Diet for Stomach Ulcers and Gastritis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is a diet for stomach ulcers and gastritis?

A diet for stomach ulcers and gastritis is a meal plan that limits foods that irritate your stomach. Certain foods may worsen symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, or indigestion.

Which foods should I limit or avoid?

You may need to avoid acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods worsen your symptoms and limit those foods. The following are some foods that may worsen ulcer or gastritis symptoms:

• Beverages to avoid:
  • Whole milk and chocolate milk
  • Hot cocoa and cola
  • Any beverage with caffeine
  • Regular and decaffeinated coffee
  • Peppermint and spearmint tea
  • Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
  • Orange and grapefruit juices
  • Drinks that contain alcohol
• Spices and seasonings to avoid:
  • Black and red pepper
  • Chili and curry powder
  • Mustard seed and nutmeg
• Other foods to avoid:
  • Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
  • Fast foods and fried foods
  • Foods that contain added salt and sugar
  • Chocolate
  • Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
  • Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
  • Hot chiles and peppers
  • Citrus fruits, or tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Which foods can I eat and drink?

Eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups. Foods high in fiber may be easier to digest and may give relief from your symptoms. The following foods may help manage your symptoms:

• Fruits and vegetables cooked without added sugar or fat. Choose low acid fruits and vegetables such as apples, melons, pumpkins, and carrots.
• Whole grains including whole-wheat breads, oatmeal, cereals, pasta, and brown rice.
• Proteins such as lean meats, poultry (skinless chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Clear soups and chicken broth are easier to digest than cream soups.
• Low fat dairy products may include low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk, soy milk, powdered milk, and nonfat or low-fat cheese.
• Fats and oils should be limited to less than 8 teaspoons per day. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Choose low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise.
• Beverages such as herbal teas (except peppermint and spearmint).

What other guidelines may be helpful?

• Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before you lie down. Lying down after a meal may trigger heartburn.
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Your stomach may tolerate small meals, every 2 to 3 hours better than 3 large meals.
• Use low-fat cooking methods. These include baking, steaming, poaching, and boiling. Try not to deep-fat fry, pan-fry, or air-fry your food.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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