A Parent's Guide to What Foods Are Good for Children with Ulcers

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 4 million people in the U.S. develop peptic ulcers each year, with children also susceptible. For parents navigating this condition, understanding what foods are good for children with ulcers is an essential part of the healing process, alongside prescribed medication. This guide provides comprehensive information on supportive dietary choices and foods to avoid to help manage symptoms and promote a healthier gut.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best nutritional choices for children with ulcers, including soft, bland foods, lean proteins, and probiotics to support gut health. It also details irritating foods to avoid, such as spicy, acidic, and high-fat items, along with tips for meal routines and hydration to reduce discomfort and aid healing.

Key Points

Focus on Bland Foods: Prioritize soft, non-acidic, and mildly seasoned foods like oatmeal, bananas, and white rice to minimize stomach irritation.
Incorporate Lean Proteins: Include easily digestible sources of protein, such as baked chicken, mild fish, and eggs, to support tissue repair and growth.
Embrace Probiotics: Plain yogurt and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore gut flora, especially after antibiotic treatment.
Avoid Irritants: Eliminate spicy, fatty, and acidic foods and drinks, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeine, and carbonated beverages, which can worsen symptoms.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Offer small, frequent meals and snacks instead of large, heavy ones to prevent the stomach from over-producing acid and causing discomfort.
Understand Milk's Role: Be aware that while milk may offer temporary relief, its protein and calcium can later stimulate increased stomach acid, potentially worsening ulcers.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Encourage drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and consider soothing herbal teas like chamomile or ginger.

Understanding Ulcers in Children and the Role of Diet

Peptic ulcers, open sores that form on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, can cause significant pain and discomfort in children. A common cause is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori*) bacteria, though the chronic use of certain medications like NSAIDs can also be a factor. A well-managed diet is a crucial part of a child's overall treatment plan, helping to minimize stomach acid irritation and support the body's healing process. However, it is vital to remember that diet is a complementary strategy, not a cure, and should always be discussed with a healthcare provider before implementation.

Soothing and Healing Foods for Children with Ulcers

Focusing on foods that are gentle on the stomach and rich in beneficial nutrients can help protect the gut lining and support healing. Many of these foods are part of a healthy, balanced diet anyway, making them simple to incorporate.

High-Fiber Foods: Soluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables can absorb excess stomach acid, reducing irritation.
- Oatmeal: A soothing, easily digestible option for breakfast.
- Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or boiled carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and green beans are gentle on the digestive system.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pasta are good sources of fiber, but start with refined versions (white rice, white pasta) if your child's gut is very sensitive, then gradually reintroduce whole grains based on tolerance.
Lean Proteins: Protein is essential for tissue repair and growth. Lean options are easier to digest than fatty meats.
- Fish: Mild-flavored fish like cod or salmon, baked or grilled, provide omega-3s that may reduce inflammation.
- Skinless Chicken or Turkey: Cooked well and without excessive seasonings.
- Eggs: Scrambled or boiled eggs are an excellent, soft protein source.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance gut flora, which can be disrupted by antibiotic treatment for H. pylori.
- Plain Yogurt and Kefir: These fermented dairy products contain live cultures. Opt for low-fat, unsweetened versions.
Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats from sources like olive oil and avocados are beneficial for overall gut health.
Non-Acidic Fruits: Stick to fruits with lower acid content to avoid irritation.
- Bananas, melons, and berries: These are generally well-tolerated.
Hydrating and Soothing Beverages: Hydration is key. Water is always the best choice, but certain teas can also be calming.
- Water: Plain water is best.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile or ginger tea, served lukewarm, can have a soothing effect.

Foods to Avoid or Limit When Your Child Has Ulcers

Just as important as adding healing foods is eliminating or limiting irritants that can exacerbate ulcer symptoms by increasing stomach acid or delaying digestion.

