What Causes Ulcers & Why Diet Matters

Two major causes of stomach ulcers are infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.

Diet doesn’t directly cause ulcers, but certain foods and drinks can irritate the lining or delay healing. On the other hand, other foods may help protect the mucosal lining or have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties.

Foods That Are Gentle and May Support Healing

The following foods are generally better tolerated when managing an ulcer:

• High-fiber fruits and vegetables: Berries (blueberries, strawberries), apples (without peel if sensitive), leafy greens, broccoli. These provide antioxidants and may inhibit H. pylori.
• Whole grains: Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread or pasta (if tolerated).
• Lean proteins: Skinless poultry, fish, eggs, tofu. These are easier on the stomach than fatty meats.
• Probiotic (fermented) foods: Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, miso, sauerkraut. These may help balance stomach bacteria and support healing in conjunction with medical therapy.
• Mild herbs and oils: Olive oil, mild herbs (like basil, oregano), turmeric in small amounts. These add flavor without strong irritation.
• Non-acidic beverages: Water, herbal teas (non-citrus), decaffeinated green tea (if tolerated).

Eating smaller, more frequent meals also helps by not overwhelming the stomach with large amounts of acid all at once.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit

These items are more likely to aggravate ulcer symptoms or delay healing:

• Alcohol: Irritates the stomach lining, increases acid production, delays healing.
• Coffee and caffeinated beverages: May increase gastric acidity and irritation (even decaf in some cases).
• Spicy foods and strong seasonings: Peppers, chili sauce, heavy spices can trigger pain in many people.
• Fried, fatty, or greasy foods: These are harder to digest and can worsen discomfort.
• Acidic foods: Citrus (oranges, lemons), tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, some fruit juices. These can exacerbate burning or irritation.
• Chocolate, soda, mint: These may promote acid reflux or irritate the ulcer area.
• Dairy (full-fat or creamy forms): While mild dairy may be okay for some, whole milk or heavy cream can stimulate acid production.

In some cases, raw vegetables may also be irritating; cooking or steaming them can reduce bulk and make them easier to digest.

Lifestyle Tips That Support Healing

Diet alone is not enough; here are additional strategies:

• Avoid NSAIDs & ulcerogenic medications (unless prescribed) when possible. Use alternatives such as acetaminophen under medical guidance.
• Quit smoking: Smoking delays ulcer healing and increases recurrence risk.
• Manage stress: While stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms or delay recovery. Relaxation strategies, sleep, and healthy coping may help.
• Avoid eating late or lying down soon after meals: Elevate head while sleeping if reflux is present.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed (acid blockers, antibiotics) and complete the full course.
• Monitor symptoms: Persistent pain, bleeding, black stools, or weight loss require prompt evaluation by a GI specialist (especially in NH).

Sample Ulcer-Friendly Meal Day

Here is a simple menu that could work for someone managing a stomach ulcer:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal made with water or low-fat milk, sliced banana, a drizzle of honey
• Mid-morning snack: Plain yogurt with berries
• Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, steamed spinach and carrots, quinoa or brown rice
• Afternoon snack: Applesauce or baked apple
• Dinner: Baked salmon, steamed broccoli, mashed sweet potatoes
• Evening: Chamomile tea, whole grain cracker if needed

Always adjust for tolerances and preferences, and avoid trigger foods you know irritate you.

Working With Granite State Gastroenterology in New Hampshire

At Granite State Gastroenterology, serving residents of Bedford, Londonderry, Windham, Raymond, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding areas, our team helps you create personalized ulcer care plans.

• We can order testing (e.g., for H. pylori), prescribe medications, and monitor healing progress.
• Our dietitian collaborators can help tailor meal plans suited to your lifestyle, triggers, and regional food availability (New England autumn produce, for example).
• We work with you through follow-ups and adjustments to ensure symptoms improve and recurrence is minimized.

Stomach ulcers are serious but treatable. While medications and doctor supervision are fundamental, eating the right foods and avoiding irritants may help reduce pain, protect the stomach lining, and support healing. If you’re in Southern New Hampshire and experiencing ulcer symptoms, schedule an evaluation with a gastroenterologist soon. With a balanced diet, smart lifestyle habits, and medical care, many people heal comfortably and return to normal living.