Proper Diet for Ulcer Treatment

In the past, diet was believed to be responsible for most ulcers. Patients were advised to avoid fatty and spicy foods to help alleviate the pain of an ulcer. Today, doctors know that most ulcers are caused by the bacteria heliobacter pylori. Foods and a special diet are not likely to cure an ulcer, but it can be beneficial to monitor the foods that upset or irritate a stomach ulcer.

Food Journal

Foods are not thought to be responsible for stomach ulcer, but you can keep a food journal and write down the foods that you eat each day. When symptoms flare up, make a note in your journal. Over time, you will begin to notice the foods that cause the most stomach upset. Many people find that fatty or spicy foods cause their stomach to be upset, but it is not essential that you only eat bland foods.

Losing Weight

Losing weight may help reduce the pain and symptoms of stomach ulcer. A low calorie diet that eliminates 500 calories per day from the amount needed to maintain your weight is enough to lose one pound per week.
Make healthy choices when meal planning. A well balanced diet includes 30 percent of calories from lean protein sources and 30 percent of calories from healthy fats. Good choices for lean protein are skinless chicken and fish. Cold water fish such as tuna and mackerel also contain omega 3 essential fatty acids which are important for good health. Healthy fats must be a part of your diet. Nuts and olive oil are good sources of healthy fat.
The final 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables are the best source of carbohydrates for a weight loss diet. These foods can also help to keep you healthy and free of ulcer pain.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are more important than a specific diet. Don't eat too close to bed time and keep your head elevated to avoid acid reflux. The methods used to avoid acid reflux are also healthy for a stomach ulcer.
Stop smoking if you smoke. This is a more important habit to break than a diet. Smoking inhibits the healing process for an ulcer. Some medications should be avoided such as NSAIDS, which are anti-inflammatory medications used for pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen are a better choice for those with ulcer.