An ulcer is a health condition in which breaches or sores take place on the linings of the epithelium. This condition takes a longer time to heal completely and can occur anywhere in an individual including the stomach, skin, intestine, esophagus, legs, and so on. Apart from that, in such a condition a suitable diet or the right food item to eat matters a lot for faster treatment or controlling the symptoms. Moreover, a lot of patients also consume milk as their source of calcium in this phase but have you ever wondered about the fact that “is milk good for ulcers or not?”. Don’t worry we have all the answers related to this concern which will help you better deal with and understand the condition.
Table of Contents
Is milk good for ulcers?
Earlier when medical science was not so advanced and did not have exposure to particular diseases, it was a saying for ulcer patients that drinking milk on a regular basis can help them a lot in soothing the stomach and boosting the healing process.
Image credits: 10faq.com
However, health experts have studied and reported that drinking milk when an individual is already suffering from ulcers can actually produce more acid in their stomach instead of giving a cooling effect. Not only this but it can also eventually make the conditions worse and unbearable. However, there are some substitutes for milk that do not cause irritation or make the ulcer severe.
Substitutes of Milk
People with ulcer issues are not suggested to drink regular milk as it can make them suffer more. However, substitutes or other types of milk can be incorporated into their diet which shows zero side effects and are suitable for drinking in such health conditions. So, let’s have a glimpse of them:
Image credits: Organic Facts
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Rice milk
- Oat milk
- Hemp milk
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
Note: If any of the above-mentioned types of milk does not suit your body or gives you certain discomforting feelings then make sure to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Beverages To Avoid In Ulcers
Apart from just milk, there are also some other beverages that should not be included in an ulcer patient’s diet and to know about them specifically, read the below-shared points:
Image credits: The Daily Beast
- Beer and Wine
- Any type of carbonated drinks
- Black tea, coffee, and green tea
- Any type of citrus juices
- Hot cocoa
- Spirits and energy drinks
Food Items To Avoid In Ulcers
Eating any type of fatty, sugary, oily, and spicy food can irritate the sores of ulcers and can cause unbearable discomfort as well as inflammation. So, to know about such food items, read the below-shared list:
Image credits: Science Photo Library
- Any baked item such as pastries
- Dairy products like cheese and cream
- Fast food such as pizza, chips, french fries, and more
- Red meat and processed meat
- Spicy food including chili sauce, salad dressings, gravy, etc.
- Custard, puddings, chocolates, and ice cream.
- Any food item made up of tomatoes
- Citrus fruits like pineapple, orange, and more.
Food Items To Eat In Ulcers
Dealing with ulcers does not mean eating bland meals as there are some food items that can not just make your diet look more interesting but can also help you in healing this health condition. So, to be aware of them, read the below-shared points:
- Fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, and more.
- Chickpeas, beans, and other legumes.
- Bell peppers and carrots.
- Fish
- Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
- Leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
- Whole grains like barley and quinoa.
- Honey
- Pasta or breads made of whole grains.
- Skinless poultry
- Low-fat and unsweetened yogurt
General Eating Tips For Ulcer
There are a few tips and tricks that every ulcer patient should implement in their eating habits as this can bring massive positive change and relief from the symptoms. So, let’s read about them in the below-mentioned points:
- Keep yourself hydrated with fluids such as water, broth, and rehydration solution.
- Make sure to eat meals at the right time instead of odd-timings.
- Avoid the use of straw for drinking anything as it can cause gas.
- Cook your meals with basic techniques including boiling and steaming.
- Add minimal spices and oil to your food items.
- Eat four to six smaller meals throughout the day instead of having three large ones.
FAQs
Q1. What are the severe complications of peptic ulcer?
If an individual ignores their ulcer or does not give the required care, there can be major complications that he/she can encounter which include gastric perforation, gastric outlet obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, excessive abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and so on.
Q2. Which are the right sources of calcium for ulcer patients?
Leaving dairy products or byproducts of milk can make an ulcer patient’s body lack in calcium and in such a condition eating other sources of calcium such as kale, nuts, seeds, tofu, chickpeas, and more is the best way to make the right balance of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Q3. How long does an ulcer take to get treated properly?
It depends on the condition of the ulcer. However, the average time that an ulcer consumes for full treatment is around four to six weeks. In such a situation, consuming medications at the right time and controlling dietary habits is very important as they have the tendency to make or break the healing process.
Q4. Which beverages and food items should be avoided in ulcers?
The list of beverages and food items that should be avoided in ulcers include beer, wine, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, spirits, baked items, fast foods, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruits, red meat, spicy food items, and so on as they worsen the sores of ulcers.
Q5. Is milk good for ulcers or not?
No, drinking milk in ulcers is not a great idea as it acts as a catalyst in the formation of gas and can worsen the situation. However, for its substitutes, you can consume soya milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, almond milk, oat milk, rice milk, and more.
Conclusion
Above we shared a brief guide answering “Is milk good for ulcers” along with its other aspects such as food and drinks to avoid, things to incorporate into diet, tips for eating habits, and so on which might have helped you in understanding the concerns related to this health condition in a better way. Depending on just food items to treat your ulcers completely is a very careless act as an individual needs proper examination and medications advised by health care experts. In case you feel any discomfort in your condition after adding or switching to a new diet then also you must book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible. For further queries, connect through the comment box.
About The Author
