Stomach Ulcer Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip

If you’ve been told you have a stomach ulcer, the first thing most doctors say is that what you eat can make a big difference. The right foods can calm the lining, reduce pain, and help the ulcer heal faster. The wrong foods can irritate the stomach, increase acid, and stall recovery.

Below you’ll find a practical guide you can start using today. No fancy jargon, just clear steps you can put on a plate.

What to Eat

• Lean proteins – chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu are easy on the stomach. Grill, bake, or steam them; avoid frying.

• Low‑fat dairy – yogurt (plain, not sugary) and low‑fat milk give you calcium without a lot of fat that can trigger acid.

• Soft, cooked vegetables – carrots, zucchini, spinach, and pumpkin cooked until tender are gentle and provide fiber.

• Whole grains – oatmeal, rice, and whole‑grain toast are good sources of fiber and keep you full without causing irritation.

• Bananas and applesauce – both are mildly alkaline and help coat the stomach lining.

• Herbal teas – chamomile or ginger tea can soothe the gut. Skip caffeinated drinks that can raise acid.

Try to eat smaller meals 5‑6 times a day instead of three big meals. This keeps stomach acid at a steady level and prevents sudden spikes.

What to Skip

• Spicy foods – hot peppers, chili powder, and strong sauces can inflame the ulcer.

• Acidic fruits and juices – oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and their juices often worsen pain.

• Fried and fatty foods – French fries, burger patties, and processed meats delay stomach emptying and raise acid.

• Caffeine and alcohol – coffee, tea, soda, wine, and beer all stimulate acid production.

• Chocolate – it contains both caffeine and fat, making it a double trigger.

When you’re unsure about a food, test it in a tiny portion. If you feel any burning, ditch it.

Besides food, a few lifestyle tweaks help the ulcer heal faster. Don’t smoke; nicotine reduces blood flow to the stomach lining. Aim for 7‑8 hours of sleep so your body can repair itself. Manage stress with short walks, breathing exercises, or a hobby you enjoy.

Putting these tips together makes a simple plan: start your day with oatmeal and a banana, have a mid‑morning snack of yogurt, enjoy a grilled fish lunch with cooked veggies and rice, sip chamomile tea in the afternoon, and finish with a small turkey sandwich on whole‑grain bread for dinner. Keep portions modest and chew slowly.Stick with this routine for a few weeks and you’ll likely notice less burning, fewer night‑time symptoms, and a quicker healing process. If pain persists, talk to your doctor – sometimes medication is still needed, but diet will always be a strong ally.

Remember, you don’t have to overhaul your whole life overnight. Swap one irritating food at a time, add a soothing option, and watch your stomach thank you.