alcohol increases the acidity level in the stomach which in turn irritates the stomach lining and worsens the condition. The succinic and maleic acids present in most alcoholic drinks increase the secretion of gastric acids.
2. Coffee
It is a known fact that coffee contains caffeine, which together with other components in your coffee increases the production of gastric acids. Two compounds, catechols and N-alkanoly-5-hydroxytryptamides, stimulate the production of gastric acids that will irritate the ulcer lesions. And although coffee itself does not cause an ulcer, its intake aggravates the existing situation. Decaffeinated coffee should also be avoided.
3. Spicy Foods
An important point to note is that spicy foods do not cause stomach ulcers but incorporating them in your stomach ulcer diet may irritate the stomach lining and worsen the condition of the ulcers.
However, there is a twist to all these. It has been found that some chilies such as red capsicum and cayenne pepper contain a compound called capsaicin that may inhibit the secretion of gastric acids. Moreover, it stimulates secretion of mucus, alkali and mucosal blood that thicken the stomach lining, thus shielding it from irritation.
4. Red Meat
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What Is An Ulcer Diet
An ulcer diet is an eating plan designed to bring relief from peptic ulcer symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent more ulcers from developing in the future.
It is designed to:
- Help with related conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or bacterial infections
An ulcer diet should be followed along with any other treatment recommendations from your healthcare provider.
Many peptic ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which can damage your digestive tract lining. Others are caused by a bacterial infection known as Helicobacter pylori . An ulcer diet adds foods with antibacterial effects and compounds that boost healing in both cases.
A 2021 review of medicinal plants published in the Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics looked at a range of natural remedies including polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in many plant foods that can be used to manage peptic ulcers.
Some polyphenols help to heal stomach lining ulcers faster, while others have antibacterial effects and help kill H. pylori. Polyphenols in green tea may calm inflammation and help to strengthen the tissue that lines the stomach.