Foods to Avoid in Ulcer
Discover which foods can irritate ulcers and hinder healing. Learn about the impact of spicy foods, acidic drinks, caffeine, and other common culprits. Find a list of foods to avoid and tips for creating an ulcer-friendly diet.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Peptic ulcers are painful open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus. They occur when the protective mucus lining of the stomach is damaged, often due to excess stomach acid or bacterial infections. These ulcers can cause significant discomfort, including pain, bloating, nausea, and indigestion.
If you have an ulcer, managing your diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms and promote healing. Certain foods can irritate the stomach lining, increase acid production, or delay the healing process. In this guide, we’ll explore the foods you should avoid if you have an ulcer and provide tips for making healthier dietary choices that will support your recovery and improve your overall digestive health.
1. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are a common culprit in aggravating ulcer symptoms. Many spicy dishes contain chilli peppers, which contain capsaicin—the compound responsible for the heat. Capsaicin can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, which can worsen ulcer pain and irritation.
Why to avoid spicy foods:
Increased stomach acid production: This can irritate the ulcer and delay healing.
Discomfort and burning: Spicy foods can cause a burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach, especially for those with existing ulcers.
What to avoid:
Hot curries and spicy stews
Salsas, chilli sauces, and spicy condiments
Snacks coated with chilli powder or hot spices
Alternative options: If you enjoy a bit of flavour, consider using milder spices like turmeric, ginger, or cinnamon, which are gentler on the stomach.
2. Acidic Foods
Foods that are high in acid, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, can further irritate an ulcer. Acidic foods increase the acidity in the stomach, making it harder for the ulcer to heal and potentially causing additional pain.
Why to avoid acidic foods:
Increased stomach acid: Citrus fruits and tomatoes can increase acidity in the stomach, which can aggravate ulcer symptoms.
Increased discomfort: These foods can cause burning sensations and make the ulcer feel worse.
What to avoid:
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
Tomatoes and tomato-based products (sauces, ketchup)
Vinegar and pickled foods
Alternative options: Instead of citrus fruits, try low-acid fruits like bananas, melons, and pears. You can also substitute tomatoes with non-acidic vegetables like cucumbers or zucchini.
3. Fried and Fatty Foods
Fried foods and those high in unhealthy fats can cause problems for individuals with ulcers. These foods are harder to digest and can lead to bloating, indigestion, and increased acid production.
Why to avoid fried and fatty foods:
Delayed digestion: Fried foods slow down the stomach’s ability to empty, leading to discomfort, bloating, and indigestion.
Increased acid production: High-fat foods stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, aggravating the ulcer.
What to avoid:
Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts
Fatty cuts of meat, processed meats like sausages or bacon
Full-fat dairy products (e.g., cheese, butter, cream)
Alternative options: Choose lean meats like grilled chicken, turkey, or fish, and opt for healthier fats from sources like avocados or olive oil. Baking, grilling, or steaming your food instead of frying can also reduce irritation.
4. Dairy Products (in Large Quantities)
While small amounts of dairy can be tolerated by some ulcer patients, consuming large quantities can lead to problems. Initially, dairy may neutralise stomach acid, providing temporary relief. However, over time, it can stimulate more acid production, which might worsen symptoms.
Why to avoid large amounts of dairy:
Acid rebound: Dairy products can initially soothe the stomach but may trigger a rebound increase in acid production later on.
Bloating and discomfort: Full-fat dairy can be hard to digest and may contribute to bloating and discomfort.
What to avoid:
Full-fat milk, cheese, and cream
Ice cream and milkshakes
Alternative options: Stick to low-fat or non-fat dairy products like skim milk or low-fat yoghurt. You may also want to consider plant-based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk if you find dairy particularly bothersome.
5. Processed Meats and Smoked Foods
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, and deli meats, contain high levels of salt, fat, and preservatives, all of which can irritate the stomach and delay healing.
Why to avoid processed meats:
Increased stomach acid: These meats can lead to an increase in acid production, making it harder for the ulcer to heal.
Irritation from preservatives: Chemicals like nitrates and nitrites found in processed and smoked meats can aggravate the stomach lining.
What to avoid:
Bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats
Smoked meats and fish
Alternative options: Choose fresh, unprocessed meats like grilled chicken, turkey, or lean cuts of beef. These are easier on the stomach and provide the necessary protein for healing.
6. Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols
Some sugar substitutes can be problematic for ulcer sufferers. Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in the stomach, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms.
Why to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols:
Digestive upset: These ingredients can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort, which can irritate the ulcer.
Increased inflammation: Some artificial sweeteners may contribute to inflammation in the stomach.
What to avoid:
Sugar-free gum and candies
Sugar-free snacks and beverages with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose
Products containing sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol
Alternative options: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation, or simply rely on the natural sweetness of fruits like bananas or berries.
7. High-Fiber Foods (in Some Cases)
While fibre is essential for overall digestive health, some high-fibre foods can irritate the stomach lining in people with ulcers. High-fiber foods can be difficult to digest, especially when raw, and may cause bloating or discomfort.
Why to limit high-fibre foods:
Stomach irritation: High-fiber foods, particularly raw vegetables and whole grains may exacerbate irritation in the stomach lining.
Increased bloating and gas: Some high-fibre foods can produce gas and bloating, making ulcer pain worse.
What to avoid:
Raw vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
Whole grains and bran
Alternative options: Opt for cooked vegetables, which are easier to digest. White rice, refined pasta, and oatmeal (in small amounts) are also gentler on the stomach.
8. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, can aggravate ulcer symptoms. Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can worsen inflammation and discomfort in the stomach lining.
Why to avoid caffeinated beverages:
Increased stomach acid production: Like spicy foods, caffeine can irritate the ulcer by increasing acid secretion.
Increased risk of acid reflux: Caffeine may relax the lower oesophagal sphincter, allowing acid to move from the stomach into the oesophagus, causing heartburn.
What to avoid:
Coffee, tea (both caffeinated and energy drinks)
Sodas and soft drinks
Energy drinks
Alternative options: Opt for herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, which can soothe the stomach, or drink water with a slice of cucumber or lemon (in moderation) for a refreshing and soothing alternative.
9. Alcohol
Alcohol is another irritant that should be avoided when dealing with ulcers. It can worsen the condition by increasing stomach acid and irritating the lining of the stomach.
Why to avoid alcohol:
Irritation to the stomach lining: Alcohol can disrupt the protective mucus lining of the stomach, making it more vulnerable to acid and bacteria.
Delayed ulcer healing: Excessive alcohol consumption can slow the healing process and may even lead to further complications, such as ulcer bleeding.
What to avoid:
Beer, wine, and liquor
Cocktails with high alcohol content
Alternative options: Opt for non-alcoholic beverages like mineral water, herbal tea, or fresh fruit juices, which are gentler on the stomach.
Conclusion
Managing a peptic ulcer involves more than just taking medications. The foods you eat play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and promoting healing. By avoiding foods that irritate the stomach lining, increase acid production, or slow healing, you can reduce discomfort and support your recovery.
Remember, dietary changes should complement your treatment plan, and it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to tailor a diet that suits your specific needs. Though it may take some time to adjust, following these guidelines will help you take control of your ulcer and support your overall digestive health.
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