Healthy Foods for Ulcer Patients

Ulcers of any kind can be quite painful, so it is important to eat healthy foods that are not going to aggravate the condition. Paying careful attention to what you eat can make a big difference in your overall quality of life while you are dealing with an ulcer. An ulcer is a painful erosion of tissues inside the human body. Diet is so important because ulcers appear on the inner lining of the stomach, or small intestine where digestion begins. In most cases ulcers are caused by an infection known as bacterium helicobacter pylori, but other things such as drinking, smoking, or taking medications like ibuprofen or steroids can also cause them.

Eat apples daily to lesson the effects of ulcers

Significance

Eating the right diet is very important when trying to recover from ulcers. If you eat the wrong foods the ulcer could become irritated and get worse. An ulcer is very similar to an open wound that is very sensitive. Acidic foods can cause damage to the already delicate tissues of the ulcer which can impair healing. Eating a bland diet is very helpful, but it also vital to include certain healing foods in your diet as well as eliminating foods like soda, coffee, sugar, and other processed foods.

Healing Foods for Ulcers

There are many foods that can help the body heal from an ulcer. Raw carrots and apples contain fiber which will bind to toxins in the intestines without causing harm to the ulcer. Carrots and apples also contain beta carotene and vitamin C which assist the skin and tissues with healing, even from the inside of the body. Whole grains and oats have a calming effect on ulcers because these foods help to neutralize acid. Other soothing foods are also beneficial for ulcers such as bananas, cucumber, sprouts, melon, and spinach. Other healthy food choices for ulcers are salads, sunflower seeds, and peaches.

Healthy Fats

Foods that contain healthy fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids are also very good for ulcers. These foods reduce inflammation in the body and speed the healing process. Healthy fats can be found in various oils such as olive oil, fish oil, salmon oil, cod liver oil, and flax seed oil. Rather than eating ranch, add olive to your salads. You can also buy healthy oils at your local health food store or online. (See resources below to buy cod liver oil.)

Super foods for Ulcers

Super foods are also very beneficial for ulcers. Super foods contain high concentrations of nutrients like vitamin A, E and C, to speed healing. Spirulina is a super food which will help to give your body additional nutrients needed to aid the healing process. Spirulina is a blue green sea algae. People who suffer from an ulcer should take spiraling in powder form. Mix up some spiralina powder in a glass of water and drink slowly. See resources below to read more about spiralina.

Considerations

While trying to heal there are some considerations you should make. For instance, be sure to never drink water with your meals. Instead drink water at least one hour before or after a meal. Chew your food slowly and take your time eating. Eating too much food at once, regardless of what type of food, can aggravate an ulcer. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.