Stomach Ulcer Diet: How to Eat Right If a Disappointing Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal problems force people to radically change their eating habits. It's understandable, because experiencing severe pain, stinging, burning, heaviness, tightness in your stomach, or persistent heartburn can make you not only give up on your favorite dishes, but also lose your appetite altogether. However, resisting foods may cause more harm to the patient. Therefore, having a clear understanding of how to eat for stomach problems can help relieve the acute symptoms of the disease and help you feel the joy of life again. Today we will take a closer look at what dietary habits you should follow if you suffer from gastric ulcer.

Diet is the most important treatment direction for gastric ulcer

Nutrition, of course, has a significant impact on our health. A properly formulated diet can speed the healing of ulcers and prevent complications. Therefore, everyone facing a similar disease needs to know how to eat properly if you have a stomach ulcer. Of course, diet is not a substitute for treatment, but without special nutrition, medication will not be effective.With ulcers, the integrity of the mucous membrane is compromised, so the digestive process, as well as the secretion of hydrochloric acid, can cause a lot of pain. What diets for stomach ulcers can help relieve symptoms and speed healing? The main goal of nutrition is to promote rapid closure of ulcers. However, this process is lengthy, and if, after the first signs of relief, the patient begins to eat foods that triggered the development of the disease, ulcers will soon follow. To prevent this from happening, therapeutic nutrition should become a way of life for months or even years.

What to eat if you have gastric ulcer

What you don’t need to do is starve yourself because then the stomach acid will start to erode the stomach lining further, which will only make the condition worse. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to the diet prescribed by the gastroenterologist and avoid feelings of hunger and discomfort. What should you eat if you have a stomach ulcer?
  • Food should not irritate the mucous membranes and increase the acidity of gastric juices.
  • You should only eat easily digestible liquid, pureed, crushed foods and chew them slowly.
  • It is forbidden to eat hot or cold foods, as such dishes interfere with the formation of enzymes and slow down the recovery of the mucous membranes. Optimum temperature is 26 to 33 °C.
  • You need to eat small, frequent meals and take breaks of no more than three hours. The regularity of meals depends on the severity of the condition, ranging from five to eight times a day.
  • Mode of drinking - 1. 5 to 2 liters per day.
It's interestingThe first medical diet for patients with gastric ulcers was developed by Mikhail Pevzner, the founder of clinical gastroenterology and nutrition.It turns out that diet directly affects the course of the disease. Therefore, strict compliance with the nutritionist's recommendations is key to recovery. The diet of patients with gastric ulcer is called "Table No. 1". Let’s look at the basics of this diet.

