Question

Brad is a middle aged businessman who frequently travels for his job. His lifestyle includes smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, frequent eating out with clients, skipping meals when not with clients, and drinking 4 to 6 cups of coffee per day. Brad was admitted through the emergency department with complaints of a dull gnawing pain in the upper abdominal region that has gotten worse. Brad was diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease.

1. What lifestyle habits might aggravate Brad’s disease?

2. What type of diet should Brad follow?

3. What suggestions would you offer Brad concerning his dietary habits?

Answer 1

A peptic ulcer is caused by the discontinuation in the inner lining of the stomach due to gastric acid secretion or pepsin. Common causes include smoking, stress, other diseases, and medications.

Answer to Question No. 1:

Brad had an unhealthy lifestyle. He smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day, skipped meals, drank 4-6 cups of coffee per day. Having too much caffeine and smoking makes may worsen acid reflux and ulcers and thereby increases pain.

Answer to Question No. 2:

Brad should follow a diet containing the following:

• Probiotics: Probiotics like Yogurt, miso help in fighting the ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.
• Food rich in fiber - Apple and oatmeal. Fibers help in lowering the amount of acid and easing the pain.
• Food rich in Vitamin A - Carrots, Sweet potato – Vitamin A can help shrink the ulcers and also prevent them.

Answer to Question No. 2:

Brad should avoid or reduce the following as it may worsen his condition leading to heartburn, indigestion and pain.

• Consumption of coffee.
• Quit smoking as smoking causes an increase in heartburn, indigestion, and pain.
• Fatty food
• Spicy food.