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Today, we’ll be concluding our discussion on a stomach ulcer. If you missed that elucidating article, click here. Last week, I told you that there are things that can increase your chances of having a stomach ulcer, and one of those things is skipping meals.

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Making yourself too busy to eat, starving yourself or even working out on an empty stomach will not help you achieve the Agbani Darego figure that you desire. So, if you’re on this table, come down now because an ulcer is calling your name. The abuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Felvin, diclofenac, ibuprofen can also cause ulcers. These NSAIDS prevent the mucus that lines and protects the walls of the stomach from forming well. As a result, stomach acids which usually help with food digestion now act directly on the stomach. So, if you want to

Avoid Alcohol:

Even if your love for alcohol is known from coast to coast, you’ll still need to seriously reduce your alcohol intake and possibly practice abstinence if you want to manage that stomach ulcer. That’s because alcohol erodes the mucus layer that protects the stomach and gastrointestinal tracts; this can cause much more inflammation and bleeding of your Stomach Ulcer.

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Eat Foods that are High in Vitamin A:

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to find foods that are rich in Vitamin A. They are already in your kitchen. The carrots, spinach, eggs, liver, sweet potatoes in your kitchen are all good sources of Vitamin A. Studies indicate that Vitamin A helps to build up protective mucus in the stomach and GI tract. This makes it particularly beneficial to ulcer patients as they are advised to avoid foods that wear off the mucus layer which protects the stomach and gastrointestinal tracts.

Avoid Spicy Foods:

Most of us know this one. It has been on the “Do Not Eat” list for ulcer patients for a long time. When ulcer patients and former ulcer patients like us meet new patients, “avoid spicy food” is usually our welcome advice. Truth be told, spicy foods trigger abdominal pain in some patients. But the operative word here is “some.” But we assistant doctors do not know this. So, we give this advice. Today, I’ll make an exception by saying, find out what your trigger foods are. If spicy food is one of them, avoid it.

Say No to Caffeine and Yes to Tea:

Caffeine increases the production of stomach acids; so, it’s best to avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Instead, drink tea. Research indicates that green tea and black tea, for instance, prevent the overgrowth of H. Pylori in the stomach. Interestingly, these teas do not harm the good bacteria in the gut. Finally, you are the owner of your stomach. Take care of it. Eat well. Hydrate well. Avoid drug abuse. Then know your trigger foods, that is, foods that cause stomach irritation and avoid them. Sources: Health Grade Healthline Medical News Toda Featured Image Source: Medical News Today

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This article was first published on 6th September 2021

udevi-obiamaka-angela

Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com