Can I eat eggs if I have H. pylori?

Yes. Eggs are a good source of lean protein and are usually well tolerated. Boiled, poached or scrambled eggs made with little fat are better options than fried eggs.

Can I eat bread with H. pylori?

Yes. White bread, toast and crackers are low in fiber and tend to be gentle on the stomach. Whole grain bread can be added back slowly as symptoms improve.

Can I eat pizza if I have H. pylori?

It is best to avoid pizza during treatment and while you have symptoms. Cheese, fatty meats, tomato sauce and spicy toppings can worsen heartburn and stomach pain. Once the infection is cured and symptoms have resolved, pizza can be eaten in moderation.

Can I eat pancakes with H. pylori?

Yes. Pancakes made with white flour and low-fat milk, with a small amount of syrup, are usually well tolerated. Avoid adding large amounts of butter, and don’t eat them at the same time as antibiotics that interact with calcium, like tetracycline.

Can I drink milk during H. pylori treatment?

Low-fat milk is usually well tolerated, but whole milk is higher in fat and may worsen symptoms in some people. If your treatment includes tetracycline, avoid milk and other dairy foods around the time of each dose, because calcium reduces how much of the medication the body absorbs. Ask your pharmacist how long to wait between them.

Can I drink coffee with H. pylori?

It is best to avoid or limit coffee during treatment. Coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can worsen heartburn and stomach pain in some people. Decaf coffee can also cause discomfort in some people.

How long should I follow the H. pylori diet?

The diet is most helpful during treatment and while you still have symptoms. Once a test confirms the infection is gone and you feel better, you can gradually go back to your usual diet. Lasting restrictions are usually only needed if you have another condition, like an ulcer or gastritis.

H. Pylori Diet: Foods to Eat & Avoid (+ 7-Day Meal Plan)

Adopting an H. pylori diet with easily digestible foods like white rice and lean proteins helps reduce gastric irritation.
Peeling and cooking fruits minimizes insoluble fiber intake to prevent stomach distress during the acute phase of infection.
Avoiding gastric stimulants such as caffeine, spicy foods, and fatty meats prevents excessive acid secretion and reflux symptoms.

The H. pylori diet focuses on foods that are generally easy to digest, such as white rice, bananas, cooked vegetables, eggs, and lean chicken or fish. It also involves limiting foods and drinks that may irritate the stomach, including coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and fatty or fried foods. Although these dietary changes do not eliminate the infection, they may help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea during treatment.

No food can cure an H. pylori infection on its own. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acid, prescribed by a doctor. Certain probiotics may also help reduce treatment-related side effects, such as diarrhea.

Food tolerance varies from person to person, so dietary choices should be adjusted according to symptoms. Some antibiotics used to treat H. pylori may interact with dairy products or calcium supplements, so it is important to follow the prescribed instructions. Seek emergency medical attention if you vomit blood or experience sudden, severe abdominal pain.

Foods to eat

Foods that may help relieve stomach discomfort during H. pylori treatment include:

1. Easy-to-digest carbohydrates

Foods such as white rice, white bread, pasta, crackers, and boiled potatoes are generally easy to digest and may help reduce stomach discomfort, especially when experiencing nausea or pain.

Whole grains can also be included in the diet, depending on individual tolerance. If high-fiber foods worsen symptoms, they can be gradually reintroduced as symptoms improve.

2. Peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables

Peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables may be easier to digest when the stomach is sensitive, as cooking softens their texture.

Good options include bananas, papaya, melon, peeled apples and pears, cooked carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.

3. Lean proteins

Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and tofu, are good options during H. pylori treatment because they provide essential nutrients without excessive amounts of fat.

These foods are best prepared by boiling, baking, steaming, or grilling, rather than frying, as high-fat meals may worsen symptoms such as heartburn and stomach discomfort.

4. Probiotic foods

Probiotic foods, such as yogurt and kefir containing live cultures, provide beneficial bacteria that may help support gut health during antibiotic treatment.

Some probiotic strains, including certain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, have been studied for their potential to reduce antibiotic-related side effects, such as diarrhea. However, results are mixed, and there is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend probiotics for everyone undergoing H. pylori treatment.

