Ulcer Nutrition: What to Eat and What to Skip

If you’ve been told you have a stomach ulcer, the first thing that comes to mind is probably medication. But what you put on your plate matters just as much. The right foods can calm irritation, protect the lining, and even speed up recovery. The wrong ones can keep the pain going and delay healing. Below you’ll find simple, no‑nonsense advice you can start using today.

Best Foods for Ulcer Healing

Think of foods that are gentle, low in acid, and rich in nutrients that support tissue repair. Here are the top picks:

• Bananas – Soft, easy to digest, and packed with potassium, which helps balance stomach acid.
• Cooked vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, and squash steamed or boiled are bland enough not to irritate, yet full of vitamins.
• Oatmeal – Warm oats coat the stomach lining, reducing irritation. Add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey for flavor.
• Low‑fat dairy – Yogurt (plain, no fruit bits) provides probiotics that can boost gut health. Skim milk works too.
• Lean proteins – Skinless chicken, turkey, or fish grilled or baked without heavy sauces give your body the building blocks it needs.
• Honey – A teaspoon of raw honey has natural antibacterial properties that may help ulcers heal faster.

Meal ideas? Try a bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced banana, a grilled chicken salad with steamed carrots, or a plain yogurt parfait with a drizzle of honey.

Foods and Habits to Avoid

Just as important as adding healing foods is knowing what to ditch. These items can worsen pain or slow down repair:

• Spicy foods – Chili, hot sauce, and peppery seasonings increase stomach acid.
• Citrus fruits – Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are highly acidic.
• Coffee and caffeinated drinks – They stimulate acid production and can irritate the ulcer.
• Alcohol – Even a small amount can damage the stomach lining.
• Fried and fatty foods – They sit heavy in the stomach and delay emptying.
• Chocolate – It contains both caffeine and fat, making it a double‑whammy.

Beyond food, watch your eating habits. Eating large meals stretches the stomach and can increase pain. Instead, aim for 5‑6 small meals throughout the day. Don’t lie down right after eating; give your stomach at least two hours before you hit the pillow.

Staying hydrated is also key. Sip water throughout the day, but avoid gulping large amounts during meals, which can dilute stomach acids and impair digestion.

Putting these tips into practice doesn’t require a complete kitchen overhaul. Start by swapping one painful food for a soothing alternative each week. Over time, you’ll notice less burning and a quicker return to normal meals.

Remember, food is just one piece of the ulcer puzzle. Follow your doctor’s medication plan, manage stress, and keep an eye on any new symptoms. With the right diet and care, most ulcers heal within a few weeks, and you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite foods—just the safer versions.