What Are Lifestyle Changes For Peptic Ulcers And Dyspepsia?
It was common in the past to restrict people suffering from peptic ulcers to frequent intake of small amounts of bland foods and milk. Exhaustive research conducted since then has shown that a bland diet is not effective in reducing the incidence or recurrence of ulcers, and that frequent small meals throughout the day are no more effective than consumption of three meals per day. (Large amounts of food should still be avoided because stretching or swelling of the stomach can result in painful symptoms.) Milk was found to actually encourage the production of acid in the stomach, although moderate amounts (two to three cups a day) can be drunk without harm. Coffee may increase susceptibility to H. pylori, and, in any case, cutting down on coffee (both decaf and caffeinated) and carbonated beverages may help reduce stomach acid. The good news is that a diet rich in fiber may cut the risk of developing ulcers in half and speed healing of existing ones. Fiber found in fruits and vegetables
