An ulcer diet includes foods like berries, eggs, lean meats, and whole grains, which may help limit your symptoms.
It also helps to exclude certain foods like fried foods, citrus fruits, and alcohol, which can irritate ulcer sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common cause of stomach ulcers that requires treatment with antibiotics. Peptic ulcers can also be caused by long-term use of certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Foods to Eat
An ulcer diet is an eating plan designed to relieve peptic ulcer symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent more ulcers from developing. Bland, easily digestible foods should make up the majority of what you eat on an ulcer diet.
An ulcer diet is designed to:
- Correct nutritional deficiencies that contribute to your symptoms
- Provide the protein and other nutrients your body needs to heal
- Help you avoid foods that irritate the ulcer
- Help with related conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or bacterial infections
Dietary changes alone may not be enough to heal your ulcer, and you may require additional treatment from a healthcare provider. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider about your diet choices and any other recommended treatments.
1. Fruits
Both fresh and frozen fruits contain helpful fiber and antioxidants. Polyphenols, found in many fruits, may be beneficial.4 Berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates are among the best choices for healing polyphenols. Avoid citrus fruits or juices like orange or grapefruit if they trigger acid reflux.
2. Vegetables
Leafy greens, bright red and orange vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that are especially good for your overall health and healing. Cabbage has been studied for its benefits in treating digestive diseases.
Avoid spicy peppers and tomatoes, or products made with them if they give you reflux.
3. Lean Proteins
Skinless poultry, lean beef like sirloin or tenderloin, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh, dry beans, and peas are excellent sources of low-fat protein. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and may be helpful in preventing another ulcer.
There’s some research to suggest H. pylori infections and inflammation may lead to the development of other diseases, too, including heart disease.6 Omega-3 fatty acids may offer benefits as well.
4. Probiotic Foods
Products like kefir, sauerkraut, and Greek yogurt provide probiotics (helpful bacteria) along with protein, so they’re good choices. Ongoing research suggests probiotics may offer benefits in treating peptic ulcers.
5. Whole Grains
Whole grain breads, and whole or cracked grains like oats, quinoa, farro, millet, or sorghum are good sources of fiber to include in your diet. They are a part of a healthy lifestyle and support digestive wellness, although some studies suggest that fiber itself does not prevent ulcers.
6. Herbs and Spices
Hot, spicy foods are usually avoided on an ulcer diet, but a review of studies on food and H. pylori found that some spices added for flavor such as cloves, coriander (cilantro), and fennel also help inhibit the bacteria.
Mild herbs and spices are often a source of antioxidants.10 Other good choices include turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Foods to Avoid
Foods to avoid when you have a stomach ulcer include:
1. Alcohol
All alcohol is a stomach irritant and will delay healing. Avoid wine, beer, and spirits.11
2. Caffeine
Cut back or stop drinking coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. They can increase stomach acid production.
3. Milk
There was a time when milk was used in treating ulcers.12 More recent research, however, has found that it increases stomach acid.13 It’s best to avoid it.
Skip any highly seasoned meats, lunch meats, and other processed meats. Avoid eating large amounts of red meat, which can cause inflammation in the gut.14 If you do eat red meat, choose lean cuts or trim the fat before cooking.
5. High-Fat Foods
Try to exclude large amounts of added fats from your diet. Fat can increase stomach acid and trigger reflux. There is also evidence that a high-fat diet can inhibit the gastric ulcer healing process.
Avoid fried foods and fatty foods like bacon or sausage. You may also need to avoid gravy, cream soups, and salad dressings. Healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados are okay to eat.
6. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods don’t cause ulcers. However, they may irritate your ulcer, so limiting spicy foods can help reduce your symptoms.
Consider skipping anything spicy, such as chili peppers, horseradish, black pepper, and sauces and condiments that contain them.
7. Salty Foods
Researchers have found that salty foods may promote the growth of H. pylori.17 Pickles, olives, and other brined or fermented vegetables are high in salt and linked to a higher risk of H. pylori ulcers.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate can increase stomach acid production and trigger reflux symptoms.18Avoiding chocolate may help reduce stomach irritation.
9. Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables are harder to digest.19 Even leafy green vegetables commonly used in salads may create problems for some people.