Spicy Foods: Chili peppers, hot sauces, and heavily spiced curries are known to irritate the stomach lining.
Acidic Foods and Drinks: These can elevate stomach acidity and cause discomfort.
- Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits should be avoided.
- Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products: This includes sauces and ketchup.
- Carbonated Beverages: Soda and sparkling water can cause bloating and reflux.
High-Fat and Fried Foods: Fatty and greasy foods like french fries, fried chicken, and fast food can slow digestion, increasing discomfort.
Caffeine and Chocolate: These can stimulate stomach acid production, worsening symptoms. This includes coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas.
High-Fat Dairy: While yogurt is often helpful, milk can temporarily coat the stomach but then trigger increased acid production. High-fat dairy products can be harder to digest.
Salty and Processed Foods: Processed meats and salty foods can irritate the stomach lining.

A Comparison of Ulcer-Friendly vs. Irritating Foods


Ulcer-Friendly Foods	Irritating Foods to Avoid
Plain oatmeal, white rice, whole wheat toast	Spicy dishes, chili peppers, hot sauce
Cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach	Raw vegetables (especially gas-forming ones like broccoli or cauliflower)
Bananas, melons, pear, applesauce	Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) and juices
Skinless chicken, fish, eggs, tofu	Fried or high-fat foods (fast food, bacon)
Plain yogurt, kefir, low-fat cottage cheese	Whole milk, high-fat cream, some yellow cheeses
Water, lukewarm herbal teas	Carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, alcohol
Mild sauces, simple seasonings	Ketchup, tomato-based sauces, processed sauces
Avocado, olive oil (in moderation)	Chocolate

Tips for Feeding a Child with Ulcers

Beyond what is on the plate, how and when a child eats can also significantly impact their comfort and healing.

Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, offer smaller portions more often throughout the day. This keeps the stomach from getting too full and producing excessive acid.
Encourage Slow Eating: Remind your child to chew their food thoroughly. This aids digestion and reduces the amount of air swallowed, which can cause bloating.
Maintain a Regular Schedule: Sticking to a consistent meal and snack time can help regulate stomach acid production.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Encourage your child to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after a meal to prevent acid reflux.
Proper Hydration: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, but not excessive amounts in one sitting.
Monitor Food Triggers: Some children may have individual food sensitivities. Keeping a simple food diary can help identify specific foods that cause discomfort.

Conclusion

While a doctor's medical treatment is the primary path to healing, a well-planned diet plays a crucial supporting role for children with ulcers. By focusing on soothing, high-fiber, and probiotic-rich foods while eliminating common irritants, parents can help minimize their child's discomfort and support a quicker recovery. Small adjustments to eating habits, like portion size and timing, can also make a significant difference. Always consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for a personalized plan that fits your child's specific needs.

For more information on pediatric peptic ulcers, consider consulting reliable resources like Boston Children's Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

A soothing and easily digestible breakfast includes plain oatmeal with sliced bananas or a simple fruit smoothie made with plain yogurt and non-acidic berries. Scrambled eggs are another excellent, gentle option.

No, milk is not ideal for stomach ulcers. While it may offer temporary relief, the protein and calcium in milk can cause the stomach to produce more acid, potentially making the ulcer worse over time. Low-fat yogurt or non-dairy milk alternatives may be better tolerated.

Safe snack options include plain yogurt, applesauce, bananas, rice cakes with a non-acidic topping like smooth peanut butter, and steamed carrot sticks. Avoid acidic fruits and high-fat or spicy snack foods.

While bland foods often help manage symptoms, medical experts now know that a traditional bland diet is not a cure. The key is to focus on foods that don't irritate the individual child's stomach and avoid known trigger foods, as tolerance varies.

Yes, probiotics can be beneficial. They are good bacteria that can help balance gut flora, which can be especially helpful during or after a course of antibiotics for H. pylori. Plain, unsweetened yogurt and kefir are good sources.

Children with ulcers should avoid acidic beverages like citrus juices, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated drinks, including coffee and tea. Water is the best option for hydration, and lukewarm herbal teas like chamomile can be soothing.

Simple cooking methods are best. Focus on steaming, boiling, baking, or grilling foods, and avoid frying or using a lot of oil. Prepare foods with minimal or no spices and seasonings.