In Nigeria, stomach ulcer is a common health challenge as the number of patients keeps increasing daily. While we await a permanent solution, this article provides our dietician-approved Nigeria food timetable for ulcer patients as well as explores the best types of foods that can help them.

The power of diet in healing and soothing the pains caused by ulcers cannot be overemphasised.

KEY POINTS:

As an ulcer patient in Nigeria, paying close attention to your diet can significantly improve your well-being and recovery.
Incorporate these ulcer-friendly foods in your diet: yams, plantains, oats, lean proteins, green leafy vegetables, papaya, brown rice, and Moringa, into your daily meals.
Avoid spicy, acidic, and fried foods, as they may worsen ulcer symptoms.
Always Consult with a healthcare professional or Talk to our Registered Dietician for personalized dietary advice.
By making informed choices, you can take control of your health and pave the way to a better quality of life by eating the ulcer-friendly foods in Nigeria.

Stomach Ulcer Explained

A stomach ulcer is a lesion or mucous membrane that causes tissue deterioration in the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of ulcers are nausea, pain, bleeding, heartburn, itching etc.

Peptic ulcer is the most common type of ulcer found in Nigeria. It is subdivided into Gastric ulcer which affects the stomach and Duodenal ulcer which affects the small intestine. Infection with the helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium or regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are the two main causes of peptic ulcers.

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) released data that showed deaths from Peptic Ulcers in Nigeria were about 5,846. This made Nigeria rank 31 in the world rankings of countries ravaged by Peptic ulcer. The United States of America records 4 million deaths every year according to Havard health publishers. It is estimated that 1 in 10 persons is at risk of Peptic ulcer in the United States.

A peptic ulcer is curable. With proper treatment, they can heal within 4-8 weeks. Lifestyle changes in the area of food and medications have been used to treat many patients over the years.

Understanding the role of diet in managing peptic ulcer

Nigeria Food Time Table for Ulcer Patients 5

Whether you are a sufferer seeking relief or a carer helping a loved one, it is worthy to note that a well-balanced diet is crucial for ulcer patients because it can help support the healing process, manage symptoms, and promote overall health.

This is how diet can affect ulcer symptoms and promote healing:

1. Irritant Foods:

Certain foods and beverages can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcer symptoms. These may include spicy foods, acidic foods (like citrus fruits and tomatoes), caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Avoiding these irritants can help reduce pain, burning sensation, and discomfort associated with ulcers.

2. Acid Production:

Excessive stomach acid production can contribute to ulcer formation and exacerbate symptoms. While diet alone may not cause ulcers, consuming a diet that promotes excessive acid production can worsen symptoms. It is advisable to reduce the intake of foods that stimulate acid production, such as caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, and processed foods.

3. Nutrient-Rich Foods:

A diet rich in nutrients is essential for ulcer healing. Adequate protein intake is crucial for tissue repair, so including lean sources of protein such as chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes can aid the healing process. Consuming foods high in zinc (found in seafood, meat, nuts, and whole grains) can also support the healing of ulcers.

4. Fiber Intake:

Dietary fibre plays a role in maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation. It is recommended to consume a moderate amount of fibre for ulcer patients. Foods high in soluble fibre, like oats, bananas, and cooked vegetables, can help soothe the digestive tract and improve bowel movements without causing excessive strain on the stomach.

5. Healthy Fats:

Including sources of healthy fats in the diet (avocados, olive oil, and nuts) can have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This can contribute to symptom relief.

6. Avoiding Trigger Foods:

Every individual may have specific trigger foods that worsen their ulcer symptoms. It’s important to identify and avoid these trigger foods through a process of trial and error. Keeping a food diary and noting any symptoms after consuming certain foods can help pinpoint personal triggers.

