Fight ulcers with these diet suggestions

Although ulcers are caused by bacteria, preventing them is often about finding a diet that avoids extreme elevations in gastric acid secretion and irritation of the gastrointestinal lining. We'll give you some diet pointers.

• Triggers vary from person to person, but common offenders are coffee (including decaf), caffeine (in beverages and chocolate), alcohol, peppermint, tomatoes, and tomato-based products.
• Peppermint and chocolate can also interfere with the closing of the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach, allowing acidic juices to "reflux" up the esophagus. This can cause heartburn.
• Fatty foods can slow down stomach emptying and stimulate acid release. Milk and dairy products temporarily relieve pain, but can cause a rebound increase in acid secretion.
• If you find that they cause problems, limit or avoid foods and seasonings that stimulate gastric acid secretion such as black pepper, garlic, cloves, and chili powder.
• For some, citrus juices can also cause discomfort.

• Bleeding from untreated ulcers can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. People with anemia should eat iron-rich foods like lean meat, poultry, enriched or fortified breads and cereals, dried fruit, dried beans, and other legumes.

• When and how you eat may be more important than what you eat.
• Doctors no longer ­recommend frequent small meals as they can provoke rebound symptoms. Rather, they suggest several moderate-size meals spaced at ­regular intervals.
•  It's wise to avoid eating large quantities of food at one time.
• Avoid late-evening snacks, as they stimulate acid secretion while you sleep.

Ulcers can be crippling and painful. Use these tips to fight ulcers if you're suffering, or to try and prevent them from happening in the first place.