Ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. They can cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding. Ulcers can be caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Some foods can help heal ulcers and keep them from coming back. However, food and drink do not cause ulcers or make them worse. Other foods can irritate your ulcers and make your symptoms worse. Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid if you have ulcer problems.
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the lining of the stomach They can cause symptoms like burning abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss I used to wonder – can eating shrimp help or worsen stomach ulcers? After all, shrimp is a common ingredient that many of us love to eat.
As someone who has suffered from stomach ulcers myself, I decided to dig into the research and uncover the truth about shrimp and ulcers. Here’s what I discovered in this article.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
Before looking at shrimp, let’s first understand what leads to stomach ulcer formation in the first place.
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H. Pylori infection – A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of ulcers. It damages the protective lining of the stomach and weakens the stomach’s defense against acid.
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Common pain relief medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining.
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Smoking and alcohol – These habits also irritate the stomach lining and make it prone to ulceration.
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Stress – High stress levels increase stomach acid production, which can damage the lining.
Do Shrimps Have Any Healing Properties?
Now, coming to our original question – can eating shrimp help heal stomach ulcers in any way or speed up their recovery?
After combing through multiple research papers and articles here are some of the key healing compounds found in shrimp
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Protein – Shrimp is a rich source of high quality protein. Protein helps with tissue repair and the healing of ulcer craters.
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Vitamin A – Shrimp contains decent amounts of vitamin A. It acts as an antioxidant and helps strengthen the stomach lining against corrosive acid.
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Vitamin E – This vitamin protects cell membranes and reduces inflammation – both of which help promote ulcer healing.
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Zinc – Shrimp provides zinc which boosts the immune system and promotes healing.
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Astaxanthin – This antioxidant is found naturally in shrimp. It reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in ulcers.
Potential Risks of Eating Shrimp With Ulcers
While shrimp has healing properties, eating it can also pose some risks for those with active ulcers. Here are the main drawbacks:
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High Sodium Content – Shrimp tends to be high in sodium, especially for processed or frozen shrimp. High sodium intake can stimulate acid secretion and gastric juice production. This can aggravate ulcers.
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Allergies – Some people may have seafood allergies and allergy-related inflammation in the gut. This can worsen ulcer symptoms.
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Cholesterol – Shrimp contains high cholesterol which may not be suitable for those with heart disease risk. High cholesterol intake can also stimulate more acid release.
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Food Sensitivities – Even if not allergic, some individuals may be sensitive to shrimp and experience indigestion or stomach irritation after eating it. This can exacerbate ulcers.
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Cooking Method – Frying shrimp in oil or adding heavy sauces can make it harder to digest. Go for boiled, baked or grilled shrimp instead.
So in moderation, shrimp can be beneficial. But those with severe active ulcers may want to avoid it until fully healed. Check with your doctor.
Guidelines For Eating Shrimp With an Ulcer: 7 Tips
If you have slight to moderate ulcer symptoms, here are some tips on how to include shrimp in your diet in an ulcer-friendly way:
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Limit portion size – Stick to 3-4 oz shrimp at a time, a few times per week. This provides benefits without overloading the stomach.
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Buy wild caught – It is lower in sodium, chemicals and cholesterol than farmed shrimp.
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Remove shells – Peel off shells to make it easier to digest. Shell particles can irritate the ulcer.
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Cook properly – Grill, steam, boil or bake it. Avoid frying or breading which make it heavy.
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Flavor lightly – Skip hot sauces or spicy seasonings. Stick to a squeeze of lemon or light herbs.
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Pair with vegetables – Eat shrimp with fiber-rich veggies like greens, carrots, beans etc. This reduces stomach irritation.
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Avoid other triggers – Don’t drink alcohol, smoke or take NSAIDs close to your shrimp meal, as they make ulcers worse.
The Verdict: How Much Shrimp is Safe For Ulcers?
So, after analyzing the pros and cons, what’s the final answer on shrimp and ulcers?
Here are my guidelines based on extensive research:
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If you have severe bleeding ulcers or are in the initial healing phase, it’s best to avoid shrimp and focus on bland foods until healed.
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If your ulcers are mild to moderate, shrimp in moderation can be beneficial thanks to its nutrients. Limit to 2-3 times per week.
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Listen to your body – if shrimp causes pain or makes your symptoms persistently worse, stop eating it and discuss with your doctor.
