Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of your stomach. These sores can be painful and may lead to serious health complications like bleeding and perforation. Fortunately, stomach ulcers can be managed through diet.

Eating the right foods and avoiding certain foods can help soothe the pain and promote healing. Here are some foods to eat and avoid if you have stomach ulcers:.

: What to Eat

1. High Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help alleviate stomach ulcers. Fiber is known to prevent constipation and promote healthy bowel movements.

When you’re constipated, stool remains in your colon for longer periods, increasing pressure on the stomach and aggravating the ulcer. Therefore, consuming high-fiber foods can help soften stool, making it easier to pass without putting too much pressure on the digestive tract, thus reducing the risk of injuring the ulcer. Some high-fiber foods to include in your diet include:.

Fruits like bananas, apples, pears, and berries.
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, artichokes, and spinach
Whole-grain foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

2. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are packed with plant chemicals that can help combat the bacteria responsible for ulcers. These vegetables also contain an amino acid known as glutamine that helps repair damaged tissues.

Some cruciferous vegetables to include in your diet include:.

Kale
Arugula
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that live in your gut. These bacteria can help to balance the levels of harmful bacteria in your digestive system, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of stomach ulcers.

Some probiotic-rich foods to include in your diet include:.

Yogurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Miso
Kombucha

: What to Avoid

1. Spicy Foods

Spices like chili peppers, black pepper, and curry powder can irritate the lining of your stomach, making your ulcer worse. These foods can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can lead to more pain and discomfort.

Therefore, it is best to avoid spicy foods when you have stomach ulcers.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many sodas. It can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the ulcer and make it more painful. Therefore, it’s best to limit your intake of these drinks.

3. High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods like fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products can slow down the emptying of the stomach and increase stomach acid production. This can make your ulcer worse.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid these foods when you have stomach ulcers.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol can increase stomach acid production and irritate the ulcer, making it more painful. It can also interfere with the healing process. Therefore, it’s best to avoid alcohol when you have stomach ulcers.

5. Citrus Fruits

While citrus fruits are healthy, they are highly acidic, and high acidity can irritate stomach ulcers. Therefore, it’s best to avoid citrus fruits when you have stomach ulcers.

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers can be painful and disruptive to your daily life, but they don’t have to be. Eating the right foods and avoiding certain foods can make a significant difference in the management and healing of stomach ulcers.

Incorporating high-fiber foods, cruciferous vegetables, and probiotics in your diet can promote healing and reduce inflammation. It’s important to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, high-fat foods, alcohol, and citrus fruits. By following an ulcer-friendly diet, you can alleviate the pain and discomfort of stomach ulcers and improve your overall health.