Diet Tips For Stomach Ulcer

1. Eat three small meals and three snacks evenly spaced throughout the day. It is important to avoid periods of hunger or overeating.

2. Eat slowly and chew foods well.

3. Be relaxed at mealtime.

4. Sit up while eating and for 1 hour afterward.

5. Avoid eating within 3 hours before bedtime. Bedtime snacks can cause gastric acid secretion during the night.

6. Cut down on caffeine-containing foods and beverages, citrus and tomato products, and chocolate if these foods cause discomfort.

7. Include a good source of protein (milk, meat, egg, cheese, etc.) at each meal and snack.

8. Antacids should be taken in the prescribed dose, one-hour and 3 hours after meals and prior to bedtime. This regimen is most likely to keep the acidity of the stomach at the most stable and lowest level.

9. Milk and cream feedings should not be used as antacid therapy. Although milk protein has an initial neutralizing effect on gastric acid, it is also a very potent stimulator. Hourly feedings of milk have been shown to produce a lower ph than three regular meals.

10. Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, and cola drinks) and decaffeinated coffee cause increased gastric acid production but may be taken in moderation at or near mealtime, if tolerated.