Is Rice Good For Ulcer Patient

It seems ulcer patient will have to avoid or reduce their intake of many types of food including rice. Rice is a common food in Nigeria. Typically boiled or steamed with other ingredients.

Rice

Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa or less commonly Oryza glaberrima. There are many types of rice, but broadly speaking they are categorized by their shape (long or short grain) and color – white or brown. White rice has had the fiber-rich outer bran of the grain removed along-with the nutrient-rich germ.

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As a result, it has a longer shelf life, is quick to cook but has a bland, neutral flavor; nutritionally it has less fiber and protein than the whole grain equivalent. Brown rice, on the other hand, contains both the bran and germ, making it nutrient- and fiber-rich and retains a nutty flavor.

Nutritional Value Of Rice

A 100g serving of white rice (boiled) provides:

131 kcal/560 KJ

2.8g protein

0.4g fat

31.1g carbohydrate

0.5g fiber

A 100g serving of brown rice (boiled) provides:

132Kcal/562 KJ

3.6g protein

0.9g fat

29.2g carbohydrate

1.5g fiber

48mg magnesium

125mg phosphorus

Stomach ulcer is a side on the lining of the stomach or intestine. It is caused by bacteria or misuse of analgesics. Some foods make the ulcer worse.

Is White Rice Good For Ulcer

It is believed that white rice is safe for ulcer patients. Because white rice is easily digested, low in fiber and when cooked is thought to unlikely cause gastric upset. Recent research in India shows otherwise.

Most people eating rice don't chew it properly. They quickly chew and swallow or gulp in. This reduces the mixture of mouth saliva with the rice. Gulping decreases the secretion of saliva, a well known protective factor. Saliva buffers the meals. Less salivation protects the mucosa less from ulceration.

Harsh eating through its emotional effect may enhance acid secretion and/or may accelerate gastric emptying, thus exposing duodenum to more acid meals.

The process of processing white rice has also been faulted. There is a high incidence of ulcer in countries where white rice consumption is high. It is linked to the presence of ketoaldehyde. This compound is found in white rice through the process of removing the outer bran. 

Thus stored white rice has two effects leading to a higher risk of duodenal ulceration, the absence of protective lipids and the presence of ulcerogenic ketoaldehyde.

Is Brown Rice Good For Ulcer

Brown rice is the protection that it may give against duodenal ulceration. But there is a need for caution. The protein and fiber content of brown rice is very high. Protein and fiber content delay gastric emptying time. This prolong duration of release of gastric acid. This makes ulcer pain worse.

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My Take

Different theories and research offer different views and opinions. If you search the web today, you will see conflicting information including conflicting literature reviews.

Both research u read did not show that eating rice can cause or make ulcers worse. One only shows that improper eating of white rice can make the ulcer worse. Rice is safe in ulcer patients. It may be a useful inclusion for those who suffer from heartburn or nausea as well as during the flare-ups associated with conditions like diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease. So chew your rice properly.

If you are eating brown rice, do it in moderation. If you go for white rice, please chew it properly. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, brown rice may offer more ulcer protection due to the presence of coating.