Eating for Ulcer Recovery in the Philippines, Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian kitchens have a wonderful tradition of soft, warming dishes that are ideal for a sore stomach. With a few changes, you can recover without giving up the food you love.
Gentle staples
- Rice porridge: lugaw (Philippines), bubur (Indonesia and Malaysia), cháo (Vietnam), jok (Thailand)
- Steamed rice with mild dishes
- Steamed or poached fish and chicken
- Clear soups such as tinola (with less chilli) or mild chicken soup
- Tofu and eggs
- Cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, bok choy, chayote and carrots
- Bananas and papaya
What to reduce while healing
- Chilli-heavy dishes and sambal, especially on an empty stomach
- Deep-fried foods such as fried chicken and fritters
- Very sour dishes and vinegar-based dips if they trigger heartburn
- Strong coffee, including iced coffee drinks
- Alcohol
A sample gentle day
- Breakfast: rice porridge with ginger, shredded chicken and a soft egg
- Lunch: steamed fish with rice and cooked greens
- Snack: banana or papaya
- Dinner: clear chicken and vegetable soup with rice, a few hours before bed
A note on H. pylori in the region
H. pylori infection rates vary widely across Southeast Asia. If you have recurring stomach pain, ask a doctor about testing rather than relying on repeated antacids.
Key takeaway
Comforting rice porridges, clear soups and steamed dishes are perfect healing foods. Turn down the chilli and fried foods, eat regularly, and get the cause properly treated.
Medical disclaimer. This article is general health information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The HealAlright team are not doctors. Always talk to a qualified health professional about your symptoms and before starting, changing or stopping any medicine. If you vomit blood, pass black stools, feel faint or have sudden severe stomach pain, seek emergency care immediately.
