Stomach Ulcer Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in your stomach lining. What you eat can make a big difference in how you feel and how quickly your ulcer heals. While diet alone won’t cure an ulcer, choosing the right foods can help reduce symptoms and support healing.

This guide will help you understand which foods to include in your diet and which ones to avoid when you have a stomach ulcer.

Stomach Ulcer Diet

Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, happen when your stomach’s protective lining breaks down. This allows stomach acid to create painful sores. Many people with ulcers find that certain foods make their symptoms worse, while others can help them feel better.

Diet plays a supporting role in ulcer treatment. The right foods can help protect your stomach lining and reduce irritation. Meanwhile, avoiding trigger foods can prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Foods to Eat for Stomach Ulcers

Choosing the right foods can help your stomach heal and reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Here are the best food choices when you have a stomach ulcer.

High-Fiber Foods

Fiber is one of the most beneficial nutrients for people with stomach ulcers. Multiple studies show that a high-fiber diet can help ulcers heal faster and prevent recurrence.

In one study, 67.5% of people eating a high-fiber diet had their duodenal ulcers heal within 4 weeks (1). Another study found that high-fiber diets helped reduce constipation, a common side effect of ulcer medications (2).

Good sources of fiber include:

• Oatmeal and whole grain cereals
• Brown rice and whole wheat bread
• Fruits like apples, pears, and berries
• Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens
• Beans and lentils

Whole Wheat vs. Refined Grains

The type of grain you eat may make a significant difference in ulcer management. A remarkable 5-year study found that people with duodenal ulcers who switched to an unrefined wheat diet had only a 14% relapse rate, compared to 81% in those who continued eating rice (3).

The researchers suggest this dramatic difference may be due to increased chewing required by unrefined wheat. More chewing produces more saliva, which can lower stomach acidity and reduce bile output.

Psyllium Fiber

Psyllium is a special type of fiber that may be particularly helpful. It’s a soluble fiber that forms a gel when mixed with water. This gel can help protect your stomach lining.

Research shows that psyllium supplementation can improve digestive health and bowel function (4). You can add psyllium to your diet through supplements or by eating foods fortified with psyllium.

Vitamin A-Rich Foods

Vitamin A has protective effects on the stomach lining. Research has shown that vitamin A can help stomach ulcers heal faster.

In a study of 60 people with stomach ulcers, those who took vitamin A had significantly better healing rates than those who didn’t (5).

Foods high in vitamin A include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Spinach and kale
• Red bell peppers
• Eggs
• Fortified dairy products

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Vitamin C levels are often low in people with H. pylori infection. Some research suggests that high-dose vitamin C supplementation may help reduce H. pylori infection.

One study found that 30% of H. pylori-infected patients who took high-dose vitamin C (5g daily) had their infection cleared (6). However, another study found no eradication effect with the same dose (7).

While results are mixed, including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet may still be beneficial:

• Bell peppers (especially red ones)
• Strawberries and other berries
• Kiwi fruit
• Papaya
• Cantaloupe
• Leafy greens

Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli, especially broccoli sprouts, contains powerful compounds that can help fight H. pylori bacteria. The active compound, sulforaphane, has strong antibacterial effects against H. pylori.

Multiple studies demonstrate broccoli’s effectiveness. Broccoli seed extract reduced inflammatory markers in H. pylori-infected patients (8).

Eating broccoli sprouts daily for 2 months has been shown to reduce H. pylori colonization and improve stomach inflammation markers (9). Another study found that broccoli sprouts consumption was associated with H. pylori eradication in some patients (10).

Try to include broccoli or broccoli sprouts in your diet several times a week. You can:

• Add raw broccoli sprouts to salads and sandwiches
• Steam broccoli as a side dish
• Add broccoli to soups and stir-fries

Probiotic Foods and Fermented Milk

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help fight H. pylori and reduce stomach inflammation. Several studies show that specific probiotic strains have anti-ulcer effects.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (La1) has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth and reduce infection markers (11). Fermented milk containing L. johnsonii reduced H. pylori density and gastric inflammation (12, 13).

In children, fermented milk with L. casei enhanced H. pylori treatment success rates from 57.5% to 84.6% (14).

Foods with natural probiotics include:

• Yogurt with live cultures
• Kefir
• Fermented milk products (especially those containing L. acidophilus or L. johnsonii)
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso soup

Adequate Fluids

Staying well-hydrated is important for digestive health. Water helps your digestive system work properly and can help prevent constipation.

Research shows that water supplementation enhances the benefits of a high-fiber diet (15). Aim for at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound with anti-H. pylori properties. Research shows that allicin as an add-on therapy can improve H. pylori eradication rates and ulcer healing.

A meta-analysis of 8 studies found that adding allicin to standard treatment significantly improved H. pylori eradication rates from 83.56% to 93.33% (16). It also improved ulcer healing rates.

You can include garlic in your diet by:

• Adding fresh crushed garlic to cooked dishes
• Using garlic in salad dressings
• Taking garlic supplements (consult your doctor first)

Foods to Avoid with Stomach Ulcers

Some foods can irritate your stomach lining and make ulcer symptoms worse. Here’s what you should limit or avoid.

Coffee

The relationship between coffee and stomach ulcers is controversial. Research shows mixed results about whether coffee is harmful.

A large study of over 8,000 people found no association between coffee consumption and stomach ulcers (17).

However, how coffee is processed may matter. Research shows that specially treated coffee produces significantly less stomach irritation than regular coffee (18).

