Dietary Concerns for Managing Mild Gastric Ulcers: What You Need to Know

Q: Dietary Concerns for Managing Mild Gastric Ulcers: What You Need to Know

Hello： 1. You can try drinking it; if you feel comfortable, then it's fine to continue. 2. High-fat and high-protein foods are harder to digest; if you experience discomfort after eating, it's best to avoid them. 3. After sterilization, it is not necessary to

Dietary Issues Related to Gastric Ulcers

Hello, doctor.
I previously went to the hospital for a gastroscopy due to loss of appetite and was found to have a mild gastric ulcer.
I am currently undergoing medication treatment.
I would like to ask:
1.
Is it okay to drink probiotics like Activia and Shupao, as well as cold beverages?
2.
Sometimes when I eat oily foods, such as scallion pancakes, I feel a bit uncomfortable.
Is this normal?
3.
During the initial examination, Helicobacter pylori was detected, and I have been on antibiotic treatment for two weeks.
However, my doctor told me that there is no need to confirm whether the Helicobacter pylori has been eradicated (he said it would definitely be cleared).
I also asked whether I need to have a follow-up gastroscopy, and my attending physician said it is unnecessary.
Is this approach too lenient? Would you recommend that I go to another hospital for a follow-up gastroscopy? (The initial gastroscopy was performed on April 23.) During the examination, the doctor did not take a biopsy.
When I asked if not taking a biopsy could mean the presence of a tumor or gastric cancer, the doctor assured me it was benign.
(I have the photos from the examination; please let me know if you would like to see them.)

Mr. Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/26

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
You can try drinking it; if you feel comfortable, then it's fine to continue.
2.
High-fat and high-protein foods are harder to digest; if you experience discomfort after eating, it's best to avoid them.
3.
After sterilization, it is not necessary to follow up with an endoscopy; breath tests or stool antigen tests for Helicobacter pylori can be performed instead.
4.
If there are still concerns, you can treat Helicobacter pylori and then take a proton pump inhibitor for three months before following up with an endoscopy.
If ulcers are still present, a biopsy is recommended.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/06/26

More Info

Managing mild gastric ulcers requires a comprehensive understanding of dietary concerns, medication adherence, and follow-up care. Based on your situation, let’s address your questions and provide some insights into managing your condition effectively.

1. Beverage Choices: Regarding your inquiry about consuming probiotic drinks like Yakult (活益比菲多) and sports drinks like Gatorade (舒跑), it's generally advisable to be cautious. Probiotic drinks can be beneficial for gut health, but they may also cause discomfort in some individuals, especially if consumed in excess or on an empty stomach. As for iced beverages, cold drinks can sometimes exacerbate gastric discomfort for some people. It’s best to monitor how your body reacts to these drinks and adjust accordingly. If you notice any discomfort after consuming them, it may be wise to limit or avoid them.

2. Fatty Foods: Experiencing discomfort after eating oily foods, such as scallion pancakes (蔥油餅), is not uncommon for individuals with gastric ulcers. Fatty foods can stimulate gastric acid production and may irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort or pain. It’s advisable to maintain a diet low in fat and avoid fried or greasy foods. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which can help promote healing and minimize irritation.

3. Helicobacter pylori Treatment and Follow-Up: You mentioned that you have been treated for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with antibiotics for two weeks. While it’s common for physicians to assess the need for follow-up testing after H. pylori treatment, the decision can vary based on individual circumstances. In many cases, if symptoms improve and there are no alarming signs (like weight loss, persistent vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding), doctors may not recommend immediate follow-up testing. However, if you have concerns about the thoroughness of your treatment or the potential for underlying issues, seeking a second opinion or discussing further testing with another healthcare provider can be beneficial.
Regarding the absence of a biopsy during your initial endoscopy, it’s understandable to have concerns about the possibility of malignancy. While many gastric ulcers are benign, the decision to perform a biopsy often depends on the physician's assessment of the ulcer's characteristics and the patient's overall risk factors. If you feel uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment plan, it is entirely reasonable to request further evaluation, including a follow-up endoscopy, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen.

In summary, managing mild gastric ulcers involves careful dietary choices, adherence to prescribed medications, and open communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns. If you experience ongoing discomfort or have questions about your treatment plan, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and ensuring that you feel comfortable with your treatment approach is essential for effective management of your condition.

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