Question

Most suitable diet for an individual suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcer is:

• A. Full liquid diet
• B. Bland diet
• C. Mechanically soft diet
• D. Normal diet

Hint:

In the past, patients with ulcers were advised to drink large amounts of milk. Today, this is discouraged because while milk temporarily coats and soothes the stomach, its calcium and protein content triggers a "rebound effect," stimulating the stomach to produce even more acid shortly after.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease:
Gastric and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers) are painful sores that develop on the protective mucosal lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). They are caused primarily by H. pylori infections or long-term use of NSAID medications, which allow digestive acids to erode the tissue.

Step 2: Evaluating Diet Requirements:
The primary objective of nutritional therapy for peptic ulcers is to minimize gastric acid secretion, avoid irritating the inflamed mucosal lining, and promote tissue healing.

• Normal diet (D): May contain spicy, acidic, or fibrous foods that irritate the ulcer.
• Full liquid diet (A): Liquid diets do not provide adequate solid nutrition for long-term healing and are unnecessary unless the patient has a severe mechanical obstruction.
• Bland diet (B): Consists of soft, low-fiber, non-spicy, and low-acid foods that are easy to digest. It excludes major gastric irritants like caffeine, alcohol, black pepper, chili powder, and highly acidic citrus fruits, making it the most suitable diet for ulcer healing.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Therefore, a bland diet is the ideal choice, corresponding to option (B).