In case of stomach ulcers, the diet should be treated especially carefully - after all, difficult-to-digest food or foods that stimulate the production of gastric juice can lead to a sharp deterioration in well-being. The list of foods prohibited for gastritis and ulcers is quite extensive. Does chocolate belong to them?
Is it possible to eat chocolate with exacerbations of an ulcer
In the acute course of the disease, chocolate of all kinds is strictly prohibited - just like most other sweets. The fact is that the sugar contained in their composition greatly enhances the peristalsis of the stomach, which can cause heartburn, vomiting and nausea. In addition, chocolate is difficult for the body to assimilate - and this stimulates secretion. The result is abdominal pain, irritation of the already damaged stomach mucous membranes, which can cause the appearance of new ulcers and greatly aggravate the disease.
Thus, during periods of exacerbation of stomach ulcers, you should not even think about chocolate - gastroenterologists and nutritionists are unanimous on this score. The same can be said for cocoa (including a drink brewed without sugar). In order to enjoy products containing cocoa beans, you will have to wait for remission - outside the acute phase they can be consumed, however, subject to a number of conditions.
How much and what kind of chocolate is possible in remission of stomach ulcers
During the period of remission, dietary requirements are much milder. And in this case, chocolate can be added to the diet, having previously consulted with your doctor. As a rule, without exacerbation of an ulcer, it is resolved, but subject to a number of conditions:
- small amounts (for healthy people the recommended maximum is 50 grams per day, for people with gastrointestinal diseases it is better to limit yourself to 20-30 grams);
- only dark or bitter chocolate (cocoa content - from 55% and above, it contains a minimum of sugar and additional fats and is considered the most useful);
- Free of fillings, flavors and fillers (nuts, raisins, candied fruit, biscuits, puffed rice, etc.).
At the same time, delicate milk chocolate, containing a large amount of sugar and milk fats, remains prohibited, and white chocolate is also not recommended to be introduced into the diet. Cocoa during the period of remission can also be consumed from time to time, however, it is better to give preference to a drink that is self-brewed from cocoa powder with minimal added sugar, rather than powdered or granular instant products.
Note that the chocolate permit applies only to the “pure” treat - various types of chocolates, bars and other chocolate-containing sweets remain outside the diet. And not only because of the large amount of sugar. Indeed, the composition of chocolates with a filling usually includes thickeners, preservatives, flavors and other additives that are not the most useful for ulcers. Therefore, in the presence of problems with the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to give preference to natural fruit and berry delicacies (such as marmalade, marshmallow or marshmallow), homemade compotes and jelly - such desserts are considered more preferable for ulcers. And replace sugar with honey, which is not only allowed, but also recommended.
