These constitute disorders of acid production in the stomach which result in digestive abnormalities. A natural healing diet provides the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, mineral and water. A change in life style also helps to reduce the risk of acid peptic disorders.
Literally speaking acid peptic pertains to:
Acid: – A substance which when dissolved in a solvent releases hydrogen ions (H+). In this particular case we are talking about hydrochloric acid, which is produced, in our stomach.
Peptic: – That which promotes or helps in digestion.
Collectively they constitute disorders of acid production in the stomach, which result in digestive abnormalities.
Risk factors
- Genetic factors – Individuals are more likely to develop peptic ulcers that have a family history of members suffering from peptic ulcers.
- Increasing age – Duodenal ulcers: More common between ages 30-50 years old. ‘Gastric ulcer: More common in people over age 60 years old
- Use of aspirin or NSAIDs
- Alcohol abuse
- Living in crowded, unsanitary conditions (Helicobacter infection)
- Immune abnormalities
- Lifestyle factors
- Negative emotions – Anger, depression, etc.
- Improper diet –
Viruddha ahara, Dooshita ahara, Vidahi ahara, Pitta prakopaka pana anna (madhya, masha amla takra), Ati bhojana, Varshakaalina jala (Prakupita pitta) - Highly acidic diet (80% of the diet should be alkaline (fruits and vegetables)
- Increased intake of acidic foods such as non-veg, spices, refined carbohydrates etc. make the food acidic. Intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, soft drinks also increases acidic condition in the stomach.
- Improper pattern of food
- Skipping breakfast
- Eat the ready-to-eat type of foods or fast foods that have hardly any nutrition
- Eating without concentration on food
- Improper Food combinations – Vegetables should not be combined with fruits, and fruits shouldn’t be combined with a protein meal (Because Proteins require acidic medium, whereas fruits are alkaline)
Dietary Management in Acid Peptic Disorders
- To provide adequate nutrition
- To afford rest to stomach.
- To maintain continuous neutralization of gastric acid
- To minimize acid secretions
In short Diet and eating pattern should be as follows: (Non Irritating to the gastro-intestinal mucosa.) Mechanically, Chemically, Thermally.
Proteins
Protein intake is recommended, as essential amino acids are needed for tissue protein synthesis. Proteins promote healing and have good buffering action. Meat proteins are to be avoided as they have a stimulating effect. Milk protein has a good buffering action, but the high calcium content of milk stimulates excess acid production. Green gram is the best protein that can be taken as cooked dal or soup. Moong sprouts are alkaline and are best advised to include in diet.
Fats
Fats delay the emptying of stomach. Hence an increased intake is beneficial. Fat intake should be moderately increased in the age group of 30-40, as this age group is more prone to atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels).
Ghee have an alkalinizing short chain fats known as butyrates and caprylates, which promote healthy bacterial growth in the intestines
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are included to meet the energy needs. In Hyperacidity Amylase action required for the carbohydrate digestion is destroyed by acidic medium. Hence there is delayed carbohydrate digestion. In acute conditions, starch should be reduced than daily intake. Among Cereals – Yava, Wheat and Old Rice are advised.
Vitamins
Requirements of nearly all vitamins remain normal. Vitamin C should be provided for the healing of ulcers and better iron absorption
Vegetables
Among Vegetables Bottle Gourd, Snake Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Ash Gourd, Ridge Gourd should be taken. Almost all vegetables are alkaline in nature.
Fruits
Apple, Papaya, Pomegranate and Banana are advised. All fruits are alkaline forming. Even Citrus fruits, which are thought to be acidic, get converted into bicarbonates (alkaline). Banana neutralizes the secretion of juices. Foods containing flavonoids, like apples and onions may inhibit the growth of H. pylon. Guda and Vriidha Kushmanda is best recommended in acid peptic disorders.
Fluids
Boiled and Cooked water
Old jaggery and Cow’s milk.
Goat’s milk heals peptic ulcers
Foods to avoid that may cause distress (Apathya)
Acid forming diet
All meat (beef, pork, lamb, chicken) and fish
Legumes (Except sprouts)
Nuts: walnuts, cashews, peanuts and dried coconut
Fresh coconut is alkaline producing
Most forms of sweeteners
Refine table salt, Ketchup, Popcorn, Tobacco
Breads & Grains
Very coarse cereals such as bran
Bread or bread products with nuts or dried fruit
Breads and cereals prepared with high-fat ingredients such as biscuits
Milk & Dairy
Whole milk and chocolate milk
Evaporated whole milk and cream
Strong flavored cheeses
Fats & Snacks Gravies, cream soups
High-fat snacks such as chips, fried potatoes and buttered popcorn
Cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, and doughnuts
Coconut, chocolate, or creamed candy
All sweets and desserts containing nuts, coconut not allowed
Others.
Carbonated beverages, coffee (regular or decaffeinated)
Strongly flavored seasonings and condiments
Garlic, chili sauce, chili pepper, black pepper, chili powder and other highly spiced foods
Pickles
Caffeine-containing beverages
(Coffee, tea, colas, orange soda)
Alcoholic beverages
Diet Menu
Diets for different Stages :-
Stage I Diet – during the active phase which is characterized by severe pain and heartburn
Stage II Diet – relief from symptoms, but the ulcers are not completely healed.
Stage III Diet – is what the patient has to follow throughout his life as a prophylactic measure.
Stage I & II
Early morning
1 cup Milk + 1 tsp ghee + Jaggery
Breakfast
Sprouts
Sweet fruits
Mid morning
Banana/Kushmanda (Ash guard)/ Dadiima (Pomegranate) / Papaya
Lunch & Dinner
Kichadi
Mudga Yusha (Green gram soup)
Spinach soup/carrot juice/cucumber juice/ Karavellaka (Bitter guard)/ Patola (Snake Guard) etc.
Evenings
Fruit salads/juices
Stage III
All foods in stage I & II
Well cooked cereal preparation
Raw fruits & vegetables depending upon tolerance
Yoga
Yoga works along four principal mechanisms. First is that of intra-organ massage, improving blood flow and allowing better healing; second is by better glandular secretion of mucus; third is acid reduction by specific poses; and the last, and most important, control of the mind and senses.
Some of the recommended Asanas are Vajrasana, Yoga mudra, Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana, Surya Namaskara, Shavasana.
Conclusion
Diet mentioned as above provides excellent remedies in acid peptic disorders. SMART people eat smart and live longer. A healthy diet provides the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water to keep the body running and to reduce the risk of acid peptic disorders.
