The role of dietary therapy in peptic ulcer treatment Essay

Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach or upper small intestine. Ulcers form when the intestine or stomach's protective layer is broken down. When this happens, digestive juices-which contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin-can damage the intestine or stomach tissue.
One should
Limit or avoid alcohol as excessive use of alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining in your stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and bleeding.
Avoid coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, as it is an acid secretion stimulator and can induce dyspepsia. Also avoid caffeine from other sources, such as chocolate or all caffeine containing beverages due to its acid stimulating properties.
Invest in a high fiber diet as some fiber-containing foods may possess factors that are protective against ulcer disease
Consider cutting out fatty foods such as fried goods and fast food as they tend to cause some level of discomfort
Drink peppermint tea and chamomile teas regularly as both soothe the lining of the digestive tract however, avoid peppermint if it causes discomfort
Avoid large meals and instead Eat three small meals per day. Do not skip meals or consume anything 3-4 hours before bedtime.
Consider using a multivitamin as well as a probiotic
Avoid acidic or spicy foods, if these foods cause your discomfort to increase. Especially citrus foods, foods containing tomatoes,
chili pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, mustard seed, and nutmeg
Avoid milk and milk products as well as they also promote acid secretion
Avoid using any medications containing aspirin, other salicylates and NSAIDs as these can cause ulcers and delay or prevent ulcer healing.
Do not let your stomach remain empty for long periods of time as this can cause acid build up
Use antacids as needed
Intervention is important in the treatment of ulcers to maintain continuous neutralization of the gastric acid, to inhibit the production of acid and to reduce mechanical and chemical irritation as well as prevent the recurrence of the ulcers.
Dietary therapy plays an insignificant role in peptic ulcers disease, however a diet that avoids stomach irritants as well as reduce the symptoms and promote healing of the ulcer is useful. Foods, that can aggravate ulcer symptoms or delay healing should be avoided. The main goal is to avoid severe elevations of gastric acid secretion which can result in irritation of gastric mucosa.
The focus of nutrition therapy should be based on individual tolerance and patients should be encouraged to avoid their individual triggers as it can improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
With the afore mentioned changes in the diet the patient would experience reduced GI symptoms, less irritation to the gastric mucosa and an ultimately aid in the healing of the ulcer.
References
Peptic ulcer. (2015, October 19). Retrieved June 10, 2016, from http//umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/peptic-ulcer
Hark, L., & Morrison, G. (2003). Medical nutrition & disease A case-based approach. Malden, MA Blackwell Pub.
GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease[Pamphlet]. (n.d.)