What can I eat with a stomach ulcer?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Gastric ulcers are a common upper gastrointestinal disease. The main causes are related to Helicobacter pylori infection, poor dietary habits, medication irritation, or chronic mental stress. Incomplete treatment of gastric ulcers can lead to recurrent episodes, and in severe cases, may evolve into gastric cancer. Thus, it is crucial to develop good dietary and living habits while undergoing proper treatment. Dietarily, it is advised to eat light, easily digestible foods such as soft, mushy rice, noodles, porridge, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat products should be cooked in a light manner, avoiding overly greasy or spicy foods. Additionally, quitting smoking and alcohol and maintaining a positive mood are also beneficial.

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Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
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How long should you fast if you have a bleeding gastric ulcer?

Primarily, it depends on whether the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding has ceased, the patient shows no signs of vomiting blood, and their gastrointestinal symptoms in the abdomen are slightly improving, generally, they can gradually start eating after about two days. If the patient still experiences vomiting of blood, or has black stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, heartburn, or if a gastroscopy confirms that the bleeding vessels from the gastric ulcer are relatively large, the duration of fasting might be comparatively longer. Therefore, the duration of fasting for a gastric ulcer bleed mainly depends on whether there is active bleeding in the patient.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can gastric ulcers be cured?

Gastric ulcers are classified into benign and malignant types. Most duodenal bulb ulcers and gastric ulcers are benign and can be cured through medication. Treatment plans are usually determined based on the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection can be treated with antibacterial therapy. If there is no infection, symptomatic treatment alone is generally sufficient for a cure. If the ulcer is malignant or is a giant ulcer, surgical treatment is generally required. For those who cannot undergo surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be needed. Generally, the prognosis for malignant ulcers is worse than for benign ulcers.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can you eat lamb with a stomach ulcer?

People with gastric ulcers can eat mutton, as it is rich in protein and can provide heat and nutrients. Additionally, it is suggested to consume other types of nutritious foods such as soy products, other lean meats, eggs, milk, etc. It is also advisable to eat more green vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamin C. Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods as much as possible and actively use medications for treatment, commonly including those that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. If there are complications like bleeding or perforation, active treatment such as endoscopic hemostasis or vascular interventional hemostasis should be sought. After treatment, it is important to strengthen exercise, maintain a good mood, and avoid emotional stress. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers

Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers include spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, onions, leeks, ginger, and alcoholic beverages. Seasonings like cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, and fennel should also be avoided. Acidic foods such as lemons, limes, and green apples are not recommended, as well as foods that can cause bloating like soybeans and peanuts. Additionally, cold foods such as ice water and frozen fruits, as well as fried and grilled foods like street food and barbecues, should be avoided. It is also advisable to limit intake of foods high in roughage, such as corn, buckwheat, and celery.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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What is a stomach ulcer?

Peptic ulcer is caused by long-term Helicobacter pylori infection and the consumption of stomach-irritating medications such as corticosteroids, aspirin, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as irregular intake of spicy, stimulating, and cold foods, coupled with long-term emergency mental factors, leading to postprandial pain. The main symptoms are periodic rhythmic upper abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Diagnosis can be made by performing a gastroscopy. Treatment mainly involves the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and protective stomach treatments among other symptomatic treatments. Complications may include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, pyloric obstruction, and malignant transformation. Dietary recommendations include avoiding smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, indigestible foods, and some stimulating condiments.