Sticky rice for ulcers and stomach acid: harm or not?

Sticky rice from rice is a food that is quite often found in Indonesia. Sticky rice can be found in various types of preparations, for example made in the form of cakes, lemper, tape, added brown sugar, and others. However, there are many myths that say that sticky rice is not for digestion, especially for people who have sensitive stomachs. Is it true that sticky rice should not be eaten by people who have ulcers, for example because of stomach acid reflux disease? Check out the full explanation about the risks of eating sticky rice for the following ulcers.

Get to know sticky rice

This sticky rice, which is widely consumed in Asia and South America, is a type of rice. Sticky rice is also called glutinous rice. Please note, although it is similar in words, glutinous rice has nothing to do with gluten. In some people with celiac disease, foods with gluten can cause digestive reactions and upset. Like other types of rice, glutinous rice does not contain gluten so it is safe for consumption by people with celiac disease.

Although both have high carbohydrates, glutinous rice is different from rice in general. Sticky rice is called glutinous rice because of its sticky nature. This sticky nature has become the hallmark of glutinous rice.

Is it true that glutinous rice is dangerous for the stomach?

According to a study conducted by Dong Up Song and his team published in the Chonnam Medical Journal PMC NIH, glutinous rice or glutinous rice has a protective effect on the stomach. This experiment was carried out on mice and proved to be able to protect the stomach from injury to the gastric mucosa by ethanol and indomethacin. In other words, glutinous rice can protect the stomach from wounds.

Although there is research on the protective effects of the stomach and there is no gluten that can trigger a celiac allergic reaction, experts generally agree that sticky rice consumption should be limited to people with ulcers and other stomach ailments such as peptic ulcers. Why so? The following are some facts you need to know about the risks of eating sticky rice for ulcers and other diseases.

Sticky rice triggers stomach acid reflux

Like other rice, sticky rice is a source of carbohydrates. Foods that are high in carbohydrates such as rice, bread, pasta, and other staple food sources can stimulate symptoms of digestive problems such as bloating and feeling full.

Well, according to research from the scientific journal Neuroenterology and Motility in 2013, if your stomach is too full, the undigested food can go up into your esophagus again. This will give rise to the so-called acid reflux symptoms heartburn, namely the appearance of a burning sensation in the chest or heartburn.

Sticky rice including food ingredients that contain gas

Rita Ramayulis in the book DIET for Complicated Diseases classifies glutinous rice into foods that contain gas, stimulate stomach acid, and are difficult to digest. Foods that contain gas will make your stomach bloated and uncomfortable. Especially for people who have ulcers and other gastric diseases.

So, should people with ulcers not eat sticky rice?

Ulcer or stomach acid disease is caused by various things. Not just one type of food that you consume. Therefore, sticky rice is basically safe for consumption as long as it is not excessive.

However, if you experience various symptoms after eating sticky rice, such as nausea, heartburn or dizziness, it's a good idea to stop immediately and consult a doctor to find out the cause further.

In addition, to prevent the dangers of sticky rice for ulcers, you should not eat processed glutinous rice in any form when you already feel various symptoms of digestive disorders such as nausea and a burning sensation in the stomach or chest.