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When including shrimp, opt for small portions of boiled, grilled or baked shrimp. Avoid heavily breaded or fried versions.
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Combine shrimp with soluble fiber like oats, barley, flaxseeds etc to prevent stomach irritation.
The key is moderation. An occasional 3-4 oz serving of lightly cooked shrimp can be included as part of an ulcer healing diet. But speak to your gastroenterologist for personalized advice.
What to Eat
Make sure you get enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your food so that your body can heal and fight off infections. Some foods that are especially good for ulcer patients are:
- Fruits: Fruits are full of fiber and antioxidants that can help keep your stomach lining healthy and fix any damage it might have. Some of the best fruits for ulcers are berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates. This is because they contain polyphenols, which are chemicals that reduce swelling and kill bacteria. Polyphenols can also help kill H. pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of ulcers.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help your ulcer heal. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, carrots, and leafy greens are very good for you. These vegetables have sulforaphane in them, which is a chemical that can stop H pylori bacteria. As an added bonus, they have vitamin C, which can help your immune system and heal ulcers faster.
- Legumes: Legumes have a lot of plant-based protein, which helps build new cells and heal wounds. There are also prebiotics in legumes. These are types of fiber that feed the good bacteria in your gut and keep your digestive system in balance. Beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, and soybeans are all types of legumes.
- Lean meats: Skinless chicken and lean beef are examples of lean meats that provide animal-based protein, which is also important for healing ulcers. But you should stay away from fatty meats like bacon, sausage, and ham because they can make your stomach make more acid and hurt your ulcers.
- Another great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids is fish and seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation. Omega-3s can also help keep the lining of your stomach healthy and lower your risk of ulcer bleeding. Salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, shrimp, and oysters are all types of fish and seafood that are good for ulcers.
- Eggs: Eggs are a complete source of protein-they have all the amino acids your body needs to heal. Choline, a nutrient found in eggs, can help keep the nervous system in check and lower stress levels. Stress can make ulcers worse by making your stomach make more acid and lowering your immune system.
- Whole soy foods: Tofu and tempeh are examples of whole soy foods that are high in protein and can help people with ulcers. Isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens found in soy foods, can change hormone levels and lower inflammation in the body. Also, soy foods can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, which is good for your heart health.
- Fermented dairy products: Yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy products contain probiotics, which are live bacteria that can help your gut health and fight against H pylori infection. Plus, probiotics can help balance out your stomach acid and keep the lining of your stomach from getting hurt. Calcium, a mineral that can help make your bones and teeth stronger, is also found in fermented dairy foods.
- Healthy fats: Nuts, olive oil, and avocados are all healthy fats that can help keep the lining of your stomach from drying out and cracking. Healthy fats also give you energy and essential fatty acids that are good for your health and well-being as a whole. A lot of research has shown that olive oil can kill bacteria like H pylori bacteria and may help eradicate it from your stomach.
- Tea: Green tea is a drink that has polyphenols that can help your stomach fight off swelling and infections. Green tea also has chemicals in it called catechins that can stop the growth of H pylori bacteria and stop it from sticking to the lining of your stomach It’s also possible that green tea can lower the risk of stomach cancer, which is linked to chronic ulcer disease.
- Herbs and spices: Spices and herbs can make your food taste better and give you more options without making your ulcers worse. Turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and licorice are some herbs and spices that can help heal ulcers. Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help heal ulcers and keep them from coming back. Garlic has antibacterial effects against H. pylori bacteria and may help eliminate it from your stomach. When you have ulcers, you may feel sick and throw up. Ginger can help ease these symptoms. Cinnamon can help keep your blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, which is good for your metabolism. Licorice can help protect the lining of your stomach from acid damage.
What to Avoid
You should avoid foods and drinks that can worsen your ulcer symptoms or delay your healing process. Some foods and drinks that you should limit or avoid if you have ulcer problems are:
- Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the lining of your stomach and make your stomach make more acid, which can make your ulcers worse and cause bleeding. Also, alcohol can make it harder for your body to absorb the nutrients and medicines you need to treat an ulcer. Also, drinking alcohol can hurt your liver and weaken your immune system, which can make you more likely to get infections and have problems with ulcers.
