If you have a peptic ulcer, one of the first things you'll want to do is change your diet, choose foods that are gentle on your stomach, and avoid foods that can make your ulcer symptoms worse. Peptic ulcers are painful open sores that form in the lining of the digestive tract. They are usually the result of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.1 Certain foods can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which causes inflammation of the open ulcer. This not only increases the burning and aching pain caused by peptic ulcers, it can also slow healing. Conversely, foods that are gentle on the stomach—including those high in fiber or containing probiotic bacteria—can help ease symptoms and promote healing.2

Foods to avoid if you have a stomach ulcer There are several rules governing which foods you should avoid if you have a peptic ulcer. Spicy or acidic foods should obviously be avoided, but there are other lesser-known culprits to consider. This includes dairy products, which were once considered home remedies for peptic ulcers, which can increase stomach acid by breaking down the lactose in dairy products. Foods to avoid if you have a peptic ulcer are: 2 Baked goods such as cookies and cakes, which often contain a lot of hydrogenated fat Cheese, including cheese sauces Creamy soups Citrus fruits Chocolate that contains a lot of caffeine Dairy products such as ice cream, cream, pudding and milkshakes Hard to digest fatty red meat Fried or fatty foods, including French fries, fried chicken and potatoes Sauces and sauces, such as hollandaise or butter sauces high-sodium condiments such as soy sauce, steak sauce and barbecue sauce Pineapple, fresh or canned Processed meats such as hotdogs, sausages and salami Salad dressings, which are often fatty, spicy or acidic Spicy foods, including chili or Mexican food Tomatoes, including tomato-based sauces, soups or stews Drinks to avoid if you have a stomach ulcer If you have a peptic ulcer, you should avoid certain beverages, including: Alcohol, including wine coolers and hard seltzers Caffeinated drinks such as black tea, green tea, cola and energy drinks Coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated Citrus drinks, including orange juice and citrus punch Sweetened carbonated drinks, which can increase stomach acidity Tomato juice including V8 and Clamato