LiveWell Multi Specialists Hospital

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21/10/2025

*Which kind of pepper should a Peptic ulcer patient use to cook stew and soup:*

Pepper choice can make a big difference for an elderly person with chronic peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Many people worsen their ulcer symptoms unknowingly by using the wrong type or too much pepper in their meals.

*Let’s break it down carefully 👇*

*🌶️ Understanding “Pepper” and Ulcer Sensitivity:*

In Nigerian cooking, “pepper” can refer to several types:

Atarodo / Scotch bonnet (fresh hot pepper)

Sombo / chili pepper (dried red pepper)

Tatashe / red bell pepper (mild)

Green bell pepper (sweet pepper)

*👉 Only tatashe and sweet bell peppers are gentle enough for ulcer patients.*
The others — especially atarodo and sombo — contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates gastric acid and irritates the ulcer..

,*🍲 How to Cook Stew or Soup for an Ulcer Patient (Gently):*

🔹 Ingredients:

Tatashe (red bell pepper) — main base

Small amount of onions (boiled, not fried)

Small piece of tomato (optional, very small and well cooked)

Boiled fish or skinless chicken

A little vegetable oil (preferably olive or groundnut oil)

Seasoning cubes (use sparingly or switch to natural spices like thyme or basil)

*No atarodo, no shombo, no curry powder (too acidic sometimes)*

*🔹 Method:*

1. Blend tatashe + green pepper + little onion + little tomato (optional).

2. Boil the blended mix to remove water.

3. Add a small spoon of oil, then add fish/chicken and mild seasoning.

4. Cook gently — no frying, just simmer until soft.

This stew will have flavor, color, and nutrients without causing acid burn.

*🩺 Bonus Tips for Elderly Ulcer Patients:*

Avoid fried stew — instead, boil or steam it.

Avoid too much salt and MSG (they irritate gastric lining).

Add mild herbs like thyme, scent leaf, or parsley for taste.

Eat stew or soup with soft rice, oats, pap, or well-cooked yam.

Always eat small portions, and never on an empty stomach.

21/10/2025

*List made specifically for patients with chronic peptic ulcer disease (PUD), using common Nigerian foods:*

This list separates foods that irritate the ulcer from those that promote healing and comfort.

*🚫 10 Nigerian Foods to AVOID in Peptic Ulcer Disease:*

These foods increase acid, cause irritation, or delay healing.

*❌ Food ⚠️ Reason to Avoid:*

1. Tomato stew / paste Highly acidic, increases pain and reflux
2. Pepper (ata rodo, dry pepper, etc.) Strong gastric irritant — worsens burning and ulcer bleeding
3. Fried foods (puff-puff, akara, dodo, fried yam) Fat delays gastric emptying, increases acid exposure
4. Coffee, kola nut, energy drinks Contain caffeine — stimulate acid secretion
5. Alcohol (gin, beer, palm wine) Directly damages stomach lining, delays healing
6. Carbonated drinks (Coke, Pepsi, Fanta, malt) Gas + acid = bloating and reflux
7. Citrus fruits (orange, pineapple, lemon, lime) Very acidic — worsen ulcer pain
8. Onions & garlic (especially raw) Irritate gastric mucosa in ulcer patients
9. Suya, spicy pepper soup, indomie with pepper Spice + oil combo triggers pain and indigestion
10. Unripe plantain (raw) Though nutritious, unripe plantain can be too hard and fibrous, causing irritation unless cooked well

*✅ 10 Nigerian Foods That HELP Ulcer Healing:*
These foods are soft, mild, and contain nutrients that protect and repair the stomach lining.

*✅ Food 💪 Benefit:*

1. Ripe banana & pawpaw (papaya) Coat stomach lining, rich in healing enzymes and antioxidants
2. Oatmeal or pap (akamu) Soothes stomach, easy to digest, buffers acid
3. Boiled rice / soft white yam Gentle, provides energy without irritation
4. Boiled egg / fish / chicken (not fried) High-quality protein for tissue repair
5. Sweet potato (boiled or mashed) Rich in vitamin A — promotes mucosal healing
6. Garden egg leaf (boiled or blended in soup) Alkaline vegetable, supports digestion
7. Unripe plantain (well-cooked porridge) Contains flavonoids that protect gastric mucosa when cooked thoroughly
8. Milk (low-fat or lactose-free) Soothes temporarily and supplies protein & calcium
9. Honey (natural, 1–2 tsp daily) Has mild antibacterial and healing properties
10. Whey protein isolate or soy milk Boosts immunity and repair without irritating stomach

*🥣 Sample Simple Ulcer-Friendly Meal Ideas (Nigerian):*

Meal Time Example

Breakfast :
Pap (akamu) + milk or boiled egg + ripe banana

Mid-morning:
Oat drink or warm water + honey

Lunch:
Soft rice + boiled fish + boiled vegetables

Evening:
Sweet potato porridge (without pepper) + ripe pawpaw

Before bed:
Warm milk or soy milk (½ cup)

*⚕️ Extra Tips:*

Eat small, frequent meals (every 3–4 hours).

Never skip meals — empty stomach worsens ulcer pain.

Drink water regularly, but avoid too much at once during meals.

Avoid lying down immediately after eating (wait at least 1 hour).

Take medications as prescribed (especially proton pump inhibitors).

21/10/2025

Livewell

21/10/2025

Livewell Multi Specialists Hospital