The Role of Diet in Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. It is a chronic disease, associated with the formation of a deep abscess in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, and manifested by pain of variable intensity located mostly below the sternum. The most common causes of the disease are infection with Helicobacter pylori and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although stress can also be an influencing factor. Gastric ulcers are caused by abnormal function of mucosal defense, which plays an important role in protecting the stomach from aggressive factors. Treatment of peptic ulcers requires the use of “triple therapy”. Patients are also advised to change their lifestyle, especially to eliminate smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and to follow a diet with reduced content of products that stimulate gastric acid secretion. Persisted adherence to these rules may notably alleviate symptoms of the disease and, combined with pharmacology, contribute also to a significant health improvement.