Some people suffering from gastric ulcer can eat whatever they want or like, without any problem. But for some, eating certain foods can cause excessive acid production, irritation and heartburn. It is important for them to understand the foods that are safe, and the foods that must be avoided. Foods should be devoid of ingredients that make the symptoms more effective. There are many ulcer-friendly recipes available in books and on Internet. Understanding the symptoms gastric ulcer makes a person able to deal with this disease.
Following a Gastric Ulcer Diet
The gastric ulcer diet mainly consists of breads, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and milk and dairy products. Whole-grain, seedless grains and breads can comprise of bagels, breads, English muffins, tortillas, dinner rolls, cereals, hot dog buns, hamburger, pita breads, enriched barley, enriched rice, low fat crackers, enriched noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, and French toast.
The gastric ulcer diet should also have non-fat or low fat milk products, plain mild cheeses, cheese with less than 5gms of fat per ounce, low-fat cottage cheese and low-fat yogurt. The patient can eat all lean meats including pork, beef, lamb, veal and poultry without skin, all frozen, canned or fresh fish packed in water, lean ham, crisp bacon, eggs, soybean curd, soups, dry beans, smooth peanut and mildly seasoned meat stock.
The fats that can be sparingly used in the gastric ulcer dietinclude low or non-fat salad dressings, low or non-fat mayonnaise, light margarine, mildly flavored sauces and gravies, honey, syrup, sugar, jelly, and seedless jam. Some snacks such as fruit ice, sherbat, marshmallow, hard candies, gelatin, rice cakes, Graham crackers, Angel food cake and Pretzels can also be sparingly used.
As a part of the gastric ulcer diet, certain foods that must be avoided are cereals and bread prepared with high-fat ingredients, seeds on the breads and cracker, breads or bread products with dried fruits or nuts, high fat snack crackers, wild rice, bran cereals, corn, raw vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, onions, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, rutabagas, green peppers, turnips, sauerkraut, cucumber, tomatoes, and vegetables prepared with added fat.
A gastric ulcer patient should not intake citrus fruits. Also avoid cream, evaporated whole milk, buttermilk, chocolate milk, and strong flavored cheeses. Avoid highly spiced foods, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, pickles, NSAIDs, aspirin, carbonated beverages, caffeine-containing beverages and alcoholic beverages.
5-6 small meals in a whole day is important for an ulcer sufferer. Include linoleic acid in your gastric ulcer diet, and be active. Before making any major changes in your diet, consult a specialist or registered dietician.