Stomach Ulcers: What Should You Eat to Help Soothe the Pain?

A stomach ulcer (or gastric ulcer) is an open sore that develops in the lining of the stomach. An ulcer is generally defined as a break in the stomach lining measuring at least 5 mm in diameter. It occurs when the stomach's protective lining is no longer able to withstand the highly acidic and digestive effects of gastric juices. Ulcers of the duodenum and the distal prepyloric region of the stomach are associated with increased stomach acid production. In contrast, people with gastric ulcers usually have normal or even reduced acid secretion. In these cases, the ulcer is thought to result primarily from a weakened or damaged protective lining rather than excess acid.

Stomach ulcers rarely develop near the entrance of the stomach but are more commonly found along the lesser curvature, closer to the stomach's outlet. They often begin with irritation of the stomach lining, causing mild discomfort that may go unnoticed. As the condition progresses, a characteristic symptom may appear: hunger-like pain that occurs on an empty stomach and is temporarily relieved by eating. This happens because food briefly buffers stomach acid, reducing its direct contact with the damaged lining. Once digestion resumes, the acid can once again irritate the unprotected tissue, causing the pain to return. Normally, the stomach's protective mechanisms prevent it from digesting itself, but when the lining is damaged, these natural defences become less effective.

It is worth noting that stomach ulcers are generally more common in men than in women. While stress itself is not considered a direct cause of ulcers, ongoing stress and emotional strain may worsen symptoms or slow the healing process in some people. Chronic irritation of the stomach lining can also contribute to the development or worsening of an ulcer. Identifying and avoiding factors that irritate the stomach is therefore an important part of managing the condition.

Overeating, irregular eating habits and diets that are unbalanced or excessively high in fats are all factors that can generate harmful and toxic substances in the body. These factors can damage the gastric mucosa, disrupt stomach function, and lead to malfunctions throughout the body. The stomach lining can be damaged not only by insufficient chewing, but also by consuming spoiled food, alcohol or medication abuse, smoking, drinking coffee, eating food that is too hot or too cold, as well as gastrointestinal infections.

If a stomach ulcer is left untreated, it can progress to form a crater, and despite partial healing of the stomach lining, a perforation may occur, causing stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This triggers peritoneal inflammation with severe pain, a rapid pulse, and vomiting. The abdomen becomes tense and hard as wood, requiring immediate hospital intervention. Stomach ulcers have the potential to spread and affect neighboring organs such as the pancreas, liver, and mesentery of the transverse colon. The majority of gastric ulcers result from excessive acidity.

The nutritional goal is to reduce irritation of the inflamed stomach lining while helping to limit acid secretion and excessive stomach stimulation. If you have a stomach ulcer, it is generally advisable to avoid meals that are very high in fat or sugar. Highly acidic foods, such as vinegar, citrus fruits and spicy foods, especially hot spices, may also aggravate symptoms and are best limited if they cause discomfort. Foods rich in cooked fats and animal fats, including processed meats, cream and butter, should also be eaten in moderation. Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can help make digestion easier. Meals are best enjoyed in a calm, relaxed environment and should be light, moderate in size and spread throughout the day rather than eaten as large portions. Some people choose to include brewer's yeast as part of a balanced diet, although evidence for its benefits in managing stomach ulcers is limited. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol and to limit tea and coffee if they worsen your symptoms. Finally, very hot foods and drinks, as well as extremely cold foods, should be avoided if they irritate the stomach. Adapting your diet to your individual tolerance, alongside appropriate medical treatment, is the best approach to supporting healing.

Expert Advice

Before making any significant changes to your diet, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional. A stomach ulcer requires an accurate diagnosis, which is based on a medical assessment and, when necessary, additional investigations. A doctor can determine the severity of the condition, identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Stomach ulcers can have several causes, including Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in some cases, other individual risk factors. Depending on the cause, treatment may include acid-reducing medications, antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, or other therapies tailored to your needs. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment may delay appropriate care and increase the risk of complications. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures you receive personalised advice, appropriate treatment and the medical follow-up needed to support optimal healing.

Some foods are known to stimulate stomach acid production or may irritate an already inflamed stomach lining, so they should be consumed with caution. This is particularly true of acidic fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, oranges, kiwis and certain berries, especially if they worsen your symptoms. Instead, choose milder fruits such as melon, peaches, pears and bananas, which are generally better tolerated. Because tolerance varies from person to person, it is best to pay attention to how your body responds and adjust your diet accordingly.

Foods generally recommended for gastric disorders are dairy products. Milk and dairy products can provide temporary relief by acting as a buffer that partially neutralises stomach acid. However, unlike past recommendations, there is no need to follow an exclusively milk-based diet. In fact, while milk may briefly soothe symptoms, it can also stimulate acid production later on in some people. If you have a stomach ulcer or gastritis, well-tolerated dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, custards or milk puddings, can be included as part of a balanced diet. An ovo-lacto vegetarian diet (including eggs and dairy) may also be suitable, but it is important to maintain a varied diet that provides a wide range of nutrients. As tolerance differs from person to person, choose foods and drinks that you find comfortable and discuss any dietary concerns with your healthcare professional.

Distinctive symptoms of a stomach ulcer include gastric pain resembling a burning sensation, particularly felt during meals or immediately afterwards (advanced pain). These symptoms are usually accompanied by belching, dizziness and vomiting.

Treatment for a stomach ulcer is now primarily based on medication. The aim is to promote healing by reducing stomach acid while treating the underlying cause. If the ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment usually combines antibiotics, typically prescribed for around 7 days, with acid-reducing medication, such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which is generally taken for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the ulcer and your doctor's recommendations.

At the end of treatment, a follow-up gastroscopy may be recommended, particularly for stomach ulcers, to confirm that the ulcer has healed and to rule out other conditions. In the case of duodenal ulcers, H. pylori eradication therapy is often sufficient, with antibiotic treatment usually lasting 7 to 14 days, although the exact duration depends on the prescribed treatment regimen. Today, surgery is rarely required and is generally reserved for serious complications, such as bleeding or perforation, or for ulcers that do not heal despite appropriate medical treatment. With prompt diagnosis and suitable treatment, most uncomplicated stomach ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks.

In most cases, stomach and duodenal ulcers heal successfully with appropriate medical treatment. However, if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, including bleeding, and, more rarely, perforation of the stomach or intestinal wall, both of which require urgent medical attention. A persistent stomach ulcer, particularly one associated with long-term Helicobacter pylori infection, may also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you have symptoms suggestive of an ulcer and to complete the recommended treatment and follow-up. Early diagnosis and appropriate care greatly reduce the risk of complications.

Gipsy graduated from ESJ Paris and spent 10 years working in general and women’s magazines before specialising in health and wellbeing. Now a certified Yin Yoga teacher, she combines her passion for writing with her love of yoga. Through her articles, she aims to share simple, practical habits that support wellbeing and encourage a more mindful approach to everyday life.