Raw Vegetables & Fruits With Stomach Ulcers

Bland used to be the diet of choice for people with stomach ulcers, which meant no raw fruits or vegetables. But bland diets weren't an effective mode of treatment, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. In fact, filling your diet with raw fruits and vegetables may be beneficial for people with stomach ulcers. Consult your doctor before making changes to your diet for your stomach ulcer.

A stomach ulcer, sometimes called a peptic or gastric ulcer, is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. While lifestyle, including diet choices, and acids in the stomach can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Nutrients in raw fruits and vegetables may help prevent stomach ulcers or inhibit the growth of the bacteria.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you eat a diet high in fiber -- found in most fruits and veggies -- to prevent stomach ulcers and help with the healing process. Good choices you can enjoy raw include raspberries, pears, strawberries, apples, broccoli, spinach, zucchini and jicama. Most American diets don't include enough fiber, according to Today's Dietitian. Aiming for the recommended amounts of fiber a day, 30 grams to 38 grams for men and 21 grams to 25 grams for women, is a good place to start to up your daily fiber intake.

Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits and vegetables that may have health benefits. The flavonoids in these foods may also help inhibit the growth of H. pylori, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Raw fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids includes apples, berries, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, celery, onions and kale.

There is no special diet for people with stomach ulcers; however, you may find that certain foods aggravate ulcers. Common irritants include coffee and carbonated beverages, which may increase stomach acid production. Some people also find spicy foods difficult to tolerate with their stomach ulcer. Keep track of what you eat and how it makes you feel to identify foods that cause problems for you.