Ulcer friendly foods

Ulcers are painful sores found in the lining of the stomach and intestines. While food may not be the underlying cause of ulcers, certain types of food can hasten their healing.Beverages that may help speed the healing of ulcers include water, mild herbal, caffeine-free tea; low-acid fruit juices such as apple, grape, or pear and other caffeine-free drinks. Caffeine and alcoholic beverages may cause further inflammation when ulcers are present and should be avoided. While milk may help reduce the pain of an ulcer temporarily, the Mayo Clinic says that whole milk may cause the stomach to produce more acid, which may irritate ulcers and slow the healing process.Breads and starches can be a good form of fiber, which is generally beneficial to people suffering with ulcers. Bread, such as whole wheat, rolls and crackers, can be consumed safely. Other starches that may help speed healing include cooked pasta, rice, and cream of rice, cream of wheat, oatmeal, cold cereal and potatoes. Breads and starches to avoid include french-fries, potato chips, and bagels that include chili or other types of peppers.Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber and can generally be consumed by people living with ulcers. Oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as citrus fruit juices, should be avoided if they cause pain. Vegetables are packed with healing nutrients and should be consumed on an ulcer diet. The best choices are leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach and chard, as well as other fresh and cooked vegetables. Vegetables that may cause pain, and thus be avoided, include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and tomato products, garlic, onions, chili, peppers Meat and dairy products contain protein that can help repair damage done by ulcers. Drugs.com says that safe meat choices include tender meat, fish, seafood, turkey or chicken. Dairy choices include scrambled or soft-cooked eggs, low-fat cheese, and cottage or ricotta cheese. Smooth peanut butter and tofu are other safe high-protein choices. www.livestrong.com