Foods That Cause Symptoms of a Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are lesions in the lining of your stomach and duodenum, or the upper part of your small intestine, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures."
Peptic ulcers are lesions in the lining of your stomach and duodenum, or the upper part of your small intestine, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures." These lesions occur when the lining of your stomach and duodenum is weakened by gastric acids, which are produced by your stomach to digest foods. Peptic ulcers cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, appetite changes, vomiting and a burning sensation in your stomach. Certain foods may trigger symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Black Pepper, Mustard Seed, Jalapenos
Spicy foods may irritate the lining of your stomach and may cause inflammation of peptic ulcers. Spices such as nutmeg, cayenne, black pepper, mustard seed and chili powder can trigger abdominal pain, burning sensations and other symptoms of peptic ulcers, according to the Family Doctor website. These symptoms may also worsen if you eat hot peppers, such as red chilis, jalapenos, poblanos or habaneros.
Milk
Doctors once recommended milk as a remedy for symptoms of peptic ulcers. However, the proteins in milk may encourage the production of excess stomach acids, which can irritate ulcers. Some ulcers may be caused by milk allergies, according to Balch and Stengler.
White Flour
White flour is made by processing and bleaching wheat grains. The extensive processing removes the fiber, vitamins and minerals from the grains. It also turns wheat into a simple carbohydrate and makes it difficult to digest, increasing stomach acid production.
Fried Potatoes, Egg Rolls, Chicken Wings
Foods that are fried in vegetable oil or shortening, such as fried potatoes, jalapeno peppers, egg rolls and onion rings, may irritate stomach and duodenum lesions, and may trigger peptic ulcer symptoms. Fatty foods such as chicken wings and legs, pork and beef may also cause or worsen symptoms.
Coffee
Regular and decaffeinated coffee contain chemicals that trigger the production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, according to Balch and Stengler.