Stomach Ulcer Diet

Eating certain foods, including blackberries, broccoli, and foods containing probiotics, may be helpful against ulcer-causing bacteria.
Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop within the lining of your stomach.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, an organization of doctors who specialize in the digestive tract, there is no specific diet a person with ulcers needs to follow. Food choices don’t cause ulcers or make them worse.
Current diet recommendations are now based on research that certain foods may have ingredients that fight against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a main cause of ulcers.

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Causes and risk factors for ulcers

Causes and risk factors for ulcers
In the majority of all ulcer cases, the cause of ulcers can be linked to an H. pylori infection, as well as to the chronic use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

What foods are good for stomach ulcers?

What foods are good for stomach ulcers?
Since the H. pylori bacteria is now known to be an important cause of ulcer formation, scientists are exploring what foods may have a role in fighting against an infection.
In addition to taking the antibiotics and acid-blocking medications recommended by your doctor for your ulcer treatment, eating these foods may also be helpful against the ulcer-causing bacteria:
cauliflower
cabbage
radishes
apples
blueberries
raspberries
blackberries
strawberries
cherries
bell peppers
carrots
broccoli
leafy greens, such as kale and spinach
probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
olive oil and other plant-based oils
honey
garlic
decaffeinated green tea
licorice
turmeric
Why they help
If your stomach ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, foods that are rich in antioxidants may be beneficial. They could help protect and activate your immune system and help fight the infection. They may also help protect against stomach cancer.
Foods like blueberries, cherries, and bell peppers are packed with antioxidant power. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach contain calcium and B vitamins.
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that exhibits anti-H. pylori activity. Some research shows that the fatty acids contained in olive oil can also help treat an H. pylori infection.
Fermented probiotic foods have shown promise in clinical studies for ulcer treatment. These foods, such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi, may prevent reinfection.
Turmeric is currently being studied as a potential treatment for ulcers as well.
Garlic, decaffeinated green tea, and licorice round out the list of things you might want to incorporate in your diet.
Supplements may be beneficial
If your stomach ulcer is being treated with an antibiotic, consider taking a probiotic supplement as part of your diet plan. This can help reduce antibiotic-associated symptoms. It may also improve the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
Ask your doctor what probiotics would be best to take with your antibiotic medication. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces supplements have shown benefits in people with H. pylori ulcers.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (taken one hour before meals) and curcumin extracts have shown promise in some ulcer research due to their action against H. pylori.

Foods to avoid with an ulcer and acid reflux?

Foods to avoid with an ulcer and acid reflux?
Some people who have an ulcer also have acid reflux. In some people, certain foods can relax the lower part of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
A relaxed LES makes it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, indigestion, and pain.
Foods that may make acid reflux worse include:
coffee
chocolate
spicy food
alcohol
acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes
caffeine
Overeating and eating within two to three hours before bed may also worsen reflux symptoms.

Treatment options for ulcers

Treatment options for ulcers
Ulcers caused by H. pylori will most likely need to be treated with antibiotics. Strict adherence to your treatment plan and close follow-up with your doctor are the best ways to make sure your treatments are effective and your ulcers are healing.
You will also be prescribed a medication that temporarily keeps your stomach from making or secreting as much acid as it normally would. This medication may be a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker.
Learn more about treatment for a peptic ulcer.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions
What drinks help ulcers?
You can try beverages that contain probiotics, such as kombucha. In addition, research has found that drinking cranberry juice may help fight an H. pylori infection.
How do you calm an ulcer quickly?
You can get fast relief by taking acid blockers like famotidine (Pepcid).
Will a stomach ulcer go away on its own?
A stomach ulcer could go away on its own, but this is less common. More often, the symptoms of a stomach ulcer continue for weeks or even months until a person seeks treatment.

Outlook

Outlook
Most ulcers caused by H. pylori are completely treatable. But untreated stomach ulcers can lead to more serious problems, like internal bleeding and stomach cancer.
If you suspect you have an ulcer, don’t ignore it. Speak to your healthcare professional, make a plan, and get treatment.