How to Manage Gastric Ulcers with Dietary Therapy
May 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
The dietary management of gastric ulcers primarily involves the following three principles:
First, maintain regular meal times—opt for smaller, more frequent meals. Eat less at each sitting to avoid overeating; instead, increase the number of meals per day to four or five.
Second, prioritize soft and liquid foods, such as millet porridge, steamed buns made from fermented dough, sponge cakes, and sliced bread.
Gastric ulcers are a common gastrointestinal condition affecting many people in daily life. Some individuals seek dietary therapy to alleviate symptoms, yet remain uncertain about how to proceed. So, how can dietary therapy help manage gastric ulcers?
Dietary Therapy for Gastric Ulcers
Foods that strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach—such as Chinese yam, donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao), and coix seed porridge—may help relieve gastric pain and dyspepsia. A 13C-urea breath test is recommended to check for *Helicobacter pylori* infection. If infection is confirmed, eradication requires triple or quadruple therapy. Avoid spicy, irritating foods; abstain from alcohol; and refrain from overeating or binge eating. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible meals. Additionally, minimize psychological stress, as emotional well-being significantly impacts gastrointestinal health.
Gastric ulcer is a prevalent gastric disorder that substantially impairs patients’ quality of life. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to prevent progression to more serious gastric complications. Patients should regularly consume bland, soft, and easily digestible foods—such as congee, soft rice, noodles, and clear soups—while avoiding dry, hard, greasy, or irritating foods.
Pumpkin and Pork Rib Soup: Ingredients include pumpkin, pork ribs, dried tangerine peel (chen pi), and salt. Preparation: Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water and set aside; wash and cut the pumpkin into large chunks; soak and rinse the dried tangerine peel. Combine all ingredients in a pot with water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for one hour. Season with salt before serving. This soup helps nourish blood and support gastric health, making it especially suitable for patients with gastric ulcers or anemia. We hope this information proves helpful!
