What foods are good for ulcers in India? A Comprehensive Guide

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published by PMC, consuming a fiber-rich and low-acid diet is highly beneficial for managing and healing peptic ulcers. In the diverse culinary landscape of India, numerous traditional and modern food choices can help soothe the stomach lining and aid in recovery, combining ancient wisdom with scientific principles.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the best Indian foods for managing and healing ulcers, focusing on incorporating fiber-rich staples, soothing probiotics, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It details which foods to include and which to avoid, offering practical dietary tips for symptom relief and overall gut health.

Key Points

Embrace Fiber: Include staples like oats, brown rice, millets (ragi), and lentils (dal) to help regulate digestion and buffer stomach acid.
Choose Soothing Probiotics: Consume plain curd (dahi) or yoghurt regularly to help restore healthy gut bacteria, especially if an H. pylori infection is present.
Opt for Gentle Fruits and Vegetables: Favor non-acidic options like bananas, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens like agathi keerai, rich in healing vitamins and antioxidants.
Incorporate Traditional Remedies: Utilize anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and turmeric, and herbal supplements like licorice root (Yashtimadhu) and karpooravalli, known for their healing properties.
Avoid Spicy, Acidic, and Fried Foods: Stay away from irritants such as chillies, acidic fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, and carbonated/alcoholic beverages that can aggravate ulcer symptoms.
Prioritize Healthy Habits: Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid eating close to bedtime to prevent acid buildup and discomfort.
Cook with Care: Use simple cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and light sautéing with healthy fats instead of deep-frying and excessive spices.

Understanding Ulcers and Diet

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus. While factors like H. pylori bacteria and NSAID use are the primary causes, diet plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting the healing process. The right food choices can reduce stomach acid, soothe irritation, and provide the necessary nutrients for tissue repair. Conversely, irritating foods can exacerbate pain and inflammation, prolonging recovery.

Healing Indian Foods for Ulcer Management

In India, a wide variety of ingredients are naturally suited for an ulcer-friendly diet. The focus is on gentle, nourishing, and easily digestible foods that don't trigger excessive stomach acid.

Fibre-Rich Indian Staples

High-fiber foods are essential as they help regulate digestion and act as a buffer against stomach acid.

Oats (Dalia): A great breakfast option, oatmeal is gentle on the stomach and a good source of fiber.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and millets like ragi (finger millet) are excellent sources of fiber. For example, Ambali, a traditional South Indian drink made with ragi flour and buttermilk, is highly beneficial for digestion and can help with stomach problems.
Legumes (Dal): Lentils and chickpeas (chana) are high in fiber and lean protein, supporting tissue repair. Moong dal is particularly easy to digest.

Probiotics from Indian Kitchens

Probiotic-rich foods help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, which is particularly helpful if an H. pylori infection is present.

Curd (Dahi) and Yoghurt: Containing live cultures, plain, low-fat dahi can help balance the stomach environment and soothe irritation.
Kefir: A fermented milk drink with a higher concentration of probiotics than yoghurt, kefir promotes a healthy digestive system.

Soothing Fruits and Vegetables

Opt for non-acidic fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which aid in healing.

Bananas, Apples, and Pears: These are gentle on the stomach and provide soothing fiber.
Sweet Potatoes and Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes are believed to help heal the stomach lining. Carrots are also beneficial.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals. The traditional South Indian recipe Agathi keerai thanni saaru, made with agathi leaves, is known to be good for mouth and stomach ulcers.

Ayurvedic and Traditional Ingredients

Several traditional Indian remedies have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, ginger can reduce stomach irritation. Ginger tea can be a soothing beverage.
Turmeric: The active compound curcumin in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation.
Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu): This root can help protect the stomach lining by increasing mucus production.
Indian Borage (Karpooravalli): Leaves from this plant can be used to make a thuvaiyal or chutney that aids digestion and soothes the throat and stomach.
Angaya Podi: This nutritious powder, used in South Indian cuisine, helps with digestion and stomach issues.

Comparison of Ulcer-Friendly vs. Irritating Indian Foods


Feature	Ulcer-Friendly Indian Foods	Irritating Indian Foods to Limit/Avoid
Flavor Profile	Mild, non-spicy, soothing	Spicy, pungent, high-acid
Key Ingredients	Oats, dahi, bananas, sweet potatoes, moong dal, ginger, turmeric	Chillies, tomatoes, onions, strong mustard, spicy pickles
Protein Sources	Lean meats (chicken, fish), lentils, tofu	Fatty meats, processed meats (sausages), spicy curries
Beverages	Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile), milk, buttermilk, water	Coffee, strong black tea, carbonated drinks, alcohol
Cooking Method	Steamed, boiled, baked, light sautéing	Fried (pakoras, puris), heavily spiced, rich curries

Foods to Limit or Avoid for Ulcer Healing

Certain foods common in Indian cuisine can aggravate ulcer symptoms and should be avoided or consumed with caution.

Spicy and Pungent Foods

Chillies (Lal Mirch) and Hot Spices: These are major irritants to the stomach lining. The 'reflux masala' recipe highlights that many common spices need to be avoided during acid reflux.
Spicy Pickles (Achar): Often containing high acid and spice levels, these can worsen symptoms.

Acidic Fruits and Vegetables

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are highly acidic and should be limited.
Tomatoes: Tomato-based products like sauces and curries are acidic and can trigger discomfort.

Beverages

Caffeine: Coffee and strong tea can increase stomach acid production and irritate the ulcer.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can directly irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided.
Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and fizzy drinks cause bloating and can worsen ulcer symptoms.

Fatty and Fried Foods

Fried Snacks: Samosas, pakoras, and other deep-fried foods are high in fat and can slow digestion.
High-Fat Meats: Fatty cuts of meat and processed varieties can be difficult to digest.

Conclusion: A Balanced, Soothing Approach

Healing ulcers in India involves a balanced dietary approach that focuses on soothing, nutrient-rich foods while avoiding irritants. Incorporating staples like moong dal, ragi, and curd, along with medicinal herbs like ginger and turmeric, can support a healthy gut. Crucially, maintaining habits like eating smaller, more frequent meals and managing stress also contribute significantly to healing. While this guide provides general dietary advice, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan. By making mindful food choices, you can effectively manage ulcer symptoms and foster a healthier digestive system. For more information on nutritional care for peptic ulcers, refer to the study in the National Institutes of Health database.

Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4743227/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, spicy food does not cause ulcers, but it can significantly irritate the stomach lining and worsen existing ulcer symptoms. It is best to avoid hot chillies, strong spices, and spicy curries if you have an ulcer.

Yes, plain, low-fat curd (dahi) and yoghurt are beneficial for ulcers. They contain probiotics, which help balance gut bacteria and can aid in healing, particularly when an H. pylori infection is involved.

While some spices are beneficial, others can cause irritation. Avoid hot spices like red chilli powder, black pepper, and excessive garam masala. Spices like turmeric and ginger, however, have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in moderation.

Ambali is a traditional South Indian drink made from fermented ragi (finger millet) flour and buttermilk. It is known to aid digestion and is often recommended for stomach problems and mouth ulcers due to its soothing and probiotic properties.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and strong tea can stimulate stomach acid production and should be limited or avoided. Herbal teas, particularly ginger or chamomile, are better, soothing alternatives.

No, traditional Indian pickles (achar) should be avoided. They are often high in both acid (from lemon or vinegar) and spices, which can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcer symptoms.

Yes. Leafy greens like agathi keerai, known for its ability to heal mouth and stomach ulcers, and herbs like karpooravalli, which aids digestion, can be beneficial. Additionally, vegetables rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes and carrots, support the healing process.