Table 1 - Diet for Exacerbation of Gastric Ulcer

So, the most important question is: What can you eat if you have a gastric ulcer? A medical diet accompanies medical treatment of ulcers during periods of resolution of exacerbations and remissions, lasting six months to a year. Therapeutic nutrition involves minimizing the mechanical, chemical, and thermal load of gastric pain. Food should activate regeneration and healing of lesions, reduce inflammation, and improve gastric secretions and motility.When following a gastric ulcer treatment diet, allowed foods are boiled, grilled, or steamed. Meat and fish must be thoroughly cleansed of skin, bones, cartilage, veins, tendons and fat. When cooking meat, the boiling water needs to be drained twice to reduce the concentration of animal fat as much as possible.Protein foods are healthy: rabbit, turkey, chicken, veal, beef, lean sea fish, soft-boiled eggs or omelets. It is necessary to enrich the diet in the form of unsalted butter and add vegetable oil only to ready-made dishes and not to use it for heat processing.Among carbohydrate foods, some vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, zucchini), cooked cereals (oatmeal, semolina, rice, buckwheat) are recommended, as well as various pastas, dry white bread, biscuits, biscuits, unleavened biscuits.Desserts in the diet include purees, mousses, soft sweet berries and jellies from fruits, baked fruits, natural marshmallows, marshmallows and jams, jams and marmalades. Honey is recommended as it relieves pain and inflammation and helps neutralize acid.Drinking milk is useful, it coats the stomach wall and protects the mucous membrane. Fermented dairy products should be included in the diet with caution and ensure they do not contain vegetable fats (such as palm oil), as this can adversely affect digestion. For example, low-fat cheese in the form of casseroles, acidophilus cheese, fresh (! ) kefir, natural yogurt and sour cream, unfermented cheese, etc.Recommended drinks: decoctions of chamomile, rose hips, mint, light tea, preserves, jellies, juice drinks, diluted sweet juices, and room temperature water. With your doctor's approval, you can drink fresh cabbage juice, which has an antibacterial effect, normalizes the enzymatic processing of food and promotes the healing of damaged stomach lining.The role of salt in the First Diet deserves special mention. The maximum allowed daily salt intake is 6 grams. But for people with stomach ulcers, the less that goes into the body, the better. It should be remembered that we also get salt from finished products; for example, it is present in large amounts in cheese, including processed cheese. It is important to understand that many foods are completely unacceptable to people with ulcers because they irritate the mucous membranes, take a long time to digest and cause bleeding. All fatty, spicy, salty, sour, smoked, fried and canned foods, sausages, offal, spices, ketchups, sauces and marinades are excluded. You need to give up cabbage, turnips, turnips, turnips, sauerkraut (sorrel, spinach), cucumbers, beans, mushrooms, garlic, horseradish, mustard and onions.Also on the list of prohibited items are strong tea and coffee, citrus fruits, nuts, wholemeal bread, any baked goods including homemade baked goods, chocolate, ice cream, alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks.At different stages of the disease, different subtypes from Table 1 are used. Dietary habits for stomach ulcers depend on the patient's health and the severity of symptoms.Therefore, in order to alleviate the sharp deterioration, a stricter diet is recommended— Table 1a. This diet is prescribed during periods of severe illness accompanied by severe pain. Typically, the patient is forced to stay in bed at this time. The goal of the diet is to adopt a purely subtle attitude towards digestion and to exclude as much as possible any effects of food on the stomach.What can and cannot be eaten during the exacerbation of gastric ulcer? Diet for acute gastric ulcer consists of dividing 6-7 meals per day into very small portions and reducing energy values (up to 2010 kcal). Any food that causes gastric juice secretion and irritates the mucous membrane is absolutely unacceptable. Salt consumption is significantly reduced. Boiled and steamed foods are served in liquid or pureed form. Cream soups, liquid and gooey porridges and soufflés are widely used.In addition to the main list of banned foods in the dietNo. 1aBread in any form, cultured dairy products, all vegetables and fruits are completely excluded.This diet is continued until the ulcer begins to heal. Thereafter, the patient switched to gentle treatmentDiet No. 1, whose purposeNot only does it protect the mucous membranes, it also speeds up their recovery. The essence of the entire diet was retained, while the list of acceptable foods expanded and the nature of the preparation changed: from completely liquid, pureed foods to a "bite" state.Energy levels increased to 2, 500 kcal per day, and eating frequency decreased to six times per day. Dry white bread is allowed, as well as mashed potatoes or soufflés made from potatoes, beets and carrots. Offering a variety of mousses, jellies, milk jellies, sweet fruits and juices, honey and sugar. Steamed dishes made with unfermented cheese and egg whites, sour cream, light cheese and butter are allowed.

Stomach ulcers - symptoms and treatment

What is gastric ulcer? We will discuss its causes, diagnosis and treatment in the article of Dr. Nizhegorodtsev A. S. , a surgeon with 17 years of experience.gastric ulcer diet

Definition of disease. disease cause

gastric ulcer(gastric ulcer) is a chronic, relapsing disease in which defects occur in the lining of the stomach. If left untreated or left untreated, it can result in disability or death.

Causes of gastric ulcer

The most common causes of gastric and duodenal ulcers areHelicobacter pylori infection. It is detectable in approximately 70% of patients with gastric ulcers and up to 90% of patients with duodenal ulcers. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, the leading cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers, has declined in developed countries in recent years (e. g. 11% in Sweden). Typically, this is due to improvements in the quality of medical care, which allows timely diagnosis and treatment of infections, and improvements in hygiene (such as the quality of tap water). In our country, the infection rate reaches about 70%, and most of the infected people do not even suspect or complain about anything.The second leading cause of peptic ulcer disease ispainkiller, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). On the one hand, the speed and versatility of action of NSAIDs relieve people from various sufferings, on the other hand, due to long-term uncontrolled use of these drugs, "medicinal" ulcers of the stomach and duodenumStarted happening more frequently.The third cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers isDisorders that increase gastrin production- A hormone that increases the production of hydrochloric acid and increases the aggressiveness of gastric juices. These include B12 deficiency anemia, gastrinoma (tumor of the pancreas), etc.The likelihood of developing peptic ulcer is largely influenced by the following factorsPredisposing factors, which one:
  • Excessive nervous-emotional tension (stress);
  • Violation of daily habits and nutrition, consumption of refined foods and fast food;
  • Complex genetics (for example, a parent with peptic ulcer disease).
If you notice similar symptoms, talk to your doctor. Don’t self-medicate – it’s harmful to your health!

