Living with an ulcer can be painful and limiting — especially when your favorite spicy, pepper-rich Nigerian dishes are off the table. Ulcers, whether peptic or gastric, require a careful approach to diet. But eating well doesn’t mean giving up flavor or culture. This guide will walk you through ulcer-friendly Nigerian foods and what to avoid for effective relief and gut healing.

 

What Causes Ulcers?

Ulcers are sores in the stomach lining, often caused by:

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
• High acid production
• Excessive alcohol and spicy foods

 

Ulcer-Friendly Nigerian Foods to Eat

Taste the Goodness: EL Blends All-Natural Cold-Pressed Juices

1. Unripe Plantain

Boiled or blended into a smoothie, unripe plantain is rich in resistant starch that helps protect the stomach lining and aid healing.

 

2. Pap (Akamu/Ogi)

Soft and soothing, pap made from fermented maize helps calm the stomach and is easy to digest. Pair it with honey or milk for more nourishment.

 

3. Moi Moi and Beans Porridge (with Minimal Pepper)

Beans are high in fiber and promote gut health. For ulcer patients, prepare with minimal seasoning and skip the hot pepper.

 

4. Okra Soup

Okra is mucilaginous and helps coat the stomach lining, reducing acid irritation. Pair with soft swallow like amala or fufu, but avoid spicy additions.

 

5. Plain Rice and Boiled Yam

Easy on the stomach and filling. Pair rice with a mild stew or sauce using tomatoes (peeled and deseeded) and little to no pepper.

 

6. Oatmeal or Ogi with Milk

Oats are soothing and fiber-rich. A perfect breakfast for ulcer patients.

 

Nigerian Foods to Avoid with Ulcers

1. Peppery Foods

Foods heavy in chili, atarodo, and black pepper (like pepper soup, suya, or spicy jollof rice) can irritate the ulcer.

 

2. Fried and Fatty Foods

Too much oil can delay gastric emptying and increase acid production — avoid puff-puff, fried plantain (dodo), akara, and meat pies.

 

3. Carbonated and Caffeinated Drinks

Soft drinks, energy drinks, and coffee can increase stomach acid and should be avoided.

 

4. Alcohol and Palm Wine

These irritate the stomach lining and hinder healing.

 

5. Citrus Fruits and Tomatoes (Raw)

Though nutritious, they can trigger acid production. Cooked tomatoes in small amounts are safer.

 

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Ulcers in Nigeria

• Eat smaller, frequent meals: Don’t starve — spacing meals prevents acid buildup.
• Avoid eating late at night: Give your stomach time to digest before bed.
• Chew slowly and avoid stress while eating.
• Hydrate: Take water between meals, not during.
• Consult your doctor before trying herbal remedies or supplements.

 

Managing an ulcer doesn’t mean giving up your culture. With a few mindful choices, you can still enjoy comforting Nigerian meals that heal rather than hurt. When in doubt, choose simple, soft, and spice-free meals — your stomach will thank you.