Can patients with gastric ulcers drink soy milk?

　　Soy milk is a beverage made by grinding soybeans and mixing them with water. It can be combined with various ingredients—such as adzuki beans, goji berries, mung beans, lily bulbs, walnuts, and peanuts—to create soy milk varieties with distinct flavors, satisfying diverse taste preferences. Soy milk is also highly nutritious, making it a popular choice for breakfast among many people. So, can individuals with gastric ulcers consume soy milk?

　　Can individuals with gastric ulcers drink soy milk?

　　Individuals with gastric ulcers may consume soy milk in moderation. Soy milk helps neutralize gastric acid and thus offers some protective effect on the gastric mucosa; therefore, moderate intake may aid in managing gastric ulcers. Most patients with gastric ulcers develop symptoms due to prolonged use of irritating medications or consumption of cold, raw, or spicy foods—or from excessive stress, bacterial infection (e.g., *Helicobacter pylori*), or viral infection. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain. Such patients are advised to take appropriate medications to protect the gastric mucosa and suppress gastric acid secretion. In daily life, attention should be paid to dietary habits: consuming easily digestible foods, and strictly avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption—all of which support disease recovery.

　　It is important to avoid excessive intake of high-residue foods, fried foods, and fatty foods. Foods rich in coarse fiber—including celery, leeks, and bean sprouts—as well as processed meats such as ham, bacon, and dried fish, are not only coarse and difficult to digest but may also stimulate excessive gastric juice secretion, thereby increasing the burden on the stomach. Additionally, avoid strongly irritating foods that promote gastric acid secretion—such as meat broths, raw onions, raw garlic, concentrated fruit juices, coffee, wine, strong tea, and foods that are excessively sweet, sour, salty, hot, raw, cold, or hard.

　　A light, bland diet is recommended. Consume ample fresh vegetables and fruits—such as apples, bananas, and kiwifruit—that are rich in trace elements. Also increase intake of leafy greens like spinach, celery, and Chinese cabbage, as these help repair the gastric mucosa and minimize irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa. We hope this information proves helpful to you.