An ulcer-friendly DIET
Dear Donovan,
I have an ulcer and will need possible surgery to have it closed. I am currently on a diet, which has seen me lose 20 pounds in three weeks, moving from 260 pounds to 240 pounds. However, because of the ulcer, whenever I eat complex starches or consume high citrus fruits I experience pain. Additionally, I have noticed a change in my skin tone since I started consuming coconut water. Can you suggest some healthy foods that will work with the ulcer until it’s corrected and keep my weight in check as well as ways in which my skin tone can begin to look normal?
I am so sorry to hear about your ulcer situation; however, I am happy to hear that you have lost 20 pounds on your diet. I am assuming that the ulcer you are referring to is a stomach ulcer. There are about seven main types of stomach ulcers, each with their own signs and symptoms.
A stomach ulcer is basically like a sore in the walls of the stomach. There are many suggestions about what causes stomach ulcers; however, clinical studies have shown over and over again that stomach ulcers are most likely caused by the helicobacter plylon bacteria.
Stomach ulcers should never be taken lightly and it is very important that you keep up with your doctor. Some prescription and non-prescriprion drugs can also lead to stomach ulcers. Unattended ulcers can lead to bleeding and this is a dangerous situation.
It should be noted that adjusting your diet does not normally cure an ulcer. However, avoiding certain foods can help ease the symptoms of a stomach ulcer. In a nutshell, what you eat, when you eat and your emotional state can also affect your ulcer.
From a medical standpoint, the most common available treatments for ulcers fail up to 70 per cent at the time. Some ulcer patients even choose to discontinue treatment due to the negative side effects of some of the treatment methods used. In addition to this stomach ulcer you may develop bacteria that become resistant to antibiotic treatments. It is therefore very important that you discuss with your doctor a treatment method which not only reduces the signs and symptoms of the ulcer but also gets rid of the helicobacter plylon bacteria. Studies have shown that with the removal of these bacteria the stomach can heal.
It is also important that people with stomach ulcers eat five to six small meals per day, instead of three large meals. Smaller meals are more forgiving on the stomach. Again, foods do not cause ulcers; however, some foods can cause an increase of acid production in the stomach and further irritate the ulcer. It is therefore important to eat more foods which are ulcer-friendly.
People with ulcers should also eat a diet rich in fibre, especially from fruits and vegetables. As you found out, it is better to eat fruits which are low in acids. These include apples, grapes, melon, papaya and bananas. Also, coconut oil and olive oils are better for ulcer patients to use compared to other oils. In addition, low-fat milk and yoghurt have also been found helpful for ulcer patients. Vegetable juices such as green juices can be used to soothe the stomach and reduce acidity. A piece of raw Irish potato can also be added to the green juice. Irish potato is extremely helpful for an ulcerated stomach.
The green juice will also be excellent for your skin tone. You should also make sure you are drinking five to eight glasses of water daily. I am not sure, however, that there is a connection between your skin tone and your drinking of coconut water.
It is important for people with ulcers to avoid caffeine-based products. Also, foods with high animal fat content such as salami, bacon and ham can increase stomach acidity. Dried beans and peas may also increase gas formation. These should be reduced or avoided. Some vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflower can also be gas-forming.
Avoid greasy foods, for example butter, margarine, lard and chips as well as spicy foods, as all these can be hard on the stomach. Onions, garlic, pepper and tomato-based products can also lead to stomach pain. These foods should be limited in your diet. In order to continue to lose weight without irritating your stomach you should have a balanced diet. You will have to ensure that you eat on time, eat smaller portions, watch what you eat and do some exercise.
We will answer your weight- related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
