Peptic-Ulcer Explained

Peptic Ulcer

High-Fiber Diet
Reduce the risk of new duodenal ulcers by getting enough fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and are good fiber sources.
High-Fiber Diet
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Fiber slows the movement of food and acidic fluid from the stomach to the intestines, which should help those with duodenal, though not stomach, ulcers.⁴⁷ When people with recently healed duodenal ulcers were put on a long-term (six-month), high-fiber diet, the rate of ulcer recurrence was dramatically reduced in one controlled study,⁴⁸ though short-term (four-week) use of fiber in people with active duodenal ulcers led to only negligible improvement.⁴⁹

Low-Salt Diet
Salt is a stomach and intestinal irritant, so avoiding it may help improve ulcer symptoms.
Low-Salt Diet
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Salt is a stomach and intestinal irritant. Higher intakes of salt have been linked to higher risk of stomach (though not duodenal) ulcer.⁵⁰ As a result of these reports, some doctors suggest that people with ulcers should restrict the use of both sugar and salt, although the benefit of such dietary changes remains unknown.

Cabbage Juice
People have found relief from symptoms by drinking a quart of cabbage juice per day for 10 to 14 days. Carrot juice may be added to improve the flavor.
Cabbage Juice
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Many years ago, researchers reported that cabbage juice accelerated healing of peptic ulcers.⁵¹^,52^,53^,54 Drinking a quart of cabbage juice per day was necessary for symptom relief in some reports. Although only preliminary modern research supports this approach,⁵⁵ many doctors claim considerable success using one quart per day for 10 to 14 days, with ulcer symptoms frequently decreasing in only a few days. Carrot juice may be added to improve the flavor.

Low-Sugar
Sugar has been reported to increase stomach acidity, which could aggravate ulcer symptoms.
Low-Sugar
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People with ulcers have been reported to eat more sugar than people without ulcers,⁵⁶ though this link may only occur in those with a genetic susceptibility toward ulcer formation.⁵⁷Sugar has also been reported to increase stomach acidity,⁵⁸ which could aggravate ulcer symptoms.

Low-Allergen
Avoiding food allergens may be helpful for people with peptic ulcers. Talk to a doctor about possible food sensitivities; once you’ve identified problem foods, a low-allergen diet can help you avoid them.
Low-Allergen
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The relationship between food allergies and peptic ulcers has been reported at least as far back as the 1930s.⁵⁹ Exposing the lining of the stomach to foods to which a person is allergic has been reported to cause bleeding in the stomach.⁶⁰ Although additional research is needed, avoiding food allergens may be helpful for people with peptic ulcers. Consult with a doctor to determine food sensitivities.