•HUNGARY Based Dr. FELICITA AUGUSTINE OGBU

In a time where health consciousness is on the rise and many Nigerians are turning to natural foods to improve wellness, medical experts continue to caution that “natural” doesn’t always mean “harmless” – especially for patients with chronic medical conditions like ulcers.

Peptic ulcers – a widespread condition that affects millions globally – are particularly common in Nigeria due to poor dietary habits, untreated infections, and over-the-counter abuse of painkillers. Yet, few ulcer patients understand how even healthy foods can quietly become harmful triggers. One of those foods, according to Dr. Felicita Augustine Ogbu, is the beloved carrot.

Dr. Ogbu, a general medicine practitioner, based in Hungary, in a phone conversation with City People sheded light on the not-so-known effects of carrots on ulcer patients. In what many may consider surprising, she strongly advised that people battling peptic or gastric ulcers should stay away from both raw and poorly cooked carrots.

Dr. Ogbu explained that carrots, while often promoted as a superfood due to their high vitamin A content, antioxidant properties, and fiber levels, are not suitable for everyone. “In my clinical practice,” she said, “I’ve had ulcer patients who suffered severe relapses after including carrots in their meals—especially raw carrot snacks or carrot juices.”

She explained further: “Carrots are naturally fibrous and have a rough texture. This makes them difficult to digest for someone with open sores in their stomach lining. When such fibrous foods pass through the gastrointestinal tract, they can cause mechanical irritation to the ulcerated tissue. The result is increased pain, a burning sensation, and in some cases, bleeding,” she said.

According to Dr. Ogbu, the misconception around carrots being universally healthy comes from general dietary advice that doesn’t always account for individual medical conditions. “It’s a good food,” she reiterated. “But a good food can become a bad choice when it’s introduced to the wrong health condition.”

Beyond the fiber, carrots also contain natural sugars and mild acids that can contribute to increased gastric acid secretion. For ulcer patients, this is particularly dangerous because excess acid in the stomach can slow down healing and worsen the condition.

She continued: “Gastric ulcers are already irritated by stomach acids. When you introduce a food like raw carrot, which stimulates even more acid production and scrapes against the ulcer site as it’s being digested, it’s like rubbing salt in an open wound,” she said. She also mentioned a less discussed concern – fermentation.

“When ulcer patients eat carrots, especially in excess, and their digestion is compromised, the carrots can start to ferment in the stomach or intestines. This fermentation produces gas, leading to bloating, stomach cramps, and discomfort – all of which can trigger ulcer symptoms or make existing ones worse.”

Asked about carrot juice, which is a growing trend among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, Dr. Ogbu expressed caution. “Blending carrots into juice form reduces the fiber to some extent, but it concentrates the sugars and acid. People often mix carrot juice with citrus fruits like oranges or lemons to enhance taste, and that’s even worse for ulcer patients.”

She added that there are also certain bioactive compounds in carrots – particularly when consumed raw – that might stimulate gastric secretions or interfere with ulcer medications. While this area is still being researched, Dr. Ogbu advises ulcer patients not to take chances.

When asked about alternatives, Dr. Ogbu emphasized that ulcer patients should prioritize soft, low-acid, and non-fermenting foods. “Boiled rice, semolina, soft white bread, ripe plantains, steamed potatoes, pawpaw, and bananas are far better options. These foods are not only gentle on the stomach but also help buffer stomach acid and support healing,” she said.

The Hungarian based Dr. also warned against late-night eating and fasting for long hours. “Even if you avoid carrots and other trigger foods, skipping meals or eating too close to bedtime can still activate your ulcer. The stomach needs food at regular intervals to neutralize acid. That’s why ulcer patients should eat small meals every 3–4 hours and avoid oily, spicy, or acidic dishes.”

Furthermore, she highlighted that ulcer treatment is not just about medications. “Yes, doctors can prescribe proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics for H. pylori, but if you’re not disciplined with what goes into your stomach, you’ll keep going in circles.”

Dr. Ogbu also advised ulcer patients to avoid self-medication and over-the-counter painkillers. “Many people with ulcers unknowingly worsen their situation by taking pain relief drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin. Combine that with raw carrots or pepper soup and you have a recipe for disaster.”

In conclusion, she advised that ulcer patients maintain regular medical checkups, take their prescribed medications seriously, and most importantly, become more intentional with their diets. “Food is medicine, but it can also be poison. Carrots are good – but not for everyone, not in every condition. If you’re battling ulcers, your stomach needs peace, not war. Raw carrots can wage war in a battlefield that’s already bleeding.”

Ulcer sufferers are therefore encouraged to consult their doctors or dietitians before making dietary changes, even when it involves foods as innocent-looking as carrots. Healing begins in the kitchen – and with the right information.

For more expert advice on managing ulcers and understanding food triggers, stay with our weekly health feature. City People brings you life-saving insights straight from the doctors who know best.

By Benprince Ezeh

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