Can I Eat Rice if I Have an Ulcer?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, food choices do not cause ulcers, but certain foods can help manage symptoms and promote healing. Rice, a bland and low-acid food, is often recommended as part of an ulcer-friendly diet to help soothe the stomach lining and absorb excess acid.

Quick Summary

Yes, eating rice is generally safe and beneficial for individuals with ulcers, especially white rice, which is easy to digest. Brown rice offers more nutrients but should be consumed in moderation due to its higher fiber content, which may cause bloating in some. Proper preparation and pairing with other non-irritating foods are key to a soothing meal.

Key Points

Yes, you can eat rice if you have an ulcer: Rice is a bland, low-acid food that is gentle on the stomach and helps absorb excess acid.
White rice is typically better for flare-ups: Its low fiber content makes it easier to digest and less likely to cause irritation during active ulcer symptoms.
Introduce brown rice in moderation: While more nutritious, the higher fiber in brown rice can cause discomfort or bloating for some individuals with ulcers, so it should be consumed cautiously as symptoms improve.
Stick to simple preparation: Avoid fried rice or heavy, spicy sauces; opt for plain, steamed, or boiled rice to minimize digestive stress.
Pair rice with bland, ulcer-friendly foods: Combine rice with lean proteins (like steamed fish or chicken) and non-acidic vegetables (like carrots and zucchini) for balanced, gentle meals.
Avoid irritants like spicy foods and alcohol: Even when eating rice, avoid adding irritants like chili, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can worsen ulcer symptoms.
Consult a healthcare provider: For personalized dietary advice, it is always best to consult a medical professional or registered dietitian.

Understanding Ulcers and the Role of Diet

Stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers, are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, often caused by the bacteria H. pylori or the overuse of NSAID medication. While the old belief that spicy or acidic foods caused ulcers has been debunked, diet still plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting the healing process. The goal of an ulcer-friendly diet is to reduce gastric acid secretion and avoid irritants that can cause discomfort. Incorporating bland, easy-to-digest foods is a cornerstone of this approach.

The Benefits of Rice for an Ulcer Diet

Rice is considered a valuable addition to a diet for individuals with ulcers for several key reasons:

Mild and Easy to Digest: White rice is particularly gentle on the stomach lining because it is bland and low in fiber. This minimizes irritation and discomfort, which is a major benefit during flare-ups.
Absorbs Excess Stomach Acid: The starchy nature of rice can help absorb excess stomach acid, providing a soothing, antacid-like effect. This can help create a more neutral, comfortable environment for the stomach lining to heal.
Versatility in Meal Prep: Rice is a staple that can be easily paired with a variety of non-acidic and lean protein options. This makes it simple to create balanced and nutritious meals without irritating the stomach, allowing for a diverse and palatable diet even while healing.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice: Which is Better for Ulcers?

Choosing between white and brown rice depends largely on your individual tolerance and the stage of your ulcer healing. Here's a comparison to help you decide:


Feature	White Rice	Brown Rice
Digestibility	Highly digestible due to low fiber content.	High fiber content can be harder to digest for some.
Nutrient Density	Lower in vitamins and minerals.	Higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fiber Content	Low, minimizing digestive stress.	High, beneficial for long-term digestive health but can cause bloating.
Best For	Acute flare-ups or sensitive digestion.	Moderation after symptoms have subsided.

For most people experiencing ulcer symptoms, especially during a flare-up, plain white rice is the safer option due to its easy digestibility. As your ulcer heals, you can introduce brown rice in moderation to take advantage of its higher nutrient and fiber content.

How to Prepare and Eat Rice with an Ulcer

To ensure your rice dishes are as gentle as possible on your stomach, follow these preparation and consumption tips:

Simple is Best: Stick to plain, steamed rice rather than fried rice or dishes with heavy sauces. Avoid adding trigger ingredients like spicy seasonings, high-fat additions, or acidic vegetables.
Pair with Lean Proteins: Combine rice with lean proteins like baked chicken, steamed fish, or tofu. This provides essential nutrients for tissue repair without being difficult to digest.
Add Non-Acidic Vegetables: Mix in well-cooked, non-acidic vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and spinach. These add vitamins and minerals without irritating the stomach lining.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent portions of rice-based meals throughout the day. This helps prevent the stomach from getting too full, which can trigger excess acid production.
Consider Rice Porridge (Congee): A simple rice porridge is a classic soothing dish that is extremely easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. It's often recommended in traditional medicine for various digestive troubles.

Other Dietary Considerations for Ulcer Management

While rice is a great base, a holistic approach to your diet is crucial for effective ulcer management. Beyond rice, here are other food choices and habits to consider:

Foods to Include

Probiotic-Rich Foods: Incorporate yogurt, kefir, or other probiotic foods to introduce good bacteria that can help fight against the H. pylori bacteria and support gut health.
Fiber-Rich Foods (as tolerated): After initial symptoms subside, adding high-fiber foods like oats and apples can help regulate digestion and reduce gastric acidity.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile and ginger tea are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be soothing for the stomach.
Healthy Fats: Moderate amounts of healthy fats from sources like avocados and olive oil can be beneficial.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Spicy and Acidic Foods: Limit or completely avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, as they can aggravate symptoms.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can increase stomach acid production and irritate the stomach lining, so it's best to avoid them.
Fatty and Fried Foods: These are harder to digest and can increase acid production.

Conclusion

For individuals managing an ulcer, the good news is that rice can be a safe and beneficial part of your diet. White rice is an excellent choice, especially during flare-ups, due to its bland, easily digestible nature and its ability to help neutralize excess stomach acid. As your healing progresses, you may be able to slowly reintroduce brown rice and other whole grains in moderation, monitoring your body's response carefully. By focusing on simple, balanced meals and avoiding known irritants, you can use rice as a foundational food to promote comfort and support your healing journey. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific condition.

Disclaimers

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition like a stomach ulcer.

Additional Ulcer-Friendly Meal Ideas

Breakfast Rice Bowl: Cooked white rice with scrambled eggs, a handful of steamed spinach, and a sprinkle of mild herbs like chives.
Simple Chicken and Rice Soup: A broth-based soup with cooked white rice, shredded lean chicken breast, and diced carrots. Season with a small amount of mild herbs and salt.
Plain Rice with Baked Fish: Serve plain steamed rice alongside a fillet of baked cod or tilapia seasoned with dill and a touch of olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, rice does not typically increase stomach acid. In fact, its starchy nature can help absorb excess stomach acid, which provides a soothing, neutralizing effect on the stomach lining.

Brown rice is not bad, but its higher fiber content can be more challenging for some people with sensitive digestion or during an ulcer flare-up, potentially causing bloating or discomfort. It's best to introduce it in moderation after initial symptoms have subsided.

Yes, during a flare-up, plain white rice is an excellent choice. It is bland and easy to digest, which helps minimize irritation and discomfort when your stomach is most sensitive.

The best way is to keep it simple. Opt for steamed, boiled, or congee-style rice. Avoid frying the rice or adding spicy sauces, excessive oil, or irritating ingredients.

Yes, rice porridge, or congee, is a highly recommended and soothing dish for people with ulcers. Its soft texture and mild nature make it very easy to digest.

You can pair rice with lean proteins like baked chicken, steamed fish, or tofu. Add well-cooked, non-acidic vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or zucchini for a balanced meal.

Wild rice is high in fiber and is not technically a grain but a seed. It should be consumed in moderation, similar to brown rice, and only after your ulcer symptoms have improved.