2024-04-04 18:45:00
Gastric ulcers are common sores at the inner wall of the stomach. Concretely, they refer to the erosion of the stomach mucosa, the protective layer that covers the interior of this organ. Normally, this lining protects the stomach from stomach acid needed to digest food. But when it is damaged or weakened, stomach acid directly attacks the stomach wall, which causes significant abdominal pain… A suitable diet is therefore essential to limit irritation and help the injury to heal! What foods and drinks to favor or avoid? We take stock with Marie Behar, dietitian nutritionist specializing in digestive disorders and doctor of Public Health.
Gastric ulcer: the importance of good food hygiene!
First of all, let us remember that gastric ulcer is generally the consequence of a contamination with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or a chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Other risk factors may come into play: stress, smoking, an unsuitable diet, or the coexistence of a chronic illness. which affects the defense mechanisms of the digestive wall. In any case, when they occur, it is essential to follow certain major dietary principles to limit complications and promote healing of the mucous membrane.
Split your meals : Eat smaller meals, but eat more frequently to reduce stomach acid production and relieve ulcer symptoms. “As in the case of gastritis, it is better to focus on five to six food intakes per day, i.e. three meals and two snacks,” advises Marie Behar.Avoid eating too close to bedtime : Try to wait at least two to three hours before going to bed, to allow your stomach to properly digest food. If possible, don’t skip meals et eat slowly, at regular timesthis allows your stomach to prepare in advance before each meal and reduces the risk of irritation.Avoid spicy and acidic foods which can irritate the gastric mucosa. “This includes fatty, fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, etc. », Specifies the expert. And added: “take the time to chew well before swallowing to make the work of your stomach easier and limit the production of stomach acid. Keep a food diary to better identify your possible food triggers and avoid them as much as possible.Hydrate yourself sufficiently throughout the day and avoid drinking too large quantities of liquid during meals to avoid overloading your stomach. Furthermore, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol : these two substances can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid…Finally, if you suffer from persistent abdominal pain, accompanied by heartburn, nausea and vomiting, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist for specific recommendations based on your condition and nutritional needs.
What diet should you adopt?
You will understand soon enough, the best diet to take care of your digestive system – and to limit symptoms in the event of a stomach ulcer – is the Mediterranean diet. “In broad terms, it consists of focusing on more plants, less animals and nothing ultra-processed,” emphasizes Marie Behar.
What foods should you choose in case of a stomach ulcer?
In case of a stomach ulcer, it is better to choose gentle foods that help reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane. For example, you can bet on:
Foods rich in fiber, especially fresh fruits and vegetables rich in soluble fiber such as bananas, apples, pears, carrots and sweet potatoes. You can also opt for whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice) or legumes rich in protective fiber.Foods rich in flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, onions, peppers and tea are good sources of flavonoids.Foods rich in antioxidantssuch as berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the stomach lining. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish (salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring), nuts, oils (canola oil, walnut oil), seeds (flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds) and avocados .Plant proteins and lean proteinssuch as those found in chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products (essential for healing and tissue regeneration).Foods containing probioticssuch as natural yogurt, kefir, miso and sauerkraut, which can also help restore the balance of intestinal flora disrupted by gastritis.
Good to know: according to several studies, a diet rich in vitamin A would also be beneficial in limiting gastric ulcers, to the extent that it would increase the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract, the route through which food passes.
In summary, choose a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. And whatever your situation, do not hesitate to consult for appropriate advice. Marie Behar, dietitian nutritionist specializing in gastric disorders and doctor of Public Health.
Diet: what makes a gastric ulcer worse?
Unfortunately, several types of foods can worsen the symptoms of a gastric ulcer and irritate the stomach lining. For your health, it is better to do without:
Spicy foodssuch as chili peppers, pepper, curry or paprika type condiments and spicy sauces. Acidic foodssuch as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes), tomatoes and their derivatives (tomato sauce, tomato juice) and vinegared foods. Foods high in saturated fat or trans fatsuch as fried foods, sweets, pastries, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and processed foods, which can be difficult to digest. Irritating foods as onions, garlic, chocolate or pickled foods. Foods too hot or too coldwhich can irritate the already sensitive stomach lining.
At the risk of repeating ourselves: individual reactions can vary, so it is important to keep a food diary to identify your specific triggers and consult for personalized recommendations.
What drinks should you choose to relieve a stomach ulcer?
To avoid irritating the stomach, nothing better than still water, recommends Marie Behar. “Drink in small amounts throughout the day to stay hydrated while avoiding overloading your stomach,” she advises.
You can also bet on coconut water or sweet herbal teas Herbal remedies like chamomile, licorice, or peppermint, which can soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation.
In addition, fresh non-acidic vegetable juices (carrot juice, kale juice or celery juice) and sweet fruit juices (bananas, mangoes, papaya) diluted with a little water can also be consumed in moderation. However, avoid citrus juices and other overly acidic juices which can aggravate ulceration.
As stated above, you can consume up to two non-fat dairy products per day. If necessary, turn to alternatives as almond milk or rice milkwhich are sometimes better tolerated in cases of ulcers.
In any case, make sure these drinks are unsweetened and unflavored to limit harmful symptoms as much as possible!
On the contrary, what drinks should you avoid so as not to aggravate a gastric ulcer?
To avoid aggravating a gastric ulcer, it is advisable to avoid drinks that can irritate the mucous membrane or increase the production of stomach acid:
THE soft drinks ;THE drinks too sweet ;THE spice flavored drinks ;THE caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or energy drinks (better to opt for decaffeinated drinks); citrus juicesuch as orange juice, grapefruit juice or lemon juice (best to avoid them or dilute them in water).
“In summary, opt instead for gentle, non-acidic and non-irritating drinks which will relieve your symptoms and promote healing of the gastric mucosa! That said, individual reactions may vary, so it is important to listen to your body », insists Marie Behar.
What regarding alcohol?
As you may have guessed, alcohol is completely not recommended in cases of gastric ulcer… And this for several reasons. First, it can irritate the stomach lining, leading to abdominal inflammation and pain. But its consumption can also increase the secretion of stomach acid and worsen symptoms such as heartburn. It is therefore recommended to limit your alcohol consumption as much as possible until the ulcer is completely healed.
And if you still want to consume alcohol, limit yourself to occasional and moderate consumption, avoid strong alcoholic drinks, and do not consume alcohol on an empty stomach or in combination with medications.
Reminder: how to treat a stomach ulcer and how long does it heal?
Management of a stomach ulcer depends on its cause. It generally aims to relieve symptomshas promote healing of the gastric mucosa and to prevent complications using drugs that protect the gastric mucosa, drugs that reduce gastric acidity and antibiotics. Healing time may vary from person to person. depending on the severity of the ulcer, its cause, the individual response to treatment and the lifestyle habits of each patient.
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