Healing ulcers usually requires avoiding things that irritate the stomach and intestinal tract as well as getting regular medical attention. Medications that reduce the production of stomach acid are also usually required to heal an ulcer. However, since many ulcers may recur up to several years after being healed, sticking to an anti-ulcer healing regimen is important. Not just what an ulcer patient eats, but when and how can make a big difference in healing ulcers.
Eating slowly is much easier on an ulcer than forcing food down quickly. Never skipping meals or waiting too long between them is crucial in easing ulcer pain. Eating small meals and snacks every three hours is often much better in healing ulcers than consuming larger meals far apart.
Having meals and snacks at the same time every day helps regulate the digestive system and aid in reducing the pain caused by ulcers. Taking ulcer medication at the same time daily is also advisable. Keeping to a regular eating and medication routine is one of the best tips for healing ulcers because once the stomach is empty and "growls," ulcer pain may be increased.
The proper type of anti-ulcer diet varies widely depending on the individual. Some kinds of foods may aggravate an ulcer in one person, but have no affect on another. Keeping a foods journal is a great tip in healing ulcers because an individual may be able to notice patterns in the types of food he or she tolerates well and which kinds to avoid. Tomatoes, spices and coffee are common ulcer irritants. Soda may help relieve at least a little of the gas and bloating some ulcer patients experience, yet could cause other people more stomach pain.
Milk and dairy products cause pain in some ulcer patients, but this may be due to an unknown lactose intolerance. Plain, nonfat yogurt with its natural bacteria could be helpful in easing pain from ulcers. Dairy foods, including cheese, should be eaten in moderation because larger amounts may make ulcers worse in some people. Smoking should be avoided, or at least greatly reduced, as it often inflames and irritates the body. Drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol should also be avoided to aid in healing an ulcer.
Ulcer patients should get immediate medical help if they experience vomiting, dizziness or have black stools. Blood in the stool, especially along with the other symptoms, suggests internal bleeding. This can be fatal, so immediate medical aid is necessary. Diarrhea, along with ulcers that don't seem to heal, may signal stomach cancer; this is very rare, but should be ruled out by a doctor.