Lexicomp and UpToDate Patient Handouts: Ulcer and Gastritis Diet

Patient Education

Ulcer and Gastritis Diet

About this topic
Ulcers and gastritis are stomach problems that cause pain or burning in your belly. This diet is made up of
foods that are not likely to upset your stomach or bowels.

What will the results be?

Food cannot cause you to have an ulcer, but they can make your signs worse or slow your healing. The food on
this diet may help your belly pain.

What changes to diet are needed?

Eat small meals more often during the day.

Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These will help you get more fiber and nutrients,
like vitamin C, that may help with healing.

Stay away from spicy or seasoned foods. These may make your signs worse.

Eat slowly and chew your food carefully.

Do not eat for at least 2 hours before going to bed.

Who should use this diet?

People with ulcers, heartburn, or gastritis should eat this diet.

What foods are good to eat?

Low-fat milk, yogurt, and other dairy products

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale

Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes

Fruits like apples, strawberries, and blueberries

Whole grain breads, crackers, pasta, and oatmeal

Lean, tender meats that are steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat

Creamy peanut butter, eggs, and tofu

Low-fat ice cream and sherbet

What foods should be limited or avoided?

You do not need to avoid acidic foods like tomatoes, oranges, pickles, sauerkraut, or hot chilies, but these
foods may cause more belly pain or burning. If you have pain after eating a certain food, avoid that food.

Fatty dairy foods

Spices that may cause pain or burning like black pepper, red pepper, and chili powder
 Caffeine and drinks like cola, tea, and coffee

Decaffeinated coffee and tea

Fatty and fried foods

Chocolate

Beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)

It is not necessary to avoid acidic foods, but eating these foods may cause discomfort. If you have pain
after eating a certain food, avoid that food.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Bloody, dark red, or black stools

Throw up that has blood in it or looks like coffee grounds

Belly pain that keeps you from eating

Helpful tips
Stop smoking. Smoking increases your stomach acid and can make you more likely to develop an ulcer.

Do not use drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for swelling and pain. These are non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Talk to your doctor about other drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to
ease your pain.

Last Reviewed Date

2019-10-31

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health
care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about
conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style
choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about
your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept
your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the
knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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