Foods to Eat for Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers

When someone is in the early stages of developing a stomach or duodenal ulcer, typically within the first 6-8 weeks, it is highly recommended to consume soft, easily digestible foods such as porridge or well-cooked noodles. This gentle diet helps reduce irritation and supports the healing process by minimizing stress on the damaged mucosal lining. As the condition improves, patients can gradually transition to regular Congee like dishes, and occasionally move towards eating normal rice based meals

The recovery period usually lasts around 6-8 weeks. During this time, the stomach and duodenal linings may be irritated due to excessive gastric acid secretion, Helicobacter pylori infection, or the use of medications like aspirin and clopidogrel. These factors can damage not only the mucosa but also the submucosal and muscular layers of the digestive tract. Therefore, choosing appropriate foods becomes essential in promoting tissue repair and preventing further injury.

In the early phase of the illness, selecting easy-to-digest foods is crucial. Hard or fibrous foods, including tough cuts of meat, should be avoided as they can physically irritate the sensitive mucous membranes. While liquid or semi-liquid meals are ideal initially, long-term reliance on simple porridge alone may lead to nutritional deficiencies. To maintain balanced nutrition, patients can include protein-rich options like steamed egg custard in their diet.

After the initial healing phase, typically around 6-8 weeks, a follow-up medical examination should be conducted. If the ulcers have fully healed, individuals can slowly return to a normal, well-balanced diet. However, it's still important to avoid spicy, acidic, or overly processed foods that could trigger a recurrence. Adopting healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes will support long-term gastrointestinal health.