Foods for Ulcer Sufferers to Avoid

Heartburn can happen to anyone. One of the reasons is the food we eat. If you suffer from this disease, you should identify foods for ulcer sufferers that need to be reduced or even avoided.

Heartburn or dyspepsia can be triggered by eating too much or too fast, stress, taking certain medications, or suffering from certain diseases. Heartburn can also be associated with a bad and unhealthy lifestyle. Examples include smoking, eating spicy, oily and fatty foods, and drinking alcoholic, fizzy or carbonated drinks, and caffeinated drinks.

Foods to Avoid with Gastritis

As previously explained, food and drink can be one of the triggers for ulcer disease. Below are some types of food for ulcer sufferers that need to be avoided:

• Sour food and drink

  Some types of food, such as citrus fruits, lemons, limes, tomato sauce, and carbonated/soda drinks are acidic, so they can cause digestive problems. If you suffer from ulcers, you should avoid these foods and drinks.

• Spicy food

  Spicy food, including food for ulcer sufferers, should be avoided, because it can increase the risk of irritation to the digestive tract, including the stomach. Therefore, if you have indigestion, it is recommended to choose soft foods and avoid spicy foods.

• Product processed milk

  The content of lactose makes milk tend to be more difficult to digest by the body. When lactose is not digested properly, the stomach will become bloated, produce gas or cause diarrhea. This of course can aggravate the complaints of ulcer sufferers. However, that doesn't mean you have to stay away from dairy products completely. Milk contains nutrients that the body needs, especially calcium, which is important for bone development and health. Ask your doctor for advice about limits in consuming milk, as well as the choice of milk substitute products to meet your nutrition.

• Fatty and fried foods

  Other foods that ulcer sufferers need to avoid are fatty and fried foods. Fatty foods can slow down the digestive muscles, and slow gastric emptying. In addition, fatty foods can also worsen constipation and diarrhea. Fried foods, on the other hand, take more time to digest, are low in fiber and can cause flatulence.

• Sweet food and drink

  Fructose and foods or drinks with artificial sweeteners are suspected to cause dyspepsia. This is because sweeteners are not fully digested and absorbed by the body before reaching the intestines.

• Alcohol

  Alcohol does not contain protein, vitamins, or other nutrients. Alcohol can be harmful to the lining of the stomach and liver metabolism, so it can actually cause indigestion. Alcohol is also an irritant, so it can aggravate the complaints of ulcer sufferers.

• Caffeinated Drinks

  Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate can stimulate the digestive tract. If consumed in excess, caffeinated beverages can trigger or worsen your ulcer symptoms.

Although you have to avoid the various types of foods that have been mentioned above, there are still many food choices for ulcer sufferers that are safe for consumption. Ulcer sufferers are also advised to eat little but often, and chew food slowly before swallowing. If you need further advice on diet for ulcer sufferers, you should consult a doctor.