What Should My Diet Restrictions Be While Having A Stomach Ulcer?

Posted on Wed, 27 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 Answered on

Tue, 8 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I suspect that I have a stomach ulcer. What should my diet restrictions be?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Home cooked spice-less food.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Do not lie down for 2-3 hrs after eating.

Avoid acidic foods - citrus, tomatoes, juices
Decrease caffeine (colas, coffee) and sodas in general.
Decrease alcohol or completely stop it.
If you smoke cigarettes, now is the time to stop. They increase acid production and delay healing.
If you are overweight through the middle, that increases the risk of reflux. Try to decrease your weight (if overweight) slowly over time.

Eat smaller amounts at a time so there is less pressure in the stomach which can reflux acid into the stomach.
Avoid eating/drinking mint (it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter which can allow more acid up).
If these changes don't help enough, it is time to see your doctor.
Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng