Can people with gastric ulcers eat ice cream?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
When gastric ulcers occur, the gastrointestinal tract becomes more sensitive, and digestive function as well as intestinal motility tend to slow down. Eating ice cream may increase gastric acid secretion or cause stomach spasms, worsening discomfort symptoms. It could also exacerbate the damage caused by gastric ulcers and negatively affect recovery. Therefore, ice cream is generally not recommended.
Patients with gastric ulcers should generally avoid eating ice cream, as its low temperature and cold nature may irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms.
After developing a gastric ulcer, a patient's gastrointestinal tract becomes more sensitive, and digestive function along with intestinal motility tends to slow down. Spicy and irritating foods are typically to be avoided. Ice cream is considered a cold, raw food and is also high in sugar. Consuming ice cream may irritate the gastric mucosa, increase gastric acid secretion, or cause microvascular constriction leading to stomach spasms. This can exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, and heartburn. It may also worsen the extent of gastric mucosal damage, negatively affecting recovery. Therefore, ice cream is generally not recommended for patients with gastric ulcers.
In daily life, patients with gastric ulcers should maintain regular eating habits and choose warm, soft, easily digestible foods. They can consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition. Under a doctor’s guidance, they may also take medications that protect the gastric mucosa and suppress gastric acid secretion to help relieve symptoms. Commonly used medications include omeprazole enteric-coated capsules and colloidal bismuth tartrate capsules.
