Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of your stomach. Having a high amount of harmful, inflammatory gut bacteria can cause a stomach ulcer, as can certain medications, alcohol, and foods known to drive or worsen inflammation.
Fortunately, certain foods can help destroy harmful gut bacteria and resolve symptoms of stomach ulcers. An ideal diet for stomach ulcers typically includes lots of probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and other nutrient-dense options.
If you suffer from a stomach ulcer, here are tips on what to eat to reduce your symptoms and improve your condition.
Fruits
Fruits are high in fiber, which stimulates bowel movements and helps you stay regular. Fiber can reduce the amount of acid in your stomach to combat abdominal pain and bloating caused by peptic ulcers.
Fruits are also loaded with antioxidants that can fight inflammation and with nutrients that can help your stomach lining heal from an ulcer. Though nearly all fruits are great to include in diets for stomach ulcers, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, apples, and pomegranates are especially beneficial.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and symptoms caused by stomach ulcers. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are loaded with fiber which contributes to regularity. Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are all considered superfoods because of their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Avoid eating spicy peppers if they worsen your stomach ulcer symptoms, and try steaming or sauteing vegetables instead of eating them raw. Raw vegetables are typically more difficult to digest, which can increase your discomfort if you have a stomach ulcer.
Beans
Beans and legumes are good sources of fiber that can promote the healing of your stomach ulcer. Black beans, pinto beans, lentils, and kidney beans are some of the many legumes you can eat to ward off your symptoms.
Introduce beans into your diet gradually to help your body adjust to digesting them fully. Loading up on beans if you don’t usually eat them may lead to bloating, gas, and overall stomach discomfort.
Fish and Seafood
Many types of fish and seafood are high in vitamins and minerals—particularly omega-3 fatty acids—that can reduce inflammation and heal your stomach ulcer. Fish that are high in omega-3s include salmon, trout, sardines, tuna, and mackerel. Oysters are also a good option to include in diets for stomach ulcers.
Try to eat fresh, wild-caught fish whenever possible, as they typically contain a higher amount of nutrients and omega-3s than farm-raised fish. If you have difficulty including fresh fish in your diet, talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are high in probiotics which contain between millions and billions of live, healthy “good” gut bacteria. Probiotics can help destroy the bad gut bacteria that are contributing to stomach ulcers by introducing healthy bacteria back into the gut.
Kefir, yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh are some of the many fermented foods to include in your diet if you have a stomach ulcer. Probiotic supplements are also available if you are unable to get enough probiotics from foods alone.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber that can slow digestion while helping you stay regular. Whole grains can also soothe your stomach and symptoms of stomach ulcers while reducing your risk for other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Oats, quinoa, millet, bulgur, and barley are examples of healthy whole grains to include in your diet. When you buy bread or pasta, stick to buying whole-grain varieties. Consider eating whole grains for breakfast—such as oatmeal—and replace rice with quinoa in Asian dishes.
Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and compounds called polyphenols that can treat stomach ulcers by reducing inflammation, indigestion, gas, and abdominal pain. Studies show that green tea can also protect you from stomach cancer.
Try drinking a cup of green tea after breakfast and lunch while keeping in mind that it does contain small amounts of caffeine that could keep you up past bedtime if you drink it late in the afternoon. Add small amounts of honey or fresh citrus juice to your tea to enhance its flavor.
If you suffer from a stomach ulcer, avoid foods that can worsen inflammation and all your other symptoms. Foods to exclude from a stomach ulcer diet are coffee, cow’s milk products, fried foods, fatty processed meats, and alcohol. Ask your doctor for help developing a healthy meal plan that promotes good digestion, and that can accelerate the healing of your stomach ulcer.