If coffee makes your symptoms worse, you may want to:

• Try low-acid coffee varieties
• Drink coffee with food rather than on an empty stomach
• Limit yourself to 1-2 cups per day
• Switch to herbal tea if needed

Spicy Foods

The relationship between spicy foods and ulcers is more complex than once thought. While many people avoid spicy foods, some research suggests they might not be harmful.

Surprisingly, one study found that chili actually protected against aspirin-induced stomach damage. People who ate chili before taking aspirin had less stomach injury than those who didn’t (19).

However, if spicy foods make your symptoms worse, it’s still best to avoid them. Everyone’s tolerance is different. Hot peppers and spicy sauces can irritate your stomach lining. If spices bother you, try using milder seasonings like herbs instead.

Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and increase acid production. It’s best to avoid alcohol completely while your ulcer heals. Research shows that alcohol consumption can affect ulcer healing rates (20).

Fatty and Fried Foods

High-fat foods stay in your stomach longer and can increase acid production. While some healthy fats are important, avoid:

• Deep-fried foods
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Full-fat dairy products in large amounts
• Greasy fast food

Acidic Foods

Very acidic foods might irritate your stomach. Common acidic foods include:

• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes and tomato products
• Vinegar-based dressings

If these foods bother you, try eating them in small amounts or avoiding them until your ulcer heals.

Dietary Tips and Guidelines

Following these general guidelines can help you manage your ulcer symptoms and support healing.

Eat Regular, Small Meals

Instead of three large meals, try eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day. This helps keep stomach acid levels steady and prevents your stomach from becoming too empty.

Small, frequent meals can:

• Reduce acid production
• Prevent hunger pains
• Keep your energy levels stable

Don’t Skip Meals

Going too long without eating can make ulcer pain worse. An empty stomach allows acid to irritate the ulcer. Try to eat something every 3-4 hours during the day.

Eat Slowly and Chew Well

Taking time to eat helps your digestion. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. This makes it easier for your stomach to process food and reduces the work your digestive system needs to do.

Avoid Eating Before Bed

Stop eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach can cause acid to back up and irritate your ulcer. If you need a bedtime snack, keep it small and bland.

Choose Cooking Methods Wisely

How you prepare your food matters. Better cooking methods include:

• Steaming
• Boiling
• Baking
• Grilling without charring

Avoid deep frying and cooking with lots of oil or butter.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants help protect your stomach lining from damage. Several studies have examined their role in ulcer treatment.

Foods High in Antioxidants

Research shows that synthetic antioxidants can improve ulcer healing rates and reduce recurrence (21).

Natural sources of antioxidants include:

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• Dark leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate (in moderation)
• Colorful vegetables

However, it’s important to note that antioxidant supplements don’t always provide the same benefits. One study found that vitamin C and E supplements didn’t reduce oxidative damage in H. pylori gastritis in the short term (22). Getting antioxidants from whole foods may be more beneficial than supplements.

Special Dietary Considerations

Some people may benefit from additional dietary approaches based on their specific situation.

If You Have H. Pylori

If your ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria, certain foods might help. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain compounds that may help fight this bacteria. Including these vegetables in your diet could support your treatment.

If You’re Taking NSAIDs

If your ulcer was caused by pain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, you might need extra stomach protection. Research suggests that certain dietary oils might help protect against medication-induced stomach damage (23).

Managing Side Effects

Ulcer medications can cause constipation. A high-fiber diet with plenty of water can help prevent this problem. Psyllium fiber may be especially helpful for managing constipation while you’re being treated for an ulcer.

Sample Meal Plan

Here’s an example of what a day of ulcer-friendly eating might look like:

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with sliced banana
• Low-fat yogurt
• Herbal tea

Mid-Morning Snack:

• Apple slices with almond butter
• Water

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Steamed broccoli and carrots
• Brown rice
• Water

Afternoon Snack:

• Whole grain crackers
• Hummus

Dinner:

• Baked fish
• Sweet potato
• Green salad with olive oil dressing

Evening Snack (if needed):

• Small bowl of non-acidic fruit

Herbs and Traditional Remedies

Some traditional remedies have been studied for ulcer treatment, though results are mixed.

Liquorice (Deglycyrrhizinated)

Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) has been tested for ulcer healing. However, two well-designed studies found no benefit compared to placebo (24, 25).

Other Plant-Based Options

Several plant-based remedies show promise for digestive health:

• Turmeric (curcumin) – may help reduce inflammation, though evidence for H. pylori is limited (26)
• Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) – contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit digestive health (27)
• Hibiscus – may reduce stomach acid production (28)

Always consult your doctor before trying herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications.

When to See Your Doctor

While diet changes can help manage symptoms, they’re not a substitute for medical treatment. See your doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse despite dietary changes
• You have severe pain or bleeding
• You’re losing weight without trying
• You have trouble swallowing
• Your symptoms don’t improve with treatment

Your doctor can prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid and help your ulcer heal. If you have H. pylori, you’ll need antibiotics to clear the infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Managing a stomach ulcer through diet requires patience and attention to what works for your body. Focus on eating plenty of fiber, especially from whole grains and vegetables. Include vitamin A-rich foods and stay well-hydrated. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.

Remember that everyone is different. What helps one person might not work for another. Keep track of how different foods affect you and adjust your diet accordingly. With the right dietary choices and proper medical treatment, most stomach ulcers heal completely within a few months.