Q: I just discovered that I have stomach ulcer and have been having sleepless nights because of it. Will you please recommend what food I should eat and which food I should avoid eating.

A: Firstly, it's essential that you use the medication, as prescribed by your doctor. This is important to control pain and acid production and to aid healing. It will also help you to be able to eat more normally.

You should follow a healthy, balanced diet. It is not necessary to avoid any foods unless they cause you pain. People with ulcers are sensitive to different foods. So try and establish which foods cause or worsen your pain. It may help to change the amount you and way you eat

Here are some general eating guidelines for people with ulcers:

• Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere (ulcers are often linked to stress).

• Chew your food well.

• Have small, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. A small amount of food each time will mean less workload on the stomach and it therefore needs to secrete less acid for digestion.

• Avoid the intake of alcohol, especially strong types like spirits or liqueurs. If you have alcohol, have a small amount with food.

• Watch out for caffeine – if it causes discomfort, limit your intake of tea, coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks.

• The following may cause irritation and pain: strong tea, black pepper, paprika, mustard, chilli, very salty or strongly flavoured foods. Avoid these only if they cause or aggravate pain.

• Avoid the intake of very cold or very hot foods – this may cause pain and discomfort.

• Avoid overeating. Eating too much of any food will stimulate the stomach to secret more acids for digestion.

Other important points are:

• Avoid smoking – it irritates the stomach and intestinal lining.

• Avoid the use of large amounts of aspirin or other meds that may irritate your stomach or small intestine. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new medication.

I hope these guidelines are helpful and that your ulcer heals rapidly.