Question

Why are nutritional recommendations required for patients with ulcer disease on top of pharmaceutical interventions?

Answer 1

Peptic ulcer disease is a common disorder of the stomach, where the lumen lining is damaged due to the infiltration of the gastric Juices. Excessive release of the gastric juice corrodes the lumen lining and ulcers are formed. A peptic ulcer also is known as gastric ulcer is a break in the stomach lining, lower esophagus, and small intestine. Its symptoms include poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and belching. It may be caused due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI) and bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

To treat ulcers disease diet should be taken care because the affected people are not supposed to have normal diet as they like. For patient with ulcers, high intake fibrous diet containing fruits and vegetables are suggested. Though milk contains lactic acid, consumption of milk in limited quantities is suggested. Coffee, tea and carbonated beverages are avoided. Garlic has cancer preventing properties and hence suggested to involve it in the diet. Less spicy food must be consumed. Foods prepared with olive oil are suggested as the olive oil is having phenolic compounds that fight against infections.

Vitamin C is recommended for patients suffering from peptic ulcer disease (PHD). Especially in patients who are tested positive for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Increased consumption of foods high in vitamin C is recommended since it might help prevent infection or reduce the effects of an infection, and perhaps, prevent peptic ulcer.

Propantheline (Pro-Banthine) is an anti-muscarinic agent. It is used for the treatment of stomach and intestine spasms, and excessive sweating. It can exhibit its action by blocking the chemical messenger acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is responsible for contractions of the involuntary smooth muscle. Propantheline intake is known to cause a decrease in gastrointestinal trait motility, so the foods that increase in the GI tract mobility should be recommended intake of calcium, fat and protein.