Diet plan for ulcer

A days diet for ulcer patient
(March 2, 2011)

Ulcer Diet

Ulcers can be described as sores or open wounds that affect the lining of the digestive tract. Because the digestive tract includes different organs like the intestines, the stomach, the esophagus, the duodenum, and so on, it is only natural that there are different types of ulcers. The types of ulcers could be classifies either according to their location, or based on their severity. The main cause of ulcers in most people includes loss of tissue, which is a result of poor eating habits, the use of certain medication, excessive stress, infections in the digestive tract alcohol abuse and excessive smoking. In order to cure this ailment, there are several forms of treatment that can be followed, the most important one being an ulcer diet.

What is an ulcer diet?

A person following an ulcer diet is usually asked to eat those foods that are mild and easy to digest. Since everyone has a different system and can process foods in a different manner, there is no one particular ulcer diet plan as such. However, there are certain foods that can aggravate the pain and discomfort caused by ulcers and therefore, ulcer diet restrictions mainly focus on the exclusion of such food items. Given below is an ulcer diet list, classified according some of the most common types of ulcers:

Stomach ulcer diet

A stomach ulcer diet can be divided mainly into two categories, i.e., the foods that help relieve the problem and those that aggravate it. Given below are the foods that should be included in a stomach ulcer diet, as they help improve the condition:

• Grains like rice, whole wheat and barley
• Almost all non citric fruits
• Fresh vegetables
• Low fat dairy products
• Lean meat like chicken, turkey, ham, beef, lamb, fish and eggs

Processed food, especially meat, spices, whole dairy, and citric fruits should never be included in the ulcer diet food list.

Peptic ulcer diet

Some of the foods that are good for people suffering from Peptic ulcers and therefore, should be included in a peptic ulcer diet plan include:

• Whole grain cereals, in the form of seedless bread, bagels, English muffins, brown rice, and wheat pasta
• Fresh, frozen or even canned fruit, except citric fruits
• Fresh or frozen veggies, except tomatoes
• Low fat dairy products
• Lean and unprocessed meat

These foods help ulcers of most other kinds too and therefore, should be included in a duodenal ulcer diet, gastric ulcer diet, bleeding ulcer diet and esophageal ulcer diet, after checking with a doctor. The success of an ulcer diet depends not only on the types of foods that are included in it, but also on other eating habits. Hence, given below are some important tips that should be included in any ulcer diet:

• Eating small meals, which are easier to digest, at frequent intervals
• Chewing the food slowly and thoroughly for better digestion
• Keeping a time gap of at least three hours before the last meal and bedtime
• Cutting down on caffeine, spicy foods, fried foods and alcohol

Ulcers can be quite serious and therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for proper treatment. Following the proper ulcer diet recommendations and restrictions is an integral part of the ulcer treatment.

Ulcers Diet 

A day's diet modification would not just be enough to treat an ulcer. For the symptoms to subside completely it is very important to follow certain modifications till you feel better. Ulcer can sometimes be too painful and you can experience its bouts often. Follow the listed modifications below for ulcer.

• Certain foods can cause a severe irritation to the stomach or gut lining by stimulating more acid production. So it would be wise to completely avoid such foods. Learn to identify the triggering factors, for this you can also maintain a diary to make note of the foods that are consumed.
• Have small frequent meals instead of three large ones, as loading too much food at a time would also cause the symptoms to flair.
• Gradually increase the intake of soluble fiber in your diet as fiber would have a soothing effect on the stomach and gut lining. However avoid raw vegetables which may tend to irritate the lining.
• Completely avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, carbonated beverages, fried and oily foods as all these are responsible factors to increase the production of stomach acid which can worsen the condition.
• Certain herbs have known to ease ulcerative conditions since ages like licorice root, marshmallow root and slippery elm. Consult a health care specialist before starting any herbal supplements for proper guidelines and dosage.
• Exercise, a simple brisk walk for 40 minutes would also help and take plenty of rest for quick recovery.