Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFoods to EatFoods to AvoidHow It WorksOther ConsiderationsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Foods to Eat
Foods to Avoid
How It Works
Other Considerations
When to See a Provider
Some studies suggest that an ulcer diet doesn’t effectively treat or prevent ulcers, but berries, eggs, lean meats, and whole grains may help to limit symptoms.Fried foods, citrus fruits, and alcohol can irritate ulcer sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help manage an ulcer and allow it to heal.
An ulcer diet is an eating plan designed to bring relief from peptic ulcer symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent more ulcers from developing in the future.
It is designed to:
These foods may be included when following an ulcer diet, but seek guidance from your healthcare provider about your diet choices.
1. Fruits
Any fresh or frozen fruits contain helpful fiber and antioxidants. Polyphenols, found in many fruits, may be beneficial.Berries, apples, grapes, and pomegranates are among the best choices for healing polyphenols. If citrus fruits or juices like orange or grapefruit triggeracid reflux, avoid them.
2. Vegetables
Leafy greens, bright red and orange vegetables, andcruciferousvegetables (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 disease.Avoid spicy peppers and tomatoes, or products made with them if they give you reflux. Limit raw vegetables because they are harder to digest and opt for softer foods.
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 provideomega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and may be helpful in preventing another ulcer.
There’s some research to suggestH. pyloriinfection and inflammation may lead to the development of other diseases, too, including heart disease.Omega-3 fatty acids may offer benefits as well.
4. Fermented Dairy
Products like kefir and Greek yogurt provideprobiotics(helpful bacteria) along with protein, so they’re good choices. Ongoing research suggests probiotics may offer benefits in treating peptic ulcers.
5. Breads and 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 andH.pylorifound that some spices added for flavor also help kill the bacteria.Mild herbs and spices are often a source of antioxidants.Best bets include turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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.
2. Caffeine
Cut back or stop drinking coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. They can increase stomach acid production.
3. Milk
There was a time whenmilkwas used in treating ulcers, but research has found that it increases stomach acid. It’s best to avoid it.
4. Certain Meats
Skip any highly seasoned meats, lunch meats, sausages, and fried or fatty meats and proteins.
5. High-Fat Foods
Try to avoid large amounts of added fats, which can increase stomach acid and trigger reflux. You may need to avoid gravy, cream soups, and salad dressings, but healthy fats on the list are OK.
6. Spicy Foods
Consider skipping anything that is hot, such as chili peppers,horseradish, black pepper, and sauces and condiments that contain them. Spicy foods don’t cause ulcers but they can irritate them.
7. Salty Foods
Researchers have found that salty foods may promote the growth ofH. pylori.Pickles, olives, and other brined or fermented vegetables are high in salt and linked to a higher risk ofH. pyloriulcers.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate can increase stomach acid production, and some people find that it triggers reflux symptoms.
Choose These FoodsFruitsVegetablesLegumesLean meats like skinless poultry and lean beefFish and seafoodEggsWhole soy foods like tofu or tempehFermented dairy foods like kefir or yogurtHealthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nutsWhole and cracked grainsGreen teaHerbs and spices (mild; fresh or dried)Avoid These FoodsAlcoholCoffee (regular, decaf)Caffeinated foods and drinksMilk or creamFatty meatsFried or high-fat foodsHeavily spiced foodsSalty foodsCitrus fruits and juicesTomatoes/tomato productsChocolate
Choose These FoodsFruitsVegetablesLegumesLean meats like skinless poultry and lean beefFish and seafoodEggsWhole soy foods like tofu or tempehFermented dairy foods like kefir or yogurtHealthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nutsWhole and cracked grainsGreen teaHerbs and spices (mild; fresh or dried)
Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes
Lean meats like skinless poultry and lean beef
Fish and seafood
Eggs
Whole soy foods like tofu or tempeh
Fermented dairy foods like kefir or yogurt
Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts
Whole and cracked grains
Green tea
Herbs and spices (mild; fresh or dried)
Avoid These FoodsAlcoholCoffee (regular, decaf)Caffeinated foods and drinksMilk or creamFatty meatsFried or high-fat foodsHeavily spiced foodsSalty foodsCitrus fruits and juicesTomatoes/tomato productsChocolate
Alcohol
Coffee (regular, decaf)
Caffeinated foods and drinks
Milk or cream
Fatty meats
Fried or high-fat foods
Heavily spiced foods
Salty foods
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomatoes/tomato products
Chocolate
How the Ulcer Diet Works
An ulcer diet adds foods with antibacterial effects and compounds that boost healing. It also limits excess acid production, which can aggravate an ulcer. These foods can include polyphenols that help to heal stomach lining ulcers faster, while others have antibacterial effects and help killH. pylori.
While there are no strict rules about which foods to eat, try to add as many foods as you can from the list above. Avoid foods that make you feel worse or that trigger acid production and reflux.
With the ulcer diet:
An ulcer diet should be followed along with any othertreatment recommendationsfrom your healthcare provider. You also should continue the diet according to these recommendations, although you may find the diet is a lifestyle change you want to continue.
When to Eat on the Ulcer DietTry to eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large ones. Large meals require much more stomach acid for digestion, which can be irritating. Chew your food well and eat slowly.Finish eating at least three hours before sleep and try to stay upright for a few hours after a meal for improved digestion and less acid reflux. Awalk after eatingalso may help.
When to Eat on the Ulcer Diet
Try to eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large ones. Large meals require much more stomach acid for digestion, which can be irritating. Chew your food well and eat slowly.Finish eating at least three hours before sleep and try to stay upright for a few hours after a meal for improved digestion and less acid reflux. Awalk after eatingalso may help.
Try to eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large ones. Large meals require much more stomach acid for digestion, which can be irritating. Chew your food well and eat slowly.
Finish eating at least three hours before sleep and try to stay upright for a few hours after a meal for improved digestion and less acid reflux. Awalk after eatingalso may help.
Other Factors to Consider With an Ulcer Diet
When following an ulcer diet, you may want to consider other factors such as food preparation or special diets. You can:
As long as you maintain good variety in your diet, you can still get the nutrients you need from other foods when you stop eating the ones that irritate your ulcer.
If you’re trying to add more polyphenol-rich foods and fiber to your diet, and you cut back on fatty foods, an ulcer diet may be even more nutritious than your regular diet. You may lose weight, feel healthier, and boost energy with improved diet choices.
Staying on TrackIt should be fairly easy to stick with an ulcer diet when you’re preparing your own meals at home. It may be harder to stay on track when you’re traveling, attending parties, or celebrating holidays. If you can’t pass up a glass of wine or piece of cake, make it a small one.
Staying on Track
It should be fairly easy to stick with an ulcer diet when you’re preparing your own meals at home. It may be harder to stay on track when you’re traveling, attending parties, or celebrating holidays. If you can’t pass up a glass of wine or piece of cake, make it a small one.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that suggest a complication with an ulcer, such as significant internal bleeding. These symptoms may include:
Your healthcare provider can diagnose your symptoms and begin any needed treatment. A healthcare provider can perform an endoscopy to visualize the tissue and collect a sample, to test for H. pylori or cancer.
An ulcer is treated with medicines to reduce stomach acid. Further treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer, such as antibiotics to treatH. pyloriinfection.
Summary
Medical treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if you haveH pylori, the bacterium responsible for some ulcer, but an ulcer diet offers options to improve your overall health and nutrition while reducing your ulcer risk.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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