Diet for Peptic Ulcer

Persons who treat themselves with antacids may do themselves more harm than good



Though they may get initial relief . Because the tablet neutralizes the acid, the stomach responds by producing even more acid because the basic cause of the hyperacidity has not been dealt with. Ulcers can be best treated by natural methods.

Milk, cream, butter, fruits and fresh, raw and boiled vegetables, natural foods and natural vitamin supplement are the best diet for an ulcer patient. The fruits recommended are bananas, mangoes, muskmelon and dates. Such a diet will progressively reduce the acidity in the stomach. A low-salt diet can• greatly help in curing hyperacidity V and ulcers. Those in an advanced state of the disease should avoid whole grains, nuts and whole grain bread and cereals in the beginning and should take only milk and bananas. Milk should be taken in moderate quantities - about 250 to 300 millilitres - every hour. Bananas are highly beneficial. They are said to contain an unidentified compound called, perhaps jokingly, vitamin U (against u leers)



Well-cooked millet and cooked white rice with milk can be added later.

Diet for Peptic Ulcer:

Diet is utmost importance in the treatment of ulcer. The diet should be so arranged as to provide adequate nutrition to afford rest to the disturbed organs, to main¬tain continuous neutralisation of the gastric acid, to in¬hibit the production of acid and to reduce mechanical and chemical irritation.

Almond milk made from balanced almonds in a blender is "Very beneficial as it binds the excess of acids in the stomach and supplies high quality protein. Raw goat's mil k is also highly beneficial. It actually helps to heal the peptic ulcer.

Raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided for a few weeks, as many of these are especially irritating. Potatoes, squashes, yams and raw bananas are, however, well tolerated. All sour fruits should be avoided, especially citrus fruits.

Certain foods definitely do not agree in cases of gastric complaints and should be completely eliminated. These include fried and greasy foods which are always difficult to digest and require very efficient stomach and liver action; flesh foods which require a high amount of acid in the stomach for their digestion and acid causes more pain and flatulence in the sensitive stomach; condiments, preserves and sugar which are stomach irritants; and tea, coffee, tobacco and alcohol which create an acid reaction in the stomach



The healing capacity and vitality of the body will increase if these harmful and suitable foods are avoided.

How rapidly the ulcer heals wil1largely depend on the correct assortment of essential amino acids and sufficient ascorbic acid. Iron absorption depends on an acid medium and is facilitated by the presence of ascorbic acid. The neutralisation of stomach acid, therefore, interferes with iron absorption. Several studies have shown at vitamin E and A, especially taken together, have not only a protective effect against development of ulcers used by stress, but also a curative effect on existing ulcers.

The observance of certain rules by an ulcer patient with regard to eating habits is essential. He should never eat when tired or emotionally upset, nor when he is not hungry even if it is meal time, nor when his mouth is dry. He should chew every morsel thoroughly. He should eat only natural foods and "take food in as dry form as possible. Meals must be small and frequent, All foods and junks which are either too hot or too cold should be avoided

The patient should drink -eight to ten glasses of water every day. However, he should not drink water during or with meals, but only half an hour before or one hour after he has eaten In case of haemorrhage in the stomach, a rectal enema should be administered four times daily with water temperature at 110° to 115°F. In case of abdominal or stomach pain. Hot packs should be placed on the abdomen with water temperature at 120°F. Hot pack should also be placed between the shoulder blades.

Daily massage and deep breathing exercises also help.
Above all, the patient must try to rid himself of his worries and stay cheerful. He should also cultivate regularity in his habits - be it work, exercise or rest.

TREATMENT CHART FOR PEPTIC ULCER

A - DIET

I. Milk and banana diet for three to five days.

II. Thereafter, the following diet may be adopted:-

1. Upon arising: 25 black raisins soaked overnight in water along with the water in which they are soaked and also water kept overnight in copper vessel

2. Breakfast: Fruits such as bananas, mangoes, musk melon, custard apple, papaya and figs and a glass of milk. Avoid sour fruits .

3. Mid-morning: Carrot juice or coconut water.

4. Lunch: Steamed vegetables, whole wheat chappatis or rice.

5. Mid-afternoon: Few dates and milk.

6. Dinner: Lightly cooked vegetables, whole wheat Chappatis and fruits

NOTE: Introduce gradually raw vegetables and sprouted green gram .

7. Before retiring: A glass of milk.

AVOID: Tobacco, alcohol, flesh foods, coffee, tea, condiments, all chillies, white sugar, white flour and their products, fried and greasy foods.

IMPORTANT: Take low salt diet, small and frequent meals, avoid too hot or too cold foods and drink eight glasses of water everyday.

B - OTHER MEASURES

1. We packs for one hour in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, hot packs in case of abdominal pain.
2. Yogasanas like uttanpadasan, pavanmuktasan, bhujan¬gasan and shavasan.
3. Avoid stress, nervous strain, and worries.
4. Adequate rest and relaxation.