gastric ulcer symptoms

pain- The most common symptom of gastric ulcer. It is located in the upper abdomen and can decrease or worsen immediately or after meals, depending on the location of the ulcer. If the ulcer is in the duodenum, the pain may increase (or decrease) 30-40 minutes after eating. The intensity of the pain varies from noticeable and brief pain that may even lead to reflex vomiting immediately after eating, to weak and persistent pain that worsens in the morning and disappears after eating. Occasionally, patients may wake up during the night with a feeling of pain in the "pit" (the depression under the ribs) or in the upper abdomen.Feeling of "early satiety" and heaviness in the stomachAlso a symptom of peptic ulcer disease. People often start reducing portion sizes because even small amounts of food absorbed into inflamed areas of the stomach lining and ulcers can cause these unpleasant feelings.Bad breath, nausea, change in taste, tongue coating- Common symptoms of any inflammatory disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), most commonly ulcers.painless peptic ulcerMost dangerous are its horrific complications, which sometimes develop at lightning speed in seemingly healthy people. Sometimes they can have fatal consequences. For example, when an ulcer perforates the stomach wall, the patient will experience severe pain, leading to shock and disorientation, sometimes even loss of consciousness. It’s scary to imagine what this could lead to if this person were a car, bus driver, or airplane pilot. The same misfortune can befall someone who vacations far from civilization: the chance of survival is greatly reduced due to a lack of access to emergency medical care.

Complications of gastric ulcer

ulcer bleeding- Most common complications. This is dangerous because if the walls of the blood vessels in the ulcer become damaged and start bleeding, the patient will not feel anything, especially if the ulcer is painless. Reflex vomiting occurs when the stomach fills with blood. This is how the disease manifests itself. The patient then develops symptoms of blood loss:
  • lowered blood pressure;
  • rapid pulse;
  • Skin becomes pale and covered with sweat;
  • increased weakness;
  • Shortness of breath persists despite reduced physical activity.
When the ulcerative defect and source of bleeding are located in the lower part of the stomach or duodenal bulb, symptoms of blood loss appear first, followed by the appearance of liquid, tarry ("black") stool.perforation of stomach wall- A through hole forms when the ulcer spreads through all layers of the stomach wall. Gastric contents flow into the abdominal cavity through this opening and causeperitonitis- Complete inflammation of the abdominal tissues. The moment of piercing is accompanied by severe, extremely severe pain, and even painful shock, a drop in blood pressure, and a sharp paleness of the skin. Subsequently, intoxication ("poisoning" symptoms) and multiple organ failure increase. Without emergency medical care, a person can die from this complication. ulcer penetrationIt may also complicate the course of the disease. If the ulcer is located on the stomach wall adjacent to another organ (pancreas or intestinal wall), it may spread to this adjacent organ. The initial manifestation of a gastric ulcer may then be a gradual increase in inflammatory symptoms secondary to the affected organ.malignant tumor- Peptic ulcer degenerates into gastric cancer with all its attendant consequences. If the ulcer persists for a long time, there is a risk of this degeneration.scar stenosis- Dangerous consequences of ulcer healing. Due to scarring, the lumen of the stomach or duodenum may become significantly narrowed, making the passage of solid and liquid food difficult or impossible. In this condition, patients lose weight, quickly become exhausted, and gradually die from dehydration and starvation.

Diagnosis of gastric ulcer

Diagnosis of typical ulcersStomach surgery is very simple and is performed by a therapist or gastroenterologist. During the examination, the doctor determines the patient's general condition, identifies the chief complaint, the nature and characteristics of the course of the disease, and during palpation the boundaries of the painful area and its nature. If necessary, the doctor will conduct blood tests and instrument tests to get a clear understanding of the patient's health status and develop an optimal treatment plan.Diagnosis is more difficult to make when:Atypical or painless ulcers, especially when complications appear in the form of infiltration - the spread of ulcers to neighboring organs.The first signs of asymptomatic or "silent ulcers" are often complications in the form of bleeding, so the patient is rushed to a surgical hospital, where a physical examination is performed, the medical history is clarified, and blood is drawn for examination. Examination, EGD, ultrasound, X-ray if necessary.The best way (and the only effective way if it is painless) to diagnose peptic ulcer disease isroutine endoscopy— Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS). The EGDS procedure is safe, lasts a few minutes, and is associated with unpleasant but completely tolerable sensations. The results of the examination reveal comprehensive information about the condition of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the presence and nature of inflammatory and erosive ulcerative processes, and the presence of tumors.Special techniques are used during endoscopy to determine the acidity of gastric juice and the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, and small fragments of gastric mucosa are removed from the tumor for histological examination to determine the type of tumor.When a patient presents with signs of gastric bleeding, EGD can be used to identify the source of bleeding that can be eliminated immediately, allowing the patient to avoid serious surgical intervention.

