Photo CaptionBreads and starches without spices or seeds may be tolerated when you have an ulcer.Photo Creditbread image by Maria Brzostowska from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, are sores on the lining of esophagus, stomach or small intestine that are primarily caused by infections from bacterium called Helicobacter pylori and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Two common misconceptions are that ulcers are caused by spicy food and relieved by milk. However, certain foods may help you heal from ulcers.
Breads and Starches
Photo CaptionBreads and starches without spices or seeds may be tolerated when you have an ulcer.Photo Creditbread image by Maria Brzostowska from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Breads and starches are complex carbohydrates that provide your body with sugar for energy, vitamins and minerals. The types of starchy foods you can eat when you suffer from an ulcer include bread, crackers, cereal, cooked rice, pasta and noodles and mashed potatoes. You should avoid chile, peppers, barbeque chips, potato chips, french fries or fried potatoes, especially if they cause you pain or gas.
Fruits
Photo CaptionBananas are recommended for people with ulcers.Photo Creditbanana image by Bradlee Mauer from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Fruits are a rich source of antioxidants and are recommended for people on most diets. However, if you have an ulcer, you should eat certain types of fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, kiwi, grapes, berries, banana and melons, and avoid citrus fruits and drinks, such as oranges, grapefruits lemons and limes, especially if you experience pain or discomfort. Research by Giovanni Misciagna published in "Digestive and Liver Disease" in 2000, reports that soluble fiber from fruits and vegetables are protective against duodenal ulcers.
Vegetables
Photo CaptionGreen leafy vegetables are nutritious and well tolerated if you have an ulcer.Photo Creditlettuce image by Azazirov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Vegetables are one of the most nutritious types of food, providing ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Nonetheless, certain types of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, hot chile peppers, garlic, onions, tomatoes and pickled vegetables may increase pain and cause discomfort and gas. You should consume fresh green leafy vegetables and salad greens. Research by Walid Aldoori published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in 1997 discovered that vitamin A and diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the development of duodenal ulcers.
Photo CaptionLow-fat dairy products, such as yogurt, are recommended if you have an ulcer.Photo Credityaourt image by danimages from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Low-fat dairy products, such as milk, ricotta and cottage cheeses, yogurt and ice cream may be tolerated if you have an ulcer. However, high-fat dairy products, chocolate flavored drinks and spicy cheeses may cause pain, discomfort or gas. You should eat small amounts of these foods initially to see how you feel before consuming large meals.
Meat and Other Protein Foods
Photo CaptionUnspicy meat is best for people with an ulcer.Photo Creditchickens' breast meat image by Maria Brzostowska from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Meat is often cooked with spices and served with sauces or gravies. Highly seasoned, fried or fatty meats, such as pastrami, corned beef, bacon and barbequed chicken and beef and pork ribs and processed meats, such as sausage, salami, pepperoni, ham and other cold cuts, may cause you to experience pain, discomfort and gas. Instead, you may feel better eating tender and not spicy cuisines that contain fish, meat or poultry. In addition to meat you may also eat scrambled or soft, cooked eggs, peanut butter and tofu, a soy food that is soft and bland. Although you may eat nuts and beans, you may find that they cause gas and exacerbate the pain from your ulcer
