What is an essential dietary recommendation for a patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease?

Frequent small meals are an essential dietary recommendation for a patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease because this approach helps to minimize gastric irritation and promote healing. Eating smaller meals more often can help regulate stomach acid production and reduce the burden on the digestive system. This strategy prevents large volumes of food from entering the stomach all at once, which can lead to increased acid secretion and potentially aggravate ulcer symptoms.

In contrast, high-fat meals may exacerbate the condition by stimulating increased acid secretion and are generally harder to digest. High sugar intake is not advisable since it can lead to the growth of bacteria that may worsen ulcer conditions, and high protein intake, while important for tissue repair, should be balanced and not lead to excessive strain on the digestive system. Thus, frequent small meals provide a gentle approach to eating that supports both comfort and recovery in individuals with peptic ulcer disease.