Ulcer, Stomach ulcer precisely, is a sore that develops on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine. It occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract.
Ulcers cause more deaths in Nigeria than suicide or liver cancer. Interestingly, this stat suggests Nigerian parents are right: Stomach ulcers—open sores within the stomach lining—are fairly common. But contrary to old tales about ulcers, lifestyle choices are rarely the cause of stomach ulcers.
The excessive and long use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is another leading cause. In both cases, they damage the protective layer in the stomach, causing the stomach acid to penetrate its sensitive lining.
Although food choices don’t trigger stomach ulcers, they can make your symptoms worse. This is why we compiled a list of healthy, ulcer-friendly Nigerian fruits you should include in your diet.
Fruits also help you fight against ulcer pain. They’re packed with natural nutrients that nourish the body. In this sense, non-acidic, fiber-rich fruits with high antibacterial properties are what your body needs.
Although not all fruit helps reduce or fight against ulcer pain, some fruit you need avoid, due to their acidic nature.
Here are five edibles stomach ulcer patients must avoid;
- Citrus fruit:
Citrus fruit are mostly acidic in nature making it highly inedible for a ulcer patient. Citrus fruit like lemon, orange, grapefruit and other acidic fruit should be avoided. Lemon juice should also be avoided. Lemon juice is acidic, which can corrode the lining or aggravate existing stomach ulcers.
- Caffeine:
Caffeine, which is present in coffee and other drinks such as some teas and soft drinks, stimulates the gastric secretion of components such as gastrin and hydrochloric acid, which may aggravate stomach ulcers. Some doctors also advise that chocolate which contains caffeine should be highly avoided. To minimize symptoms; individual with ulcer disease should avoid or limit both coffee and alcohol.
- Cheese:
Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed. Flavoured cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten. Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.In addition to coffee, alcohol and carbonated beverages, dieticians recommends limiting refined foods, such as white bread, pasta and sugar; red meats; and trans fats found in commercially baked goods and processed foods.
- Fried and fatty foods:
These foods take longer to digest and can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating, aggravating stomach ulcers. People who already have peptic ulcers may feel worse when they eat those foods.
- Pineapple:
Some doctors may recommend that people with stomach ulcer avoid pineapple, as it is highly acidic. If you experience a burning sensation or irritation in your oesophagus after eating, you may have acid reflux.
Avoiding the above fruit mentioned may lead to recovery from ulcer. Taking fruit like apple, watermelon, cumber and other less acidic fruit could lead to the quick recovery from ulcer.