Stomach Ulcers And Diet For People With Ulcers

What is the best diet for an 83 year old man with ulcers? What foods should be avoided and what should be taken as a part of ulcer diet?

Ulcers are sores which form in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers), below the stomach at the beginning of the small intestine (called duodenal ulcers) or less frequently in the esophagus (called esophageal ulcers). Peptic ulcer is the name given to an ulcer in the stomach and duodenum. The stomach mixes food with the digestive juices. When the lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged, the digestive juices act on the damaged area in the same way as they would on food; they break it down in an attempt to digest it.

Ulcers can be formed by the action of digestive juices on the stomach lining. Another way of getting ulcers is by damage occurring in the lining due to some other causes, which make the stomach susceptible to even a small amount of the digestive juices. If immediate treatment for ulcers is not taken, it can lead to a bleeding ulcer, a perforated ulcer or the narrowing of the intestinal mouth that prevents the food from entering the intestine through the stomach.

Diet For Gastritic Ulcers And Ulcer Patients

It is recommended that before taking up any diet for ulcers, you check with your doctor. As a start, quitting cigarettes and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating at set times are some necessary measures for the treatment of ulcers.

Ulcer patients should eat food that is rich in:

Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps in growth and repair of damaged tissues in the stomach lining. Apricots, cantaloupes, mangoes, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, and cheese are a good source of vitamin A. Keep in mind that excess intake of vitamin is can be toxic for health.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps to maintain the structure of the muscles. It accelerates the healing process of the damaged tissues in the stomach. Vitamin C is available in oranges, lemon, mango, strawberry, blueberry, melon, white potatoes, cabbage, beans, peas, liver, pork, chicken, beef, and mussels.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E strongly boosts the immune system of the body. It is found in mangoes, kiwi, green, leafy vegetables, spinach, corn oil, peanuts, and egg yolk.

Zinc: Zinc is found in oranges, potatoes, peas, cheese, yogurt and milk. It helps to boost the immune system of the body.

What foods should be avoided?

If you are suffering from ulcers, you should avoid the following:

• Red and black peppers
• Chilly powder
• Coffee
• Tea
• Alcohol
• Fried food
• Cigarettes
• Chocolate