GUIDELINES FOR PEPTIC ULCER PATIENTS

The major goal of diet is to avoid extreme elevations of gastric acid secretion and the direct irritation of gastric mucosa. In view of this, only slight modifications in the patient's usual diet are recommended such as.

1. Transient buffering effect and significant gastric acid secretion effect of milk. The fat content of milk has no influence on these effects.
2. Spices in particular black pepper, red pepper, and chili powder, may produce dyspepsia.
3. Peptic ulcer patients should avoid any spice that causes discomfort, especially during exacerbation of peptic disease.
4. Avoid frequent consumption of alcohol.
5. Avoid smoking as it is one of the major cause of ulcer occurrence..
6. Coffee should be avoided on the basis of its strong acid secretagogue property. Coffee can induce dyspepsia.
7. Recommended small frequent feedings have been shown to be more effective than three meals per day in the treatment of chronic peptic ulcer disease.
8. Citric acid juices may induce reflux and cause discomfort in selective patients.
9. Stomach distention with large quantities of food should be discouraged.
10. High fiber in diet should be avoided.