Brenda Khan
Hunner's ulcers are painful ulcers that occur in the urinary bladder and are linked to another disorder called painful bladder syndrome or intestinal cystitis. While there is no specific diet that people with ulcers need to follow, some patients have found relief by modifying their diet to remove foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, such as caffeinated beverages, sodas, artificial sugars, and fruit juices. In addition, certain foods may have ingredients that fight against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common cause of ulcers.
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What You'll Learn
A high-fibre diet is recommended to prevent and treat ulcers
While there is no specific diet that a person with ulcers needs to follow, dietary changes can be beneficial in preventing and treating ulcers. A high-fibre diet is recommended to prevent and treat ulcers, as it can help slow digestion and reduce bile acid concentration, thereby reducing symptoms such as bloating and pain.
A high-fibre diet is rich in vegetables and fruits, and it is important to note that both insoluble and soluble fibres have benefits. However, there is a stronger association between soluble fibre and a decreased risk of developing ulcers. Soluble fibre sources include oats, psyllium husk, legumes, flax seeds, barley, nuts, and certain fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, apples, and carrots.
In addition to a high-fibre diet, increasing vitamin A intake may also reduce the risk of developing duodenal ulcers. Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, kale, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, cantaloupe, and mango are excellent sources of vitamin A.
It is also worth mentioning that certain foods can irritate ulcer sores and increase acid production. Fried foods, citrus fruits, and alcoholic beverages can aggravate stomach ulcers and irritate the lining of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can also increase acid production and exacerbate symptoms.
Probiotics, found in yoghurt and other fermented foods, can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and improve treatment effectiveness when paired with antibiotics. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces supplements have shown benefits in people with H. pylori ulcers.
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Bland, easily digestible foods are good for an ulcer diet
While there is no specific diet that a person with ulcers needs to follow, dietary changes can help lower your risk of an ulcer, relieve pain, and promote faster healing. An ulcer diet is an eating plan designed to relieve peptic ulcer symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent more ulcers from forming. It is recommended that bland, easily digestible foods make up the majority of what you eat on an ulcer diet.
It is also recommended to include high-fibre foods in your diet, as they can help reduce the risk of developing ulcer disease. Foods that are high in soluble fibre include oats, psyllium husk, legumes, flax seeds, barley, nuts, and certain fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, apples, and carrots. Broccoli, leafy greens, berries, oatmeal, high-fibre cereals, and whole-grain breads are also good sources of fibre.
In addition to a high-fibre diet, it is beneficial to consume foods that are rich in vitamin A, as they may help reduce the development of duodenal ulcers. Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, kale, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, cantaloupe, and mango are all good sources of vitamin A.
It is important to note that dietary changes alone may not be sufficient to heal an ulcer, and additional treatment from a healthcare provider may be required.
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Alcohol and coffee should be avoided or limited
While there is no specific diet that a person with ulcers needs to follow, certain foods and drinks can help limit symptoms and promote healing. Alcoholic beverages, for example, should be avoided as they can erode the protective mucosal lining along the gastrointestinal tract and lead to further inflammation and bleeding.
Alcohol can inflame and irritate the lining of the stomach, and excessive alcohol use is associated with experiencing symptoms of stomach ulcers. It is a common cause of stomach ulcers, with doctors recommending that individuals with ulcer disease limit or avoid alcohol consumption to minimize symptoms.
Coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, can also increase acid production and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with ulcer disease. Thus, it is recommended to limit or avoid coffee to minimize symptoms.
In addition to alcohol and coffee, individuals with ulcers should consider limiting or avoiding high-fat, salty, and sugary processed foods, as well as fried foods. These foods can be hard to digest and may aggravate stomach ulcers. Instead, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods is recommended, as it can help reduce the risk of developing ulcer disease.
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Probiotics and prebiotics are beneficial for gut health
While there is no specific diet that treats ulcers, certain foods may help fight the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, which is the leading cause of ulcer disease. A high-fibre diet, for instance, is recommended by medical professionals as it can decrease the risk of developing ulcer disease. Prebiotics, which are high-fibre foods, are an example of foods that can aid in gut health.
Prebiotics are foods that act as fuel for probiotics, allowing them to function effectively. They include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The good bacteria in the digestive tract, which are also called gut flora or gut microbiota, help protect the body from harmful bacteria and fungi. A varied composition of good bacteria in the gut can improve immune system functions, address obesity, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, some gut bacteria can form vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for the cells lining the colon.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are beneficial live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements that can deliver health benefits to the gut. Examples of probiotic foods include fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Probiotics can help support the composition of bacteria in the gut, increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria.
Probiotics and prebiotics work best in tandem, and consuming both can help balance the gut. However, individuals with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should refrain from consuming probiotics or prebiotics as they may worsen their symptoms.
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A diet rich in vitamin A may reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers
While there is no specific diet that a person with ulcers needs to follow, a diet rich in vitamin A may reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers. Ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and the leading cause of ulcer disease is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori can cause pain and increase the risk of ulcers and stomach cancer. It damages the protective mucosal barrier of the gastrointestinal tract, making it easier for acidic digestive fluids to injure and inflame the gut lining.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is more efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream when eaten with fat. It plays an essential role in eye and immune health and helps maintain vision, body growth, and reproductive health. A vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in developing countries and may also cause hair loss, skin problems, dry eyes, night blindness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
A prospective cohort study found that a diet rich in vitamin A might reduce the development of duodenal ulcers. This may be due to the protective effect of vitamin A on the mucosal barrier, as animal studies have shown that vitamin A increases mucus production in the gastrointestinal tract. Impaired mucosal defense can allow ulcers to develop, so vitamin A may help prevent this.
Foods rich in vitamin A include animal-sourced foods such as oily fish, liver, cheese, and butter, which are also high in fat. For plant-based sources of vitamin A, it is helpful to add a small amount of oil to the meal to improve absorption. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A include carrots, which contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.
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Frequently asked questions
Hunner's ulcers are painful ulcers that occur in the bladder of people with interstitial cystitis, a bladder disease. They are red patches or lesions on the bladder wall that can cause the tissue to stiffen and reduce bladder capacity. They can bleed, ooze pus, and vary in size.
There is no specific diet that people with Hunner's ulcers need to follow. However, modifying the diet to remove certain foods and drinks that trigger symptoms can provide relief. These include caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas), artificial sugars, and fruit juices. Incorporating certain foods like garlic, decaffeinated green tea, and licorice may also be beneficial.
Treatment options for Hunner's ulcers include pain medication, bladder instillations, and therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) and fulguration. The drug Elmiron can help prevent the formation of Hunner's ulcers by coating the bladder wall. Submucosal injection of triamcinolone has also been found to improve patient symptoms.
Hunner's ulcers are linked to interstitial cystitis and are caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection in most cases. Recent research also suggests a potential link to viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus.
