Can people with gastric ulcers eat fried food?

Generally, patients with gastric ulcers are advised not to eat fried foods during an active phase of the disease to avoid discomfort; however, if symptoms are mild, they may consume small amounts of fried foods. The details are as follows:

During an active gastric ulcer episode, obvious ulcerated areas have already formed on the gastric mucosa, leaving the lining highly sensitive and fragile. Fried foods are not recommended at this stage. These foods typically contain high levels of fat, which, once entering the stomach, can stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid. Excess acid directly irritates the ulcer site, potentially causing severe pain. Moreover, fried foods tend to be hard and coarse, and during digestion, they may cause physical damage to the ulcerated area, worsening the ulcer and possibly leading to serious complications such as bleeding.

When a patient's symptoms are relatively mild and the ulcer is in a stable condition, small amounts of fried foods may be consumed cautiously. Even then, care should be taken. It is advisable to choose fried foods that are relatively soft and not excessively greasy, and to chew thoroughly and eat slowly. This helps reduce mechanical irritation to the gastric mucosa and supports easier digestion.

After eating fried foods, patients should pay attention to their body's response—such as whether symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or acid reflux occur. If any discomfort arises, consumption should be stopped immediately.