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Staying peptic ulcer free with our diet
Crab intake helps prevent Peptic ulcer disease
Peptic ulcer disease, commonly known as simply Ulcer, is a sore in the lining of the wall of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer), the first part of the small intestine. Many still believe peptic ulcer is caused by stress or spicy foods, but the real culprit is usually a bacterial called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori).
The stomach and small intestine are protected from acidic digestive juices by a special lining. In people infected with H. pylori, the bacteria weakens this protective lining and allow digestive juices to eat into the stomach or small intestine, creating a painful ulcer. The good news is these ulcers can be treated with antibiotics and, in most cases, cured.
Peptic ulcers can also result from the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, because they block enzymes that help protect the lining of the gut. NSAIDs quadruple one’s risk of getting an ulcer, especially a stomach ulcer.
Management of peptic ulcer is mainly medical. But diet plays a very important role which cannot be over looked.
Foods to include
• Alicin rich foods such as; garlic, onions, leaks, and shallots.
• Glutamine rich foods such as; cabbage and crab.
• Pro anthocyanins rich foods such as; grapes, cranberries, and blueberries.
• Sulforaphane rich foods such as; broccoli, and broccoli sprouts.
Foods to avoid
• Caffeine rich foods, such as; tea, coffee, energy drinks, chocolates.
• Sodas and Fizzy drinks
• Fried and fatty foods
• Hot pepper and other spicy foods
• Tomatoes and tomato products.
• Lemons and other citrus fruits
Lifestyle modification
• Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.
• Eat in bits and at increased frequencies, and avoid eating right before bed.
• Appropriate management of stress.
• Regular exercise and adequate hydration.
• Avoid NSAIDs where possible.
• Follow an adequate sleep schedule
In conclusion, Peptic ulcer disease, however common it is, is very painful and disabling. Thankfully, we know very well how to manage and control it. By following the dietary and lifestyle modifications listed above, we can be sure to live an ulcer free life.
The writer, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult.
“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”
E-mail: holistichealthconsultgh@gmail.com
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
