What foods should patients with stomach diseases avoid eating?

Aug 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, patients with stomach diseases should avoid eating spicy chili peppers, fried chicken, chilled beverages, pickled vegetables, strong tea, and other similar foods. They should also avoid medications such as ibuprofen tablets, prednisone tablets, erythromycin tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and Huoxiang Zhengqi water (a traditional Chinese medicine). Patients with stomach diseases should maintain a light and easily digestible diet in daily life, choosing mild and nutrient-rich foods.

Generally, patients with stomach diseases should avoid eating spicy chili peppers, fried chicken, chilled beverages, pickled vegetables, strong tea, and should also avoid medications such as ibuprofen tablets, prednisone tablets, erythromycin tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and Huoxiang Zhengqi water (a traditional Chinese medicine). Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Spicy Chili Peppers: Contain capsaicin, which directly irritates the gastric mucosa, causing congestion and edema of the gastric lining. This may trigger discomfort such as stomach pain, heartburn, and acid reflux, worsen symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcers, and hinder the healing of gastric mucosa.

2. Fried Chicken: High in fat, it is difficult to digest and prolongs gastric retention time, increasing the digestive burden on the stomach. It may also stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid, damaging the gastric mucosa and exacerbating gastrointestinal discomfort.

3. Chilled Beverages: The low temperature can cause vasoconstriction of the gastric mucosal vessels upon entering the stomach, impairing gastric blood circulation, potentially leading to gastric spasms and abdominal pain. It also reduces the activity of digestive enzymes, affecting digestion.

4. Pickled Vegetables: Contain high levels of salt and nitrites. Excessive salt can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, while nitrites may cause adverse irritation to the gastric lining. Long-term consumption may increase the risk of gastric lesions and hinder recovery from stomach diseases.

5. Strong Tea: Contains significant amounts of caffeine and theophylline, which stimulate gastric acid secretion. Excess gastric acid may erode the gastric mucosa, worsening inflammation or ulcers. Additionally, caffeine may impair gastric mucosal repair, prolonging the course of the disease.

II. Medications

1. Ibuprofen Tablets: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the gastric mucosa, disrupting the protective mucosal barrier and causing mucosal damage, which may lead to stomach pain or gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. Prednisone Tablets: A glucocorticoid; long-term use stimulates the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin while inhibiting gastric mucosal repair, worsening mucosal damage and potentially inducing or aggravating peptic ulcers and gastric bleeding.

3. Erythromycin Tablets: A macrolide antibiotic that directly irritates the gastric mucosa. It may cause gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after administration, worsening gastric discomfort in patients with stomach diseases and affecting recovery.

4. Aspirin Enteric-Coated Tablets: Although it has antiplatelet effects, it directly damages the gastric mucosa and disrupts the mucosal barrier, potentially causing mucosal erosion and bleeding. The risk is particularly higher for patients with a history of peptic ulcers, so self-administration should be avoided.

5. Huoxiang Zhengqi Water: Contains alcohol, which directly irritates the gastric mucosa, causing congestion and edema, worsening symptoms such as stomach pain and acid reflux. It may also interact with medications used to treat stomach diseases, affecting their efficacy.

Patients with stomach diseases should maintain a light, easily digestible diet, choosing mild, nutrient-rich foods. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding overeating are recommended. Additionally, developing healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding late nights and excessive fatigue, is important.

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Can patients with stomach diseases eat peaches?

Under normal circumstances, patients with stomach diseases can eat peaches, but should do so in moderation. When consuming peaches, it is advisable to choose ripe, soft-textured ones, remove the skin and pit, and try a small amount initially while observing the body's reaction. If discomfort occurs after consumption, stop eating them immediately and consult a doctor. At the same time, maintain healthy eating habits and avoid excessive consumption of any single food to support stomach health.

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Can patients with stomach diseases eat lychee?

When the gastric condition is in a stable phase with mild symptoms or no obvious discomfort, patients can consume lychee in moderation. Lychee is a type of mild-temperature fruit that contains abundant glycogen, vitamins, and other trace elements. Appropriate consumption can help nourish the spleen and liver, provide gentle pain relief, and promote mental tranquility, thereby helping to alleviate epigastric pain. Additionally, due to its warm nature, moderate consumption of lychee can also help stimulate appetite.

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Can strawberries and cherries be eaten together?

Although bayberry and cherry can be consumed together, excessive intake may increase digestive burden and lead to discomforts such as abdominal distension and pain. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them in moderation and avoid overconsumption. Bayberry has a sweet and sour taste; excessive consumption may increase gastric juice secretion and irritate the gastric mucosa, so patients with stomach diseases should eat it with caution. Additionally, bayberry is warm in nature and may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.