7. Adequate Hydration:

Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help promote healing. Drinking enough water throughout the day can prevent dehydration, aid digestion, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Nigeria Food Time Table for Ulcer Patients: 1-week Ulcer Food Plan

Below is our dietician-approved Nigeria food time table for ulcer patients:

Days of The Week	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Monday	Vegetable Omelette with whole wheat bread and beverage ( Cabbage juice)	Steamed Moi-moi and Vegetables	Boiled yam with Scrambled eggs and Vegetables.
Tuesday	Sandwich with Avocado and Coconut water.	Vegetable soup with lean beef and pounded yam.	Grilled fish and unripe plantain with steamed broccoli.
Wednesday	Toasted bread with scrambled eggs, carrots and green beans with ginger tea	Chicken vegetable stir fry with Basmati rice	Baked turkey breast, Sweet potatoes and sauteed green beans, bell pepper, carrots and cabbage sauce.
Thursday	A bowl of fruit salad ( Avocado, eggs, banana, watermelon)	Okra/Ogbono soup with Fish/Chicken breasts and pounded yam.	Jollof rice and steamed vegetables with lean beef.
Friday	Greek yoghurt with banana and almond slices and berries.	Vegetable stew with grilled chicken and boiled unripe plantain	A bowl of fruit salad ( Cucumber, watermelon and bananas
Saturday	Baked Sweet potatoes/yam with Olive oil and steamed veggies with Tiger nut drink	Steamed Moi-moi with fish and garnished with coleslaw	Non-spicy Chicken breasts pepper soup and yam
Sunday	Fonio porridge/Acha pudding with almond milk and honey	Unripe plantain porridge and fish	Vegetable smoothie ( cabbage, cucumber, ginger, spinach) and toasted bread.

Ulcer Food Plan

Foods for Ulcer Patients in Nigeria.

Below is the list of Ulcer-friendly foods in Nigeria.

Non-Acidic Fruits:

These low-acid fruits are considered ulcer-friendly fruits. These include Bananas, Pawpaw, Apples, Pears, Watermelon, Mangoes and Avocados.

Non- Citrus Vegetables:

When selecting non-irritating vegetables for ulcer patients, it is generally best to choose cooked or steamed vegetables, as they tend to be easier to digest. Some non-irritating vegetables that are suitable for ulcer patients include Leafy greens like Broccoli which contain certain phytochemicals that have been proven to fight the H. Pylori induced ulcers. Others include Spinach, Lettuce, Pumpkin, water leaves, Carrots, Potatoes, Green beans, Cabbage and Cucumbers.

3. Lean Proteins:

These are protein sources that are relatively low in fat content. Lean proteins are often recommended for various health conditions, including ulcers, as they are easier to digest and less likely to cause discomfort or worsen symptoms. Lean proteins are one of the best ulcer-friendly foods in Nigeria. You can consider these sources:

Skinless poultry ( Chicken and Turkey breasts)
Fish (Salmon, trout, tilapia, mackerel) are low in fat and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lean beef
Eggs
Probiotics like Greek yoghurt is very beneficial to the guy and has been proven to help ulcer patients.
Dairy products (cottage cheese, low-fat milk).
Legumes
Nuts and seeds ( Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds)

4. Healthy Fats:

Incorporating healthy fats like Olive oil which has been tested and proven to eradicate H. Pylori into daily meals can be beneficial for overall health without aggravating ulcers. Some healthy fat options that are generally well-tolerated by individuals with ulcers include:

Avocado
Almond oil
Nut and seeds
Nut butter
Fatty fish

5. Complex Carbohydrates:

Choosing complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates is important because complex carbohydrates as part of a balanced diet provide sustained energy, promote overall health, and contribute to better management of conditions like ulcers, diabetes, and weight control. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains (whole wheat, oats, brown rice), legumes (e.g., lentils, green beans, beans), starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes), and fibrous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts).

When selecting carbohydrate sources for individuals with ulcers, ulcer-friendly options that are gentle on the stomach and less likely to aggravate symptoms are advised. Examples include:

Whole grains
Whole fibre bread
Ripe bananas/plantains
Cooked potatoes/yam
Cooked Vegetables Yoghurt
Fruit Juices that are non-citric

6. Dairy Alternatives

Suitable milk substitutes for lactose-sensitive ulcer patients.

For ulcer patients who are lactose-sensitive, there are several milk substitutes available that can be suitable options. These alternatives can provide similar nutritional benefits without causing discomfort:

Lactose-free milk
Almond milk
Soy milk
Oat milk
Rice milk
Coconut milk

7. Herbal Teas and Beverages

In Nigeria, certain herbal teas are traditionally believed to have potential healing properties for ulcers. While scientific evidence may be limited, these herbs have been used in traditional medicine for their perceived benefits. You could try:

Ginger tea
Peppermint tea
Scent leaf tea
Aloe Vera tea

Other Soothing beverages that are Ulcer-friendly include:

Coconut water
Aloe Vera Juice
Pawpaw juice
Cabbage juice
Cranberry juice

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Foods to Avoid for Ulcer Patients

A. High-Acid Fruits

For ulcer patients in Nigeria, it’s generally advisable to avoid or limit the consumption of highly acidic fruits that can potentially irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Some fruits to steer clear of due to their acidity include:

Citrus fruits ( Oranges, lemon, lime, tangerine)
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Sour fruits.

