Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine, and they can be caused by a number of factors, such as the bacteria H. pylori, certain medications, and stress.
To manage symptoms and promote healing, it is important for ulcer patients to avoid certain foods that can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms, causing burning pain and discomfort.
In today’s article, we will be looking at some Nigerian foods that should be avoided by ulcer patients.
1. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods should be avoided by ulcer patients as they can cause inflammation and irritation in the stomach. This includes dishes that contain hot pepper and other spices.
Some examples of spicy foods in Nigeria that ulcer patients should avoid include suya, pepper soup, peppered snails, ata dindin, kilishi, and asun.
2. Acidic Foods
Acidic foods are those that have a pH level of less than 7, which means they are more acidic.
It is also important to avoid foods that are high in acid, such as tomatoes, and citrus fruits, like orange, lemon, and pineapple, as they can further irritate the stomach lining.
3. Fatty and Fried Foods
Fatty foods should also be avoided as they can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
These foods are difficult to digest and can cause stomach discomfort and indigestion. Processed and high-fat meats like bacon, sausage (hot dogs), and deli meats should be avoided.
Fried foods such as fried plantains, fried yams, fried meat, and french fries are also included.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided as it can cause stomach irritation and increase acid production. Alcohol can also weaken the stomach lining and make it more susceptible to ulcers.
Alcoholic beverages in Nigeria such as beer, vodka, tequila, rum, whisky, and brandy should be avoided by ulcer patients.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine can also cause stomach discomfort, cause acid reflux, and also can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the stomach, which can prolong the healing process.
6. Milk
Milk is another food that ulcer patients should avoid.
Although drinking milk may temporarily soothe ulcer pain because it coats the stomach lining, it will eventually cause your stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices, which can make ulcers worse.
Hence milk and dairy products in Nigeria such as fura da nono should be avoided by ulcer patients.
7. Sugary and Refined Foods
Foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates should be avoided as they can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can worsen ulcer symptoms. This includes sweets, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, and white bread.
What can you do?
In addition to avoiding these foods, it is also important for ulcer patients to eat a diet that is high in fibre, as it can help to promote healing and prevent constipation.
Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. It is also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than large meals.
It is important to note that each person’s body is different, and some foods may affect some people differently. It’s always best to consult with a physician, a dietitian, or a nutritionist to create a personalized diet plan that meets the specific needs of the patient. They can also give some suggestions for substitutes for the foods that need to be avoided.
Conclusion
It is crucial for ulcer patients to avoid certain foods that can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms. These include spicy foods, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, foods high in sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
It is important to eat a diet that is high in fiber and drink plenty of water, and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Better yet, you should talk to a dietitian, or a nutritionist to create a personalized diet plan that meets your specific needs.
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