If you have a stomach ulcer, someone has probably told you to give up bread, coffee or spicy food. The evidence is kinder than that. No food causes a stomach ulcer and no diet cures one. Some foods and drinks can make the pain worse while the ulcer heals, though, and it helps to know which ones.
The short answer
- Most stomach ulcers are caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, or by regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen.
- Doctors do not recommend a special ulcer diet.
- Alcohol, coffee, spicy food, fatty food and chocolate are the most common triggers of ulcer symptoms.
- Bread, pasta, rice and chicken are fine for most people with an ulcer.
- An ulcer needs medical treatment. Changing what you eat can ease symptoms, but it will not heal the ulcer.
What causes a stomach ulcer
A stomach ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. The two main causes are H. pylori infection and long-term use of anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Smoking raises the risk.
Stress and spicy food do not cause ulcers. They can make the symptoms worse once you have one.
Foods and drinks that can make symptoms worse
These do not affect everyone in the same way. If one of them brings on your pain, cut back on it while you heal.
| Food or drink | Why it can be a problem |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Irritates the stomach lining and increases stomach acid |
| Coffee | A common trigger of indigestion and ulcer pain |
| Spicy food | Does not cause ulcers, but can make the pain worse |
| Fatty and fried food | A common trigger of indigestion and ulcer pain |
| Chocolate | A trigger for some people |
Triggers differ from person to person. Keeping a short note of what you ate before the pain started is the quickest way to find yours.
Can I eat bread with a stomach ulcer?
Yes. Bread does not cause ulcers, and neither the NHS nor the NIDDK lists it as something to avoid. Brown, wholewheat and white bread are all fine unless you notice that bread brings on your own symptoms.
What about pasta, spaghetti and noodles?
These are fine too. What you put on them matters more. Creamy, oily or very spicy sauces are more likely to cause discomfort than the pasta itself.
Is sugar bad for an ulcer?
Sugar does not cause ulcers and is not listed as a trigger. Eating less sugar is good for your general health, but it will not heal an ulcer.
Can I eat chicken or red meat?
Yes. Older advice told people with ulcers to avoid red meat, but current guidance does not single it out. Fatty cuts and fried meat may bring on symptoms, because fatty food is a common trigger. Grilled or boiled chicken, fish and lean meat are lower in fat and less likely to cause discomfort.
Is any type of alcohol safe?
No type of alcohol is good for an ulcer. Beer, wine and spirits all irritate the stomach lining and raise stomach acid. Ask your doctor what is safe for you, especially while you are taking ulcer medication.
Eating habits that help
- Eat smaller meals.
- Have your evening meal 3 to 4 hours before you go to bed.
- Stop smoking. Quitting lowers the risk of ulcers and helps them heal.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen without checking with your doctor first.
- Find ways to manage stress.
For more on easing symptoms, see ways to relieve stomach ulcer pain at home.
How stomach ulcers are treated
If you have an H. pylori infection, you will be given antibiotics along with medicine that reduces stomach acid. If painkillers caused the ulcer, your doctor will review them and prescribe acid-reducing medicine. Treatment normally lasts between 1 week and 2 months.
Finish the full course, even if you feel better. Your doctor should test again afterwards to confirm that an H. pylori infection has cleared.
When to get urgent medical help
Go to your nearest emergency unit or call an ambulance if you:
- vomit bright red blood, or vomit something that looks like coffee grounds
- pass black, sticky or bloody stools
- have severe stomach pain
- have a stomach that is tender to touch
- have sudden chest pain
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. If you think you have a stomach ulcer, make an appointment with your GP.
Medically reviewed by the ASAIPA clinical team.