The potential alternatives to these high-acid fruits are Bananas, Watermelon, Mangoes, Apples, Avocados etc.

B. Spicy and Hot Foods

Spicy foods are known to worsen ulcer symptoms due to several reasons:

Increased Acid Production: Spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin, can stimulate the production of stomach acid. Excessive stomach acid can irritate the already sensitive lining of the stomach and duodenum, leading to increased pain, burning sensation, and discomfort.

Inflammation and Irritation: Spicy foods can cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. The active compounds in spices can irritate the delicate tissues, triggering a response from the body’s immune system and worsening ulcer symptoms.

Delayed Healing: Spicy foods can slow down the healing process of ulcers. The irritants in spices can interfere with the natural healing mechanisms, prolonging the time it takes for ulcers to heal.

Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Spicy foods can contribute to acid reflux and heartburn, which are common symptoms associated with ulcers. They can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation and worsening ulcer symptoms.

C. Alcohol:

Alcohol can irritate the stomach and excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked to worsen Peptic ulcer conditions according to a study in 2017.

D. Fried and Fatty Foods

Greasy foods, particularly those high in unhealthy fats, can aggravate ulcers. While there is limited direct research specifically focused on the impact of greasy foods on ulcers, there are several reasons why they are generally advised to be avoided or limited for individuals with ulcers. Greasy foods can irritate the stomach lining, delay gastric emptying, increase acid reflux risk, and exacerbate inflammation.

Healthier cooking methods and substitutions

When it comes to cooking the types of foods for Ulcer patients, Several healthier options are available. These methods and substitutions help reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats and decrease the risk of aggravating ulcer symptoms.

Some of the healthier options include:

Baking and Roasting
Grilling
Steaming
Stir-frying with healthy oil
Choosing Lean Protein Sources
Adding Flavour with Herbs and Spices: Instead of relying on heavy sauces or seasoning blends that may contain irritants, experiment with using fresh herbs, spices, and natural flavourings to enhance the taste of your dishes. This can add depth of flavour without the need for excessive fats.

Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

The connection between caffeine, carbonation, and ulcer irritation is related to their potential to increase stomach acid production and irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms. For individuals with ulcers, it is generally recommended to limit or avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Opting for non-caffeinated, non-carbonated alternatives can be beneficial, such as herbal teas, water, diluted fruit juices, or other non-irritating beverages.

Ulcer Diet Plan

There are several types of foods for ulcer patients which can be eaten with caution and moderation. Do know that portion control and regular eating schedule can help manage symptoms, balance stomach acid, support healing, stabilize blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight.

Eating smaller, well-balanced meals throughout the day can help prevent overeating, which normally leads to discomfort and increased pressure on the stomach.

Conclusion

An ulcer is an open sore in the lining of an organ or tissue in the body. The most common type of ulcer is the peptic ulcer, which occurs in the stomach or small intestine. Most of the peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori is found in the stomachs of about half of the world’s population. Another cause of peptic ulcers is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If you have a peptic ulcer, it’s important to Talk to a Doctor for more personalized guidance on how to go about your diet. Treatment can help you heal your ulcer and prevent it from coming back.

References

Alberta Health Services. (2022). Types of Peptic ulcer

World health rankings. (2020). Peptic Ulcer disease Nigeria

Pubmed. (2017). Role of Sulforaphane in Protection of Gastrointestinal Tract Against H. pylori and NSAID-Induced Oxidative Stress

Pubmed. (2017). Risk Factors for the Presence of Symptoms in Peptic Ulcer Disease

Harvard health Publishing. (2014). Peptic Ulcer

Pubmed. (2012). Assessment of Helicobacter pylori eradication by virgin olive oil

Pubmed. (2008). Modulation of Helicobacter pylori colonization with cranberry juice and Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 in children