Gastric And Duodenal Ulcer Diet: What To Eat For Better Digestive Health

Living with gastric or duodenal ulcers can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing your diet. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the healing process and can significantly reduce discomfort. While medical treatment is necessary, lifestyle and dietary choices are equally important for long-term recovery.

The foundation of an ulcer-friendly diet is consistency. Eating regular meals at consistent times helps regulate stomach acid production. Experts recommend having three balanced meals daily, each consumed slowly and thoroughly chewed to aid digestion. Overeating should be avoided—aim for about 80% fullness per meal to prevent unnecessary pressure on the stomach lining.

Fresh, whole foods are preferred over processed options. Avoiding spicy, greasy, and acidic foods is crucial during the healing phase, as these can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms. Items like chili peppers, raw onions, garlic, and alcohol should be strictly limited or eliminated until the condition improves.

In addition to general guidelines, personal awareness is key. Each individual may react differently to certain foods, so tracking your meals and symptoms can help identify personal triggers. If a particular food causes bloating, pain, or heartburn, it's best to remove it from your diet temporarily.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, quitting smoking, and staying hydrated also support digestive wellness. By combining mindful eating with healthy habits, you can promote healing and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.