gastric ulcer treatment

Peptic ulcers are treated by a therapist or gastroenterologist. The goal is to eliminate symptoms, heal ulcers, and eliminate the cause of the disease through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.In order to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori infection that causes ulcers, doctors will prescribe antibiotics, reduce the acidity of gastric juice, and acid-reducing drugs. If the stomach ulcer is caused by taking painkillers (NSAIDs) or other drugs that may trigger the development of the ulcer, the doctor will choose other drugs for the patient that are similar to the "culprit" of the disease but do not have the effect of forming ulcers.If you suffer from peptic ulcer, it is very important to give up bad habits, mainly smoking and excessive drinking. This will eliminate the risk of complications.In addition, during treatment, you need to adhere to a certain diet - Diet 1. It involves a nutritious diet divided into 5-6 meals per day. Limit foods that strongly stimulate gastric juice secretion (tomato sauce, spicy spices), whole grains and dishes. Food is mainly pureed, steamed or boiled; fish and lean meat are cut into pieces. Very cold and hot dishes are not included in the diet. Limit salt intake.The ulcer will heal on its own within 10-14 days after the balance between aggressive and protective factors is restored.Surgery is necessary if complications of peptic ulcer develop (perforation, stricture, uncontrolled, recurrent bleeding) or if medical treatment fails. However, surgery always carries significant risks. For peptic ulcers, this is a last resort. If it can be avoided without letting the disease develop, it's best to take advantage of the opportunity.

forecast. prevention

The prognosis for peptic ulcer disease depends on the patient. With a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and a cautious approach to health, the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers is extremely low. Disturbances in sleeping and eating habits, overexertion, stress, neglect of routine medical check-ups and neglect of one's own seemingly minor ailments often lead to the development of complex conditions.Preventing peptic ulcers is easier, faster, and cheaper than treating established forms and complications. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual preventive check-ups with a general practitioner or gastroenterologist starting at age 25. If a relative suffers from peptic ulcer, then, regardless of the chief complaint, it is recommended to perform an endoscopy to determine the acidity of the gastric juice, a clarifying biopsy to identify Helicobacter pylori infection and a histological examination of the suspicious area. Held every two years. If there are no complaints, preventive comprehensive endoscopy is performed every two years after 35 years. Early detection and timely treatment of diseases such as gastritis, duodenitis, and Helicobacter pylori infection can not only avoid the ulcer process but also avoid the development of cancer. differentthree stages of prevention:
  • basic- When there is no disease but there is a risk of disease;
  • middle school- Aims to prevent the progression of existing diseases;
  • third- Performed after complications arise.
primary prevention rule:
  1. Stick to a certain daily caloric intake: carbohydrates - 50% or more, protein - 30%, fat - 15-20%. It is important to consider physical activity, height and weight. You need to eat often, in small amounts more often. Eliminate "hunger" and "monodiet". It is highly unfavorable to consume alcohol, soda, fat, fried, smoked food, canned food and fast food. It is recommended to eat oatmeal, soup, boiled meat and fish, vegetables and fruits. Baked goods and sweets are allowed in moderation.
  2. Adhere to a healthy lifestyle: quit bad habits, exercise more, and get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Avoid stressful situations and learn to perceive them correctly.
  3. As part of your physical check-up, see your doctor regularly and eliminate chronic infections, including prompt treatment of dental caries, as it lowers overall immunity and makes you more susceptible to any infection, including Helicobacter pylori.
  4. Starting at age 25, have a planned comprehensive endoscopy every two years - an endoscopy to detect Helicobacter pylori.
existschools and universitiesAdded prevention for all rules in the first stage:
  1. Follow diet number one strictly. Avoid rough foods that are difficult to digest, meat, fish and mushroom soups, strong tea and coffee, baked goods, chocolate, fresh sour fruits, spicy vegetables - turnips, turnips, turnips, onions. Food should be steamed, boiled or baked in puree form (without crusting). It should be warm: neither cold nor hot. Portions should be small. It is recommended to drink mineral water, which can reduce gastric acidity.
  2. Eliminate any causes of worsening ulcers, such as chronic gastritis.
  3. Follow medical instructions carefully.
It follows that, in most cases, the development of peptic ulcer disease and its complications can be easily avoided if you are a medically literate person, listen to the advice of your doctor, official medical sources, and do not neglect routine check-ups. Avoided.