12 Foods to Avoid If You Have a Stomach Ulcer
If you have a stomach ulcer, it’s important to take measures to heal the ulcer and prevent it from coming back. That includes avoiding certain foods that can irritate the ulcer or make it worse. Here are some foods to avoid if you have a stomach ulcer.
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are highly acidic and can aggravate your stomach ulcer. So it is best to stay away from citrus fruits.
2. Tomatoes
Like citrus fruits, tomatoes are also acidic. While they may be healthy for you in other ways, they should be avoided if you have a stomach ulcer.
3. Coffee
Coffee is a common trigger for stomach ulcers. The caffeine in coffee will irritate the stomach and worsen the pain. If you can’t give up coffee entirely, try limiting yourself to one cup daily.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the production of stomach acid, which can aggravate your ulcer and slow down the healing process. It is best to avoid alcohol altogether.
5. Carbonated Beverages
Ulcer patients should stay away from carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water. They can increase stomach acid and trigger ulcer symptoms.
6. Processed Meats
Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs are high in sodium and fat. They can trigger ulcer symptoms and should be avoided.
7. Fried Foods
An ulcer patient should avoid fried foods as much as possible. Fried foods can delay stomach emptying and lead to indigestion and heartburn, worsening stomach ulcer symptoms.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can trigger symptoms in people with stomach ulcers. However, if you crave chocolate, try to limit yourself to one small piece per day.
9. Refined Carbohydrates
In ulcer patients, refined carbohydrates can cause abdominal pain and discomfort after meals. Examples of refined carbs to avoid are white bread and pastries, cookies, cakes, candy, and chips. Instead, choose complex carbs like whole-grain bread, oats, rice bran, barley, and quinoa
10. Spicy Foods
While spicy foods don’t cause ulcers, they can irritate your stomach and make ulcer pain worse. Therefore, you may want to avoid eating foods that contain chili peppers, black pepper, and other spices.
11. Red Meats
Red meats are high in fat and difficult to digest, both of which can worsen the symptoms of a stomach Ulcer. If you want to eat red meat, do so in moderation and choose leaner cuts whenever possible.
12. Dairy Products
For some people with ulcers, dairy products can make their symptoms worse. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain lactose, a sugar that some people have trouble digesting. This can lead to gas, bloating., and diarrhea, three things you definitely want to avoid if you have a stomach ulcer. However, it is recommended to avoid these foods if they cause pain.
While it’s important to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, it’s also essential to eat a healthy diet that promotes healing. Focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. These foods will help you stay healthy while you heal your stomach ulcer.
ALSO READ: 12 Symptoms of A Stomach Ulcer
