Is Peanut Butter Good For Stomach Ulcers(Quick Guide)

Peanut butter is a very popular spread and on the other hand stomach ulcers are also one of the most common health disorders. So, is peanut butter good for stomach ulcers?

Nutrient-dense peanut butter is good for stomach ulcers. However, in very rare cases surplus intake of peanut butter can cause or trigger stomach ulcers.

Is Peanut Butter Good For Stomach Ulcers?

Excess intake of high fat keto diet promotes stomach ulcers, in some cases. As peanut butter is also a high fat keto nut butter and some people get constipated after eating peanut butter, often people think that peanut butter may not be good for stomach ulcers.

However, peanut butter is not bad for stomach ulcers. A controlled intake of peanut butter is good for stomach ulcers as there is no proven side-effect of peanut butter on stomach ulcers.

Moreover, peanut butter is a rich source of both omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. Both of these have proven benefits over gastrointestinal functions.

H. pylori infection is the major cause of stomach ulcers. According to studies, both omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics have beneficial effects on reducing the risk of H. pylori infection.

Studies have shown that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases (1).

Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids can maintain a healthy stomach even after chronic H. pylori infection.

On the other hand, pure nut butter like peanut butter is a food rich in prebiotic fiber and polyphenols. Both food components have been shown to have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota (2).

Moreover, vitamin C consumption causes acidity or heartburn (3). Acidity is well known for worsening stomach ulcer symptoms. As peanut butter is free from vitamin C, it helps to relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers.

Considering the above-mentioned facts, we can say that peanut butter is good for stomach ulcers.

Can You Eat Peanut Butter With Stomach Ulcers?

Yes, you can eat peanut butter with stomach ulcers. Peanut butter is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, both of which aid in the risk reduction of stomach ulcers.

Moreover, peanut butter is free from vitamin C. It is another added benefit, as vitamin C rich foods have a tendency to cause heartburn which worsens the stomach ulcer symptoms.

How Much Peanut Butter Is Safe to Eat?

Peanut butter is full of all three types of fatty acids i.e polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. A 100 gram serving of peanut butter contains (4)

• Monounsaturated fatty acids: 25.4 g
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 12.3 g
• Saturated fatty acids: 10.1 g

Among these three types of fatty acids polyunsaturated fatty acid does not provide any negative effects or stomach troubles.

However, the other two kinds of fatty acids i.e monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids may negatively affect the gut microbiota and can promote an unhealthy metabolic state (5).

That’s why a controlled intake of peanut butter can reduce the intake level of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. As a result, you can reduce the risk of gut problems.

Considering the facts, it is perfect to eat one tablespoon of peanut butter to avoid stomach-related problems.

Can Peanut Butter Cause Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are also known as gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are one kind of peptic ulcer. The main causes of peptic ulcers are (6)

• H. pylori infection
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs overdose

However, in certain circumstances, obesity is also another cause of stomach ulcers. Studies have shown that excessive intake of high fat foods promotes obesity (7).

As peanut butter is high in fat a surplus intake of this spread can cause obesity. Because of this excessive-high intake of peanut butter is indirectly related to stomach ulcers through obesity.

However, a normal intake of peanut butter does not have any harmful effects on stomach ulcers.

Is Peanut Butter Good For Gastritis?

Gastritis is a series of disorders that cause inflammation in stomach linings. The major cause of gastritis is Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

However, acid reflux is also a cause of gastritis in some cases (8). High consumption of ascorbic acid or vitamin C is related to acid reflux.

As vegan nut butter like peanut butter does not contain vitamin C there is little chance of gastritis after consumption of peanut butter. However, there is another factor in peanut butter that may cause gastritis.

Studies have shown that obesity or high BMI is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease in women. A moderate weight gain can cause or trigger the symptoms of reflux (9).

The high saturated fat density of peanut butter can cause obesity during excess intake. That’s why although a normal intake of peanut butter is good for gastritis, the excess intake may do the opposite.

Precautions To Prevent Peanut Butter Stomach Ulcers

Although there is a rare chance of occurrence of ulcers from peanut butter consumption, you should follow some rules to avoid any such circumstances.

The following rules will help you to prevent stomach ulcers upon consumption of peanut butter. However, the majority of these rules are general rules which do not relate to peanut butter.

• Reduce your daily calorie intake to 2500 calories max.
• Restrict alcohol consumption, and if possible avoid alcohol completely
• Drink boiled or filtered water to avoid bacteria infection
• Consume more high fiber and low carb foods
• Use clean dishes
• Restrict your daily saturated fat intake to 10 grams max
• Reduce your intake of fruit juices for weight gain
• Add more high fiber fruits for weight loss in your dishes
• Consume a lot of the best low carb vegetables for healthy weight control
• Use small meals instead of large meals
• Do some fat-burning exercises to avoid obesity
• Replace peanut butter with other natural laxatives

Is There Any Alternative to Peanut Butter For Stomach Ulcers?

Peanut butter is a healthy vegan butter, it often replaces margarine on keto. People with stomach ulcers tend to eat nutrient-dense peanut butter instead of margarine.

However, some people have a nut allergy. As peanut butter is nut butter it may cause trouble for these types of people. In that case, they can go for peanut butter substitutes.

The most efficient substitute for peanut butter is almond butter. Almond butter is more nutrient-dense compared to peanut butter.

In fact, almond butter is healthier than peanut butter. The low saturated fat component of almond butter is beneficial for the prevention of stomach ulcers.

Moreover, almond butter is free from vitamin C. The zero density of highly acidic vitamin C or ascorbic acid reduces the risk of occurrence of stomach or peptic ulcers.

Not only that, but the high fiber component of almond butter helps to relieve constipation also. You can go for the following alternatives for peanut butter:

• Chia butter
• Soy butter
• Sunflower butter
• Coconut butter

However, the high saturated fat component of coconut butter promotes constipation, it’s better to avoid it. Instead, you can go for the other alternatives if you are suffering from a stomach ulcer.

Final Thoughts About Peanut Butter And Occurance of Ulcers

Peanut butter is highly nutritious nut butter. This vegan butter is widely used throughout the world. However, some people get constipated on peanut butter consumption.

Due to this, a few believe that peanut butter may cause stomach ulcers. Although, peanut butter does not cause stomach ulcers normally as stomach or peptic ulcer is caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.

However, there is a thin chance of peanut butter related ulcers. As obesity is an indirect cause of stomach ulcers, the high saturated fat nutrient of peanut butter may cause peptic ulcers in some rare cases.

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