Dietary Guidelines for Managing Stomach Ulcers

• Avoid Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcer symptoms. Avoid dishes with chili peppers, hot sauces, and excessive use of black pepper.
• Limit Citrus Fruits and Juices: Citrus fruits and their juices (like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits) can be acidic and irritating to ulcers. Limit your intake or dilute citrus juices with water.
• Cut Down on Caffeine: Caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid and exacerbate ulcer symptoms. Reduce or eliminate your intake of coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided by ulcer patients.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking can slow the healing of ulcers and increase the risk of complications. Quitting smoking is essential for ulcer management.
• Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for lean sources of protein like skinless poultry, fish, lean cuts of meat, tofu, and legumes. These are less likely to stimulate stomach acid production.
• Include High-Fiber Foods: Fiber can help protect the stomach lining. Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, if high-fiber foods worsen your symptoms, you may need to temporarily reduce your fiber intake.
• Probiotic Foods: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live active cultures can be beneficial for some people as they may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the amount of acid your stomach needs to produce at one time.
• Milk and Dairy: While milk may provide temporary relief, it can stimulate acid production in the long term. If milk helps alleviate symptoms, it’s okay to consume it in moderation.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help neutralize stomach acid and maintain overall health.
• Limit NSAIDs: Avoid or limit the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers.

Remember that everyone’s tolerance to specific foods can vary. It’s essential to pay attention to your body’s response and adjust your diet accordingly. Keep a food diary to track which foods worsen or improve your symptoms.

Additionally, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan for your stomach ulcer, which may include medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. Dietary changes should complement medical treatment and not replace it.