What foods should be avoided with gastric ulcers?

      Some patients believe that consuming soft foods can reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and thereby decrease ulcer recurrence. As a result, many have long adhered to diets consisting mainly of congee and noodles, even cooking vegetables until very tender before eating them. They frequently drink milk or soy milk to protect the gastric mucosa and adopt a pattern of eating small, frequent meals. In fact, such overcautious approaches are unnecessary—and may even hinder ulcer treatment. So, what foods should be avoided by individuals with gastric ulcers?

Foods to Avoid with Gastric Ulcers

Patients with gastric ulcers should avoid spicy, stimulating, acidic, raw, and cold vegetables, melons, and fruits. These foods should be consumed sparingly. Similarly, excessively greasy, high-fat, and hard-to-digest foods should also be limited. Some individuals smoke or consume alcohol—these harmful habits must be discontinued. Additionally, excessive intake of strong tea or coffee should be avoided, as both can irritate the gastric mucosa.

Red fruits—including grapes, black currants, raspberries, and strawberries—are beneficial, as they contain anthocyanins, a class of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body, helping delay aging and exert anticancer effects. Fruits rich in vitamin C—such as jujubes (Chinese dates), kiwifruit, hawthorn, and citrus fruits—are also recommended. Vitamin C not only fulfills essential nutritional functions but also acts as a natural antioxidant.

      Patients may also undergo pharmacological treatment, including antacids such as aluminum hydroxide gel. We hope this information proves helpful.