- Coffee: Both regular and decaf coffee can make your stomach make more acid and pepsin, which are digestive enzymes that can hurt your stomach lining and make your ulcer symptoms worse. Also, coffee can slow down or speed up your digestive tract, which can lead to diarrhea or constipation. This can make it hard to go to the bathroom and hurt your gut health. Also, coffee can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which can put stress on your heart and slow the healing of your ulcer.
- Caffeinated drinks and foods: Chocolate, cola, energy drinks, and tea (but not green tea) are all caffeinated drinks and foods that can make your ulcer condition worse. They can make your stomach more acidic and hurt your ulcers. They can also have an effect on your nervous system and make you anxious, sleepless, or jittery, which can make your stress worse and slow the healing of your ulcer.
- Milk or cream: Milk or cream might seem like a good way to soothe ulcers, but they hurt them more. While milk or cream may temporarily neutralize some stomach acid, they also cause your stomach to make more acid, which can make your ulcers worse in the long run. Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar that is also found in milk and cream. This is especially true for people who have lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Lactose intolerance, also known as IBS, can lead to gas, cramps, diarrhea, or bloating, all of which can make ulcer symptoms worse and hurt gut health.
- Fatty meats: Bacon, sausage, and ham are all fatty meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. These fats can make the body more inflamed and slow the healing of ulcers. Also, fatty meats take longer to digest than lean meats. This means they stay in the stomach longer, exposing the lining of the stomach to more acid wear. Also, fatty meats have nitrates or nitrites in them, which are preservatives that may make people with chronic ulcer disease more likely to get stomach cancer.
- Fried or high-fat foods: French fries, chips, pizza, pastries, and other fried or high-fat foods are hard to digest and slow down gastric emptying. This means they keep food in the stomach longer and make more acid come out. Eating fried or high-fat foods can also make you gain weight and become obese. This puts pressure on your stomach and raises your risk of acid reflux into your esophagus (GERD). GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn, chest pain, or trouble swallowing. Over time, GERD can hurt the lining of the esophagus and lead to ulcers or cancer.
- Heavily spiced foods: Foods with a lot of spice, like chili peppers, curry, or salsa, can make your ulcers worse by making your body release histamine, a chemical that makes inflammation happen. It is possible for histamine to make stomach nerve endings more sensitive to pain and discomfort. Acid reflux, or GERD, can also be caused by foods that are very spicy. This can damage the lining of the esophagus as well.
- Eat foods that are high in salt. Eating foods like salted nuts, pickles, or canned foods can make your body hold more sodium, which can change your blood pressure and fluid balance. High blood pressure can put stress on your heart and slow the healing of your ulcers. Keeping too much water in your body can make your stomach swell and bloat, which can make ulcer symptoms worse and raise your risk of acid reflux, or GERD. Also, salty foods can make you thirsty and dehydrate you, which can make you drink more water, which can make your ulcers worse.
- Citrus fruits and juices: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are just a few of the citrus fruits and juices that are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help your immune system fight off infections and make you healthier. But citrus fruits and juices are also acidic, and they can make your ulcers worse by making your stomach more acidic. Also, citrus fruits and juices can cause acid reflux, or GERD. GERD can hurt the lining of the esophagus and lead to ulcers or cancer in the esophagus over time. If you have ulcers, you should limit or stay away from citrus fruits and juices. Instead, eat more vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, strawberries, or kiwis.
- Tomatoes and tomato products: Tomatoes and tomato products like tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato juice are also acidic. They can make your ulcers worse by making your stomach more acidic. Tomatoes and tomato-based foods can also cause acid reflux, or GERD. GERD can hurt the lining of the esophagus and lead to ulcers or cancer in the esophagus over time. If you have ulcers, you should limit or stay away from tomatoes and tomato products. Instead, eat watermelon, papaya, guava, or other fruits that are high in lycopene. Lycopene is a type of carotene that may help protect against stomach cancer because it is an antioxidant.
- Chocolate: Many people enjoy chocolate as a treat, but it might not be the best choice for people who have ulcers. Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate are stimulants that can make your stomach acid and pepsin production go up. These are digestive enzymes that can hurt your stomach lining and make your ulcer symptoms worse. Chocolate also has fat and sugar in it, which can make digestion take longer and raise the pressure in the stomach. Also, chocolate can mess with your nervous system and make you feel anxious, have mood swings, or have trouble sleeping. This can make your stress levels rise and slow the healing of your ulcer.