Gastric Ulcer Bleeding: Dietary Considerations For Recovery

When managing a gastric ulcer with active bleeding, the dietary approach largely depends on the severity of the condition. During acute episodes with significant blood loss, doctors often recommend complete fasting and avoidance of oral fluids to allow the stomach to rest and heal. Medical treatment typically includes acid suppression, gastric protection, hemostasis measures, and intravenous fluid replacement. A key indicator of improvement is the change in stool color from black (melena) to yellow, which suggests that the bleeding has subsided.

Once the initial phase has passed and if the bleeding is minimal, patients can gradually reintroduce food into their diet. It's best to start with easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid meals such as rice porridge, soft noodles, or rice gruel. These gentle foods help nourish the body without irritating the stomach lining. It's important to avoid tough, dry foods, meat broths, and any items that may stimulate excess acid production or be difficult to digest, such as nuts and glutinous rice.

Avoiding stimulants like strong tea, coffee, alcohol, and smoking is crucial during recovery, as these can delay healing and increase the risk of recurrence. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can ease digestion and reduce stress on the stomach. Preparing food in a mashed or pureed form also supports easier nutrient absorption.

In addition to dietary care, regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring ulcer healing and ruling out potential complications such as malignant transformation. Maintaining a balanced eating schedule and avoiding erratic meal times can significantly lower the chances of ulcer recurrence.