Food Journal

• It is not necessary to eliminate specific foods from your diet unless they upset your ulcer. Keep a food journal that will track the foods that you eat and any symptoms that you experience after consumption. Take note of all foods that you eat and symptoms that are felt within a day of eating. These foods are off limits for you.
  A food journal is only necessary for a couple of months to determine the foods that you should avoid. Once you have kept your food journal for a couple of months, you will be able to create a healthy meal plan that will not upset your ulcer.
  
  

Low Fat Diet

• Follow a balanced low-fat diet to maintain good health with an ulcer. Foods are not the cause of the stomach pain, but a healthy diet will help you to boost your immune system and prevent illness.
  Choose lean proteins for 30 percent of your total caloric consumption. Lean sources of protein include skinless chicken and broiled or baked fish. Stay away from deep fried foods to avoid stomach upset.
  Complex carbohydrates are the best choice for your healthy diet. Complex carbohydrates are found in fruits and vegetables. Always choose whole grains and stay away from processed foods that contain refined sugar and flour.
  Healthy fat is essential to your low fat and well balanced diet. Olive and canola are good choices in healthy oils for cooking. Avoid saturated fats such as those found in red meat as much as possible. Limit your red meat consumption to one or two meals per week.
  
  

Foods That May Irritate

• Your food journal will demonstrate the foods that irritate you. Keep an eye on common foods that irritate many peptic ulcer patients such as chocolate and caffeine.
  Fatty and fried foods are another common irritating food for peptic ulcer patients. This may include whole milk and cream instead of low fat dairy. Citrus and citrus juices also may cause stomach discomfort.
  Of course some spicy foods and seasonings may also cause you stomach distress. While the foods are not the cause of the problem, they certainly can irritate your ulcer and cause you pain.