⭐ Why Nutrition Matters in Peptic Ulcer Disease
Food cannot cure an ulcer alone, but proper nutrition helps to:
Reduce stomach acid irritation
Support tissue healing
Prevent pain, bloating, and heartburn
Restore appetite and nutrient balance
Reduce recurrence by lowering inflammation
A well-planned diet works hand-in-hand with medical treatment.
Best Foods for Peptic Ulcer Healing
✅ 1. High-Fiber Foods
Fiber reduces gastric acid levels and supports gut healing.
Good choices:
Oats, whole wheat bread
Brown rice
Beans, lentils
Fruits (banana, apple, pawpaw)
Vegetables (carrot, pumpkin, cabbage)
Bananas specifically help coat the ulcer surface and reduce acidity.
✅ 2. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics help fight H. pylori, restore gut balance, and reduce inflammation.
Examples:
Yogurt with live cultures
Kefir
Fermented foods like kimchi or kombucha (if tolerated)
✅ 3. Lean Proteins
These support tissue repair without irritating the stomach.
Choose:
Skinless chicken
Turkey
Fish
Eggs
Plant proteins (beans, soy, lentils)
Cook by boiling, grilling, or steaming — avoid frying.
✅ 4. Low-Acid Fruits and Vegetables
These are gentle on the stomach.
Examples:
Pawpaw
Watermelon
Mango
Carrots
Pumpkin
Spinach
✅ 5. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats fight inflammation and promote healing.
Choose:
Olive oil
Avocado
Groundnuts/peanuts (small amounts)
Seeds (chia, flaxseed)
Foods to Limit or Avoid for Peptic Ulcer
❌ 1. Alcohol and Smoking
These delay ulcer healing and increase acid secretion.
❌ 2. Spicy Foods
Chili pepper, black pepper, and hot spices can worsen pain and irritation.
❌ 3. Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks
Avoid:
Coffee
Energy drinks
Coke/fanta/sprite
These stimulate acid production.
❌ 4. Fried and Fatty Foods
These slow gastric emptying and worsen bloating and reflux.
❌ 5. Highly Acidic Foods (if symptomatic)
These may trigger pain in some people:
Citrus juice (orange, lemon)
Tomato products
Vinegar-based foods
Healthy Meal Plan Sample for Peptic Ulcer
Breakfast
Oat porridge with banana
Boiled egg
Warm herbal tea (ginger/moringa)
Lunch
Rice with grilled fish
Light vegetable stew (non-spicy)
Pawpaw slices
Snack
Yogurt with live cultures
Small handful of nuts
Dinner
Boiled yam with garden egg stew (low oil)
Steamed vegetables
Before Bed
A cup of warm milk or non-acidic fruit
General Nutrition Tips for People With Peptic Ulcer
Eat small, frequent meals
Avoid lying down immediately after eating
Reduce stress (can worsen symptoms)
Stay hydrated
Include probiotic foods daily
Limit NSAID use and consult your doctor
Conclusion
Nutritional management is a key component in the healing of peptic ulcers. A diet rich in fiber, probiotics, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables — combined with avoiding spicy, acidic, caffeinated, and fried foods — helps reduce symptoms and promote recovery. When paired with the right medications, good nutrition helps the stomach repair faster and prevents future flare-ups.