Stomach Ulcer Diet: Foods, Meal Plans, and Tips
Learn about the stomach ulcer diet — best foods, meal plans, and dietary tips to reduce pain and support healing. Discover what to eat, avoid, and how to plan soothing meals for ulcer comfort.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 29th Oct, 2025
Introduction
When you’re dealing with a stomach ulcer, every bite can feel like a gamble—will this soothe or sting? The good news: while a stomach ulcer is usually caused by H. pylori bacteria or certain pain medicines (NSAIDs), the right stomach ulcer diet can help calm irritation, support healing, and make daily life more comfortable. Think of diet as your day-to-day ally alongside medical treatment—not a cure, but a powerful tool to reduce pain, acidity, and inflammation while your stomach lining repairs.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to eat (and what to skip), why certain foods can help heal the lining, and how to plan an ulcer-friendly week of meals without feeling deprived. We’ll walk through evidence-based choices like probiotics and fibre, smart swaps for your favourite cuisines, and under-the-radar tips like texture and meal timing. You’ll also get ideas for eating out, shopping on a budget, and navigating medications. If symptoms persist or worsen, you’ll find guidance on when to seek medical help. Let’s make your stomach ulcer diet practical, flavourful, and sustainable.
What is a stomach ulcer? Causes, symptoms, and why diet matters
Here’s what you need to know about stomach ulcers and how diet plays a role:
- A stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. Most ulcers are caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Less commonly, severe stress or other conditions can contribute. Diet does not cause ulcers, but it can either aggravate symptoms or help your stomach lining heal more comfortably.
- Typical symptoms include burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, early fullness, or pain that improves after eating but returns a few hours later. Red flags that need urgent care include black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, sudden severe pain, unintentional weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms that don’t improve with treatment.
Why diet matters: foods influence acid production, gastric emptying, and mucosal protection. - Ulcer-friendly choices help by reducing acidity, avoiding mechanical irritation, and supporting the mucus barrier. For instance, fermented dairy like yoghurt with live cultures can be soothing and provide probiotics; soluble fibre such as oats and bananas can form a gentle gel that protects the lining; and omega-3s may reduce inflammation. On the other hand, alcohol, high-fat fried foods, and certain caffeinated beverages can stimulate acid or delay stomach emptying, worsening symptoms. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for further evaluation.
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H. pylori and NSAIDs: the two big drivers
- H. pylori weakens the protective mucus and inflames the lining, increasing susceptibility to acid damage. Eradication requires antibiotics plus acid suppression.
- NSAIDs reduce prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, making it prone to injury.
Symptoms and red flags
- Common: epigastric pain, nausea, bloating.
- Urgent: bleeding, severe pain, weight loss, persistent vomiting.
How food can soothe (or irritate) the lining
- Soothers: low-acid fruits, cooked vegetables, lean proteins, oats, banana.
- Irritants: alcohol, very spicy or fatty meals, excess coffee.
How diet supports healing: science of acid, mucus, and microbes
Here’s how food helps restore balance in your stomach and promote healing:
- Healing depends on the balance between acid aggression and mucosal defence. Acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors tip the scale toward healing, and a supportive stomach ulcer diet helps by lowering triggers and enhancing the mucus barrier.
- Large, fatty meals delay gastric emptying and can increase reflux and acid exposure. Smaller, more frequent meals mitigate pressure and acid pooling. Soluble fibre like oats, barley, and psyllium forms a gel that buffers acid and protects the mucosa. Gentle foods such as bananas and cooked carrots are naturally low in acid and easy on the stomach. Omega-3 fats from fish may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Probiotics from yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or miso can reduce antibiotic side effects and modestly improve H. pylori eradication when used alongside standard therapy. Prebiotics like inulin and resistant starch from cooled potatoes or rice feed beneficial microbes that support gut health.
- Texture and temperature also matter. During a flare-up, opt for soft textures like porridges, soups, yoghurt, and scrambled eggs. Very rough raw salads, crusty breads, or extremely hot or cold foods can irritate the stomach. Avoid eating within 2–3 hours of bedtime to reduce acid reflux at night.
Texture and temperature: overlooked factors
- Choose soft, well-cooked textures during flares.
- Aim for warm, not piping hot; avoid ice-cold drinks if they aggravate symptoms.
Best foods for a stomach ulcer diet
Here’s what to include in your meals for comfort and healing:
A stomach ulcer diet emphasises low-acid, soothing foods, steady energy, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Soothing, low-acid staples:
- Grains: oatmeal, cream of rice, well-cooked rice or quinoa, semolina, soft whole-wheat chapati if tolerated.
- Fruits: ripe bananas, melons, peeled pears or apples stewed or baked, papaya.
- Vegetables: cooked carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, green beans, spinach, potatoes, beets.
- Proteins: eggs, tofu, skinless chicken, turkey, white fish, lentils, yogurt with live cultures.
- Fats: olive oil, small amounts of ghee, avocado, omega-3-rich fish like salmon or sardines.
Probiotic and prebiotic choices:
- Probiotics: yogurt, kefir, lassi, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh.
- Prebiotics: cooked onions or garlic, ripe bananas, oats, barley, cooled rice or potatoes.
Flavonoids, fibre, and omega-3s:
- Flavonoids from berries, apples, and green tea support anti-inflammatory defences.
