What is the Peptic Ulcer Diet?

The peptic ulcer diet may help reduce some symptoms of indigestion, but it cannot cure peptic ulcers or prevent them from forming. While in the past it was thought that peptic ulcers were mainly the result of diet or stress, medical professionals today point to an entirely different cause, the presence of the h. pylori bacteria. Sometimes this bacterium will inflame the stomach or duodenum lining and result in an ulcer.

Though diet is not a primary cause of ulcers, and most peptic ulcers are now treated with antibiotics, observing the peptic ulcer diet while you have an ulcer, or if you are subject to frequent indigestion, may provide some comfort. The eating recommendations for those with peptic ulcers are fairly broad, and not all people respond well or poorly to listed suggestions for food. Some foods on the restricted or not suggested list may not cause flare-ups of stomach problems, and other recommended foods may not always make your stomach happy.

The following foods and additives to foods are not recommended with the peptic ulcer diet: Any carbonated drinks, caffeine rich foods or drinks, most foods containing a high amount of saturated fat, high sodium foods, strong spices and hot foods like chilies. This diet also recommends avoiding whole milk products (except yogurt), most green vegetables, nuts or dried fruit, tomatoes, and citrus and berry fruits or juices. Nicotine products of any kind are not advised and people with continual stomach issues are usually better off avoiding alcohol.

Recommendations for what you can eat on the peptic ulcer diet include low fat meats, oily fish, beans and peas and low fat milk products. Whole grain breads and cereals are usually fine to eat provided they don’t contain dried fruits or nuts. Although you need to avoid most nuts, you can have beans, and peanuts and peanut butter. You can also eat delicious crisp apples, carrots, and any other vegetables that your stomach tolerates well.

Other foods, ingredients, and/or spices that stick to this diet include a small amount of table salt, some sugar, pepper, and vinegar in moderation. In general, adhering to the peptic ulcer diet means avoiding high fat foods, choosing lean cuts of meat, and getting plenty of fiber. You can also use things like olive oil and other healthful oils that have good quantities of monounsaturated fat.

While such a diet cannot cure ulcers, some claim that it is helpful in reducing stomach upset. However since we now know that most peptic ulcers are the result of bacterial infection, diet alone is not adequate to address them. If you suspect you have an ulcer, see your doctor for medical treatment.