Stomach Ulcers: 6 Foods You Should Eat
The stomach ulcers are lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach when there is an excessive production of gastric juices. To combat this problem, we offer you a series of foods that can alleviate the symptoms and avoid relapses.
According to Mediline Plus experts , the most common cause of this disorder is the proliferation of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori , although they can also occur due to the excessive consumption of some drugs.
Their main symptom is a painful or burning sensation in the abdominal region; however, this can be accompanied by gastric reflux, bloating and intolerance to irritating foods.
In most cases, stomach ulcers develop mildly and treatment requires only some dietary changes. However, complications sometimes arise, and prompt medical attention is required to cause these vomiting and blood.
There is a wide variety of foods that can help regulate the pH of the stomach to speed up the relief of this problem. Below we want to share with you the best 6 in detail so that you do not think twice about trying them when you experience the symptoms.
Beneficial foods for stomach ulcers
Eating habits are crucial in the treatment of stomach ulcers. While some foods make symptoms and injury worse, others contain nutrients and properties that can help repair tissues for quick relief.
Obviously, these are a complement to the treatment prescribed by the doctor; although many manage to control symptoms, they should not be considered a substitute for prescribed medications.
1. Carrot
Carrot is one of the most recommended vegetables for patients with stomach ulcers. It is attributed alkalizing and healing properties which, together, help to repair the damaged coating due to the excess of acids.
Whether in the form of juice, puree or salad, this wonderful food can control ailments such as heartburn or gastric reflux. This is mainly due to the content of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, as claimed by this article published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry .
2. Apple
Due to its high concentration of essential nutrients, apple is one of the most popular medicinal fruits.
Contains dietary fiber and organic acids, which act as regulators of the digestive system. It is recommended for relief from gastric ulcers but also for gastritis, constipation and diarrhea.
3. Aloe vera
The gel contained in the aloe vera plant is particularly important for its healing and antimicrobial action. Swallowing it for stomach ulcers can help control excessive acid juice production and irritation of the gastric mucosa.
In addition, it provides aloemodin and aloin, components that repair damaged tissues, as reported by this study carried out in 2012.
4. Banana
Banana is a fruit rich in starches and alkalizing compounds which, once assimilated by the body, help regulate the pH of the stomach. In turn, it slows down the disturbances generated by gastric reflux and gastritis.
Consumption slows the deterioration of the gastric mucosa and reduces the presence of sores. It is gentle on the stomach and its nutrients help heal damaged tissues.
5. Potato
Regarded as the best antacid food, potato is part of an excellent group of foods for stomach ulcers. Its benefits are attributed to its significant intake of starches, fibers and antioxidants which help to optimize the digestion process.
Its alkaline salts reduce the inflammation process and promote the healing of acid-irritated tissues. It also decreases abdominal burning and slows swelling and reflux.
6. Flax seeds
The flax seeds soaked in water release a gelatinous substance which is effective in relieving stomach ulcers. Their consumption allows to calm the inflammation and burning that causes this problem.
These, among other things, are an important source of omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, nutrients recommended to promote stomach tissue repair in case of sores.
They can also be eaten with yogurt. The latter food contains a large number of bacteria that compete against Helicobacter for colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. In this sense, regular consumption contributes to reducing ulcers and other gastric problems, as stated in this article published in 2017.
Foods to avoid if you have stomach ulcers
There are many acidic foods that can worsen the situation of patients with stomach ulcers.
It is important to learn to recognize and identify them, as it is not recommended to consume them during the healing process .
The main ones are:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Spicy foods.
- Industrial bread and bakery products.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks.
- Fried food and fast food.
- Sweets and products containing refined sugar.
Improve your nutrition to avoid stomach ulcers
Remember that you should see a doctor right away if you notice any sign of complication of stomach ulcers.
Although they are not always serious, it is important to monitor their status with the help of a doctor. With these foods for stomach ulcers you can, to some extent, soothe the symptoms.
However, a varied diet rich in fresh foods can greatly reduce the risk of suffering from this disorder.
