10 Foods People With Stomach Ulcers Should Avoid

A common way that people with ulcers, especially peptic ulcers, find relief is to stay away from foods that can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause an increase in the production of stomach acid.

If you’ve been told you have stomach ulcers, it’s critical to eat a diet that supports healing and helps control symptoms.

While individual tolerance to foods can vary, here are some common foods that ulcer patients may want to avoid:

1. Spicy foods: Spices, such as chili peppers and hot sauces, can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate ulcer symptoms.

2. Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are acidic and may irritate the stomach lining.

3. Tomatoes and tomato-based products: Tomatoes and tomato-based products, like sauces and ketchup, are acidic and can be problematic for some ulcer patients.

4. Coffee and caffeinated beverages: Caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms.

5. Chocolate: Chocolate contains compounds that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

6. Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production, which can be detrimental for individuals with ulcers.

7. Fried and fatty foods: High-fat and fried foods can delay stomach emptying, leading to increased pressure on the stomach and potentially worsening ulcer symptoms.