A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Ulcers develop when the intestine or stomach protective layer is broken down. When this happen digestive juice can damage the intestine or stomach tissue. These strong juices contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin which can injure the esophagus. Peptic ulcers that forms in the stomach are called gastric ulcers .Those that form in the upper small intestine are called duodenal ulcers.
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are
1) Infection with H.pylori bacteria.
2) Use of non steroidal anti –inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
H. pylori and NSAIDs break down the stomach or intestine protective mucus layer. The mucus layer prevents digestive juices from damaging the stomach and intestine.
Symptoms –
1) Burning, aching, and gnawing pain between the navel and the breastbone. Some people also have back pain.
2) Pain that usually goes away for a while after taking antacid.
3) Loss of appetite and weight loss.
4) Bloating or nausea after eating.
5) Vomiting
6) Passing black stools that look like tar or stool contain dark red blood.
Diet for ulcers and gastritis
A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach .Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acids
Foods should be avoided –
Beverages –
•Whole milk.
•Peppermint and spearmint tea.
•Regular and decaf coffee.
•Green and black tea.
•Drinks with alcohol.
•Orange and grape fruit juice.
Spices and seasoning –
•Black and red pepper.
•Garlic powder.
•Chili powder.
Other foods –
• Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream.
• Spicy or strongly flavored cheese such as black pepper.
• Highly seasoned, high –fat meats such as sausage, salami, bacon.
• Hot chilies and peppers.
• Onion and garlic.
• Tomato product such as tomato paste, tomato sauce and juice.
Foods which we can eat –
• Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat free or low fat dairy foods.
• Whole grains include whole wheat breads, cereals, pasta and brown rice.
• Take lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
• A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar. Healthy fat include olive oil and canola oil.
