What to eat during the recovery period of gastric bleeding

Sep 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

In general, during the recovery period of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is suitable to consume foods such as millet porridge, steamed egg custard, soft noodles, wax gourd (winter melon), and apple puree, as well as medications including omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, rebamipide tablets, kangfuxin solution, and Yunnan Baiyao capsules. During the recovery period of gastrointestinal bleeding, a light and regular diet should be maintained, following the principle of eating small meals frequently and avoiding overeating.

During the recovery period of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is appropriate to consume foods such as millet porridge, steamed egg custard, soft noodles, wax gourd (winter melon), and apple puree. Additionally, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, rebamipide tablets, kangfuxin solution, and yunnan baiyao capsules may be used. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Millet Porridge: With a soft and mushy texture, millet porridge is easily digested and absorbed and does not irritate the damaged gastric mucosa. It also provides carbohydrates to supply energy to the body. When cooking, it can be made very soft and may include a small amount of Chinese yam or pumpkin to further enhance its stomach-nourishing effects, aiding in the gradual recovery of gastric function without burden.

2. Steamed Egg Custard: Rich in high-quality protein, steamed egg custard has a tender and smooth texture after steaming, making it easy for the stomach to digest and absorb. It provides essential nutrients for repairing gastric mucosa and promotes wound healing. Avoid adding excessive oil and salt during preparation, maintaining a bland flavor, which aligns with the need for mild dietary intake during the recovery phase.

3. Soft Noodles: Noodles cooked until soft supply carbohydrates to meet the body's energy needs and cause minimal irritation to the gastric mucosa. Boil the noodles in clear broth, avoiding the addition of spicy or greasy seasonings. You may pair them with a small amount of finely chopped, softened cooked vegetables to supplement nutrition while reducing the digestive burden on the stomach.

4. Wax Gourd (Winter Melon): Mild in nature and rich in water and vitamins, wax gourd is easy to digest when made into wax gourd soup or steamed, without putting pressure on the stomach. Wax gourd also helps promote intestinal motility, aiding in maintaining stable digestive function and creating a favorable digestive environment for gastric recovery.

5. Apple Puree: After being steamed or mashed, apples have softened dietary fiber that does not irritate the gastric mucosa. They also contain various vitamins and pectin, which forms a protective layer on the surface of the gastric mucosa, reducing external irritation while supplying nutrients to assist in gastric repair.

II. Medications

1. Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules: This proton pump inhibitor suppresses gastric acid secretion, reduces the erosion of gastric acid on the injured gastric mucosa, and provides a favorable environment for wound healing. It is commonly used during the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding to prevent re-bleeding and should be used according to the dosage and course prescribed by a physician.

2. Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets: As a gastric mucosal protectant, it forms a protective layer on the surface of the gastric mucosa after ingestion, isolating harmful substances such as gastric acid and pepsin from irritating the wound, while neutralizing some gastric acid and relieving gastric discomfort. It is suitable for protecting the gastric mucosa during the recovery phase.

3. Rebamipide Tablets: Promotes regeneration and repair of gastric mucosal cells, enhances the barrier function of the gastric mucosa, reduces damage from external factors, aids in the faster healing of injured mucosa, and is commonly used during the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding to assist in mucosal repair.

4. Kangfuxin Solution: This medication promotes blood circulation, nourishes yin, and stimulates tissue regeneration. Taken orally, it can accelerate the healing of gastric mucosal wounds, improve mucosal blood circulation, and provide nutritional support for wound repair, making it suitable for promoting wound recovery during the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding.

5. Yunnan Baiyao Capsules: With hemostatic, blood-stasis-resolving, and anti-inflammatory effects, if there is minor residual bleeding or to prevent re-bleeding during the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding, this medication may be used under the guidance of a physician to help consolidate hemostasis and promote gastric recovery.

During the recovery period of gastrointestinal bleeding, maintain a bland and regular diet, follow the principle of eating small, frequent meals, and avoid overeating. Medications must be used strictly according to medical instructions; self-medication or arbitrary adjustment of dosage should be avoided. Pay attention to monitoring bodily reactions to ensure a safe and smooth recovery process.

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What is the best way to treat gastrointestinal bleeding?

Under normal circumstances, gastric bleeding may be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption irritating the gastric mucosa, taking medications that damage the gastric mucosa, acute erosive gastritis, gastric ulcers, or rupture of esophageal and gastric varices. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, alcohol consumption should be avoided, medications that damage the gastric mucosa should be used cautiously, and a regular diet should be maintained.

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Why is there no symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding?

In general, cases of gastric bleeding without symptoms may be caused by minimal blood loss that does not produce discomfort, slow bleeding allowing the body to gradually adapt, chronic non-atrophic gastritis, early-stage gastric ulcer, or compensated cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a bland and easily digestible diet, and consume more foods such as porridge and soft noodles.

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What is gastric bleeding?

Under normal circumstances, gastric bleeding, medically known as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is one of the common emergencies in gastroenterology. It refers to bleeding occurring from the esophagus to the duodenum. In daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating, reduce consumption of spicy or excessively hot foods, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of medications that can damage the gastric mucosa. Symptoms such as hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (black stool) may occur.

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What Are the Three Types of Food Most Feared for Gastric Bleeding?

Generally speaking, there is no specific claim regarding "the three types of food most feared in gastrointestinal bleeding." Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, hard or coarse foods, excessively hot foods, greasy and hard-to-digest foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. These types of food may worsen gastric mucosal damage, exacerbate bleeding, or impair recovery. During the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding, the diet should primarily consist of cool, soft, and easily digestible foods.