Nutrition Diet: What food is best for a stomach ulcer?

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

Recent research suggests that eating certain foods can help fight the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers. Choosing wisely what food is best for a stomach ulcer can promote healing and significantly reduce symptoms.

Quick Summary

A balanced diet rich in high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and probiotics can aid in healing stomach ulcers by reducing irritation and combating bacteria. Focusing on soothing, nutrient-dense foods is key for effective recovery.

Key Points

Embrace Probiotics: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi can help combat the H. pylori bacteria and restore gut health.
Prioritize Fiber: High-fiber foods, including oats, beans, and certain fruits, can coat the stomach lining and reduce acid irritation.
Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for easily digestible proteins like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu to aid in tissue repair.
Stick to Non-Acidic Foods: Avoid acidic fruits and vegetables like citrus and tomatoes, favoring gentler options like bananas, melons, carrots, and broccoli.
Avoid Common Irritants: Steer clear of spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, and carbonated beverages, which can worsen ulcer symptoms.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: This helps to manage stomach acid levels and prevent irritation caused by large, heavy meals.
Consider Soothing Teas: Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger can help calm and reduce inflammation in the stomach.

Understanding the Role of Diet in Ulcer Healing

Stomach ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of the stomach, and while they are most often caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection or the overuse of NSAID pain relievers, diet plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting the healing process. A suitable diet can help protect the stomach lining, regulate acid production, and provide the necessary nutrients for tissue repair, while certain foods can exacerbate irritation and pain. There is no single food that can cure an ulcer, but a holistic approach to nutrition can make a significant difference in recovery.

Foods That Aid Stomach Ulcer Healing

High-Fiber Foods

Incorporating a variety of high-fiber foods can be highly beneficial for a person with a stomach ulcer. Fiber can help coat the stomach lining, reduce stomach acid levels, and improve overall digestion.

Oats: A rich source of soluble fiber that is gentle on the digestive system.
Beans and Lentils: Excellent sources of both fiber and protein, supporting tissue repair and digestive health.
Apples and Pears: These fruits, especially when cooked or peeled, contain pectin, a soluble fiber that soothes the digestive tract.
Sweet Potatoes and Carrots: Non-acidic vegetables that are loaded with fiber and nutrients like Vitamin A, which has anti-ulcer properties.

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for combating harmful bacteria like H. pylori.

Yogurt and Kefir: Plain, unsweetened varieties with live and active cultures can help balance the gut and aid in digestion.
Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut and kimchi are good sources of probiotics, though individuals should start with small portions to see how they are tolerated.
Miso and Tempeh: These fermented soy products are also excellent probiotic sources that can contribute to gut health.

Lean Proteins

Protein is vital for tissue repair and healing. Opting for lean, easily digestible protein sources is recommended over fatty or fried meats.

Skinless Chicken and Turkey: Low in fat and easy to digest.
Fish: Lean fish like cod or flounder, or fatty fish like salmon and sardines rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, can promote healing.
Eggs: Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs provide high-quality protein without being hard on the digestive system.
Tofu: A versatile plant-based protein that is easy to digest.

Non-Acidic Fruits and Vegetables

Avoiding overly acidic foods is crucial to prevent irritation. Non-acidic options are gentle on the stomach and packed with healing nutrients.

Bananas: Naturally alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acid.
Melons: Cantaloupe and watermelon are hydrating and non-acidic.
Broccoli and Cabbage: Both contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-H. pylori activity.
Bell Peppers and Berries: Loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C, which is essential for wound healing.

Healthy Fats and Soothing Herbs

Healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, while certain herbal teas have soothing properties that can provide relief.

Olive Oil and Avocado: Good sources of healthy fats that are generally well-tolerated.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger Tea: Can help with nausea and inflammation.
Honey and Licorice: Both have antibacterial properties and can soothe the stomach lining, though it is recommended to use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to avoid side effects.

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer

Spicy Foods: Hot peppers, chili, and heavily spiced dishes can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms.
Acidic Foods and Beverages: Tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), and vinegar can increase stomach acid.
Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks: Coffee, tea, and soda can stimulate acid production, causing irritation and bloating.
Alcohol: Can erode the stomach lining and should be completely avoided during healing.
Fried and Fatty Foods: These can slow down digestion, leading to bloating and excess stomach acid production.
Processed Foods: Often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and additives that can irritate the digestive system.

Best and Worst Foods for Stomach Ulcers: A Comparison


Best Foods	Worst Foods
High-fiber options (oats, beans, lentils)	Spicy dishes and hot peppers
Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir)	Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus)
Lean proteins (fish, chicken, eggs)	Caffeinated beverages (coffee, soda)
Non-acidic fruits (bananas, melon)	Alcohol and carbonated drinks
Gentle vegetables (broccoli, spinach)	Fatty and fried foods
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)	Processed meats (bacon, sausage)
Soothing herbal teas (chamomile)	Mint and peppermint

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Ulcer Symptoms

Beyond just what you eat, how and when you eat can also have a significant impact on your healing process. Following these tips can help reduce discomfort and support your recovery:

Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, consume five or six smaller, easily digestible meals throughout the day. This keeps stomach acid levels more stable and prevents overfilling the stomach, which can cause irritation.
Chew Your Food Thoroughly: Eating slowly and chewing properly can help aid digestion and reduce the amount of air swallowed, minimizing bloating and gas.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining the stomach's mucosal lining. Herbal teas are also a good option.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. This helps prevent acid reflux and stomach acid from irritating the ulcer.
Manage Stress: Stress can worsen ulcer symptoms and delay healing. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can be beneficial.

Conclusion

While a stomach ulcer requires medical treatment, dietary changes are an essential component of recovery. By focusing on nourishing, gentle foods that support gut health and avoiding common irritants, you can create an optimal environment for healing. Incorporating high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and probiotics can help soothe the stomach, while staying hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals can regulate acid levels. Remember that individual tolerance varies, so it is important to pay attention to your body's response to different foods. A proper diet, combined with your doctor's treatment plan, can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life during and after recovery. For more detailed information on vitamin C's role in gastric health, refer to the historical review from the NIH on Vitamin C, Gastritis, and Gastric Disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan for a stomach ulcer.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is generally recommended to avoid coffee, even decaffeinated, if you have a stomach ulcer. Coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the ulcer and worsen symptoms.

While spicy foods do not cause ulcers, they can irritate the stomach lining and increase discomfort for some people, especially during a flare-up. It is advisable to avoid them to prevent worsening symptoms.

Lean proteins are best, as they are easier to digest and less likely to cause irritation than fatty meats. Good options include skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like tofu and legumes.

Milk may provide temporary relief by coating the stomach, but it can also stimulate acid production, potentially causing more discomfort later. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products are often tolerated better, but everyone's response can vary.

Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt and kefir, can help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This is particularly useful if the ulcer is caused by H. pylori, as some probiotic strains can help fight the bacteria.

No, you don't need to avoid all fruit. You should focus on non-acidic varieties like bananas, apples (without skin), and melons, while being cautious with highly acidic options like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which can trigger symptoms.

The best drinks are water and non-caffeinated herbal teas like chamomile or ginger. These can help soothe the stomach and maintain hydration without irritating the ulcer.