- Soluble fibre from oats or psyllium helps buffer acid.
- Omega-3s support mucosal repair.
Practical tip: build meals with the “Soothe 50–25–25” rule—half vegetables, a quarter gentle grains, and a quarter lean protein, plus a drizzle of healthy fat.
Foods and drinks to limit or avoid
Here’s what to watch out for in your diet to prevent flare-ups:
While tolerance varies, some foods commonly worsen symptoms.
Alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks:
- Alcohol erodes the stomach lining and increases bleeding risk.
- Coffee can stimulate acid; many do better limiting it.
- Fizzy drinks can worsen bloating and acid discomfort.
Spicy, fatty, and fried foods:
- Spicy foods may irritate existing ulcers.
- Fried and high-fat foods delay stomach emptying.
Tobacco and NSAIDs:
- Smoking delays healing.
- NSAIDs can worsen ulcers—ask your doctor about alternatives.
Keep a food diary to identify personal triggers like citrus, tomato sauce, or mint.
7-day ulcer-friendly meal plan (with swaps for different cuisines)
Here’s a simple week-long plan to guide your meals:
This plan includes gentle textures, balanced nutrients, and easy swaps for various cuisines.
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Functional foods and supplements: what the evidence says
Here’s what research says about foods and supplements for ulcer healing:
- Probiotics can reduce antibiotic side effects and slightly improve H. pylori eradication. Broccoli sprouts, cranberry, and green tea show potential benefits, while honey (especially manuka) offers mild antimicrobial support. Supplements are adjuncts, not replacements for prescribed therapy.
Lifestyle beyond the plate
Here’s how habits outside of diet help in recovery:
- Avoid lying down soon after meals, practise relaxation techniques, and aim for consistent sleep.
- Smoking cessation and alcohol avoidance are key for faster healing.
Medications, timing, and food interactions
Here’s how to take medications safely with your ulcer diet:
- PPIs work best before meals, while antibiotics must be completed as prescribed. Space
- supplements like calcium or iron several hours apart from medications.
Special situations
Here’s how to adapt your diet for specific cases:
- Pregnancy, older adults, or those with GERD need tailored adjustments to reduce discomfort and maintain nutrition.
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Smart shopping and label reading
Here’s how to make ulcer-friendly choices at the store:
- Pick low-acid fruits, lean proteins, and soft vegetables. Check for live cultures in yogurt, and avoid products with high salt, spice, or caffeine.
Dining out without flare-ups
Here’s how to eat out wisely without triggering symptoms:
- Choose grilled or steamed foods, ask for mild seasoning, and eat smaller portions. Avoid late-night heavy meals and carbonated drinks.
Budget-friendly ulcer diet strategies
Here’s how to eat well for less:
- Batch-cook soups, use lentils and eggs for protein, buy frozen produce, and make homemade broths.
Conclusion and next steps
Here’s how to put your ulcer diet into practice:
A stomach ulcer diet makes digestion easier and supports healing. Emphasise soft, soothing foods and smaller meals while avoiding alcohol and heavy fats. Diet is supportive, not curative—see a doctor if symptoms persist. Confirm H. pylori eradication after therapy, and start by rotating a few simple, ulcer-friendly meals. With consistent care and mindful eating, comfort and recovery are well within reach.
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Ms. Sushma Jaiswal
Dietician
42 Years • M.Sc.(Food & Nutrition)
Bengaluru
Swasthya Nutrition, Bengaluru
Neelanjana J
clinical nutrition
3 Years • Bsc., Msc. Nutrition and Dietetics.
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
G. Divya
Dietician
5 Years • MSC. in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Koramangala, Bengaluru
Ms. Sreeparna Dey Dhara Deb
Dietician
10 Years • DNHE
Bansdroni
Siddhita Healthcare., Bansdroni
Ms. Soma Saha
clinical nutrition
17 Years • B.Sc. - Home Science (Food & Nutrition), M.Sc. - Home Science (Food & Nutrition)
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
Consult Top Specialists Here
Ms. Sushma Jaiswal
Dietician
42 Years • M.Sc.(Food & Nutrition)
Bengaluru
Swasthya Nutrition, Bengaluru
Neelanjana J
clinical nutrition
3 Years • Bsc., Msc. Nutrition and Dietetics.
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
G. Divya
Dietician
5 Years • MSC. in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Koramangala, Bengaluru
Ms. Sreeparna Dey Dhara Deb
Dietician
10 Years • DNHE
Bansdroni
Siddhita Healthcare., Bansdroni
Ms. Soma Saha
clinical nutrition
17 Years • B.Sc. - Home Science (Food & Nutrition), M.Sc. - Home Science (Food & Nutrition)
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best breakfast for a stomach ulcer?
Try oatmeal with stewed fruit, yoghurt with ripe banana, or soft scrambled eggs with toast.
Can I drink coffee if I have an ulcer?
Coffee may trigger acid; try weak or decaf options and monitor your response.
Do probiotics help with H. pylori?
Yes, they can ease side effects of antibiotics and slightly improve eradication rates.
Which fruits are safe during a flare?
Ripe bananas, melons, papaya, and cooked apples or pears are gentle and low-acid.
What should I eat during a stomach ulcer flare-up?
Soft, bland foods like porridge, soups, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes are best. Avoid alcohol, fried food, and late-night meals.