5. Healthy fats

Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, salmon, and sardines, can be included in an H. pylori diet as part of balanced meals.

However, they should be consumed in moderate amounts, as large or high-fat meals may worsen nausea, heartburn, or bloating in some people.

Can any food kill H. pylori?

No food has been proven to reliably eliminate H. pylori from the stomach. The most effective way to treat the infection is with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications prescribed by a doctor.

Some foods contain compounds that have shown antibacterial activity against H. pylori in laboratory, animal, or small human studies. However, scientific evidence is still limited, and these foods should not replace prescribed treatment.

1. Probiotics

Certain probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii strains, have been studied as supplements to H. pylori treatment.

Some studies suggest that specific strains may help reduce antibiotic-related side effects or improve treatment success. However, the results are inconsistent, and probiotics cannot eliminate H. pylori on their own.

2. Cranberry

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, natural compounds that may make it harder for H. pylori to stick to the stomach wall.

Some studies show that drinking cranberry juice twice a day may help reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach in some people. However, cranberry juice does not cure the infection and should not replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Because cranberry juice is acidic, it can worsen heartburn or stomach pain in some people. If you want to try it, choose unsweetened cranberry juice and talk to your doctor first.

3. Broccoli sprouts

Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound with antioxidant and potential antibacterial properties.

Some small human studies suggest that broccoli sprouts may temporarily reduce H. pylori activity and markers of stomach inflammation.

However, these effects have not been consistently demonstrated, and broccoli sprouts have not been proven to eliminate the infection.

4. Other foods

Green tea, garlic, honey, and omega-3 fatty acids have also been studied for their potential effects against H. pylori.

Although some laboratory studies have shown antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties, there is insufficient evidence that consuming these foods can treat H. pylori infections in humans.

Additionally, green tea contains caffeine, which may worsen heartburn or stomach discomfort in some people.

Foods to avoid

During treatment, it is best to avoid foods that can irritate the stomach or worsen symptoms, such as:

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks: coffee increases the production of stomach acid, which can worsen heartburn in some people;
Soft drinks and other fizzy drinks: these can cause bloating and stomach discomfort;
Alcoholic beverages: alcohol can irritate the stomach lining;
Sour fruits and juices: lemon, orange, and pineapple can cause heartburn in some people;
Spicy foods: hot peppers, chili, black pepper, hot sauce, and mustard;
Fatty meats, fried foods, and yellow cheeses: these are high in fat, which slows digestion and keeps food in the stomach longer;
Processed meats and canned foods: sausage, bacon, ham, and canned meats are usually high in fat and salt and may be harder to tolerate.

How each person reacts to these foods can vary. If a food from this list does not cause symptoms, it may not need to be avoided. Writing down what you eat and how you feel can help you find the foods that bother you most.

It is also important to drink water throughout the day. Some people feel better taking small sips during meals and drinking more between meals, to avoid feeling too full.

AI-generated image - H. Pylori Diet. AI-generated image — AI-generated image

Medication interactions

Tetracycline, one of the antibiotics in bismuth quadruple therapy, can bind to the calcium in dairy foods, calcium supplements, and antacids. When this happens, the body absorbs less of the medication, which can make treatment less effective.

For this reason, avoid having milk, yogurt, kefir, or cheese at the same time as your tetracycline doses. The time you need to wait depends on the medication, so follow the package insert or ask your pharmacist.

The following table outlines a sample of a 7-day meal plan that provides examples of what to eat when treating H. pylori:

Day	Breakfast	Morning snack	Lunch	Afternoon snack	Dinner
1	1 cup of unsweetened chamomile tea + 1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt + 2 slices of white toast with 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese	1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce with 1 pinch of cinnamon	1 grilled chicken breast + 1/2 cup of white rice + 1 cup of cooked carrots and green beans + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 baked pear	1 cup of unsweetened ginger tea + 6 saltine crackers + 1 part-skim mozzarella string cheese	1 baked cod fillet + 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes (without butter) + 1 cup of steamed zucchini + 1 teaspoon of olive oil
2	1 cup of Cream of Wheat made with water or low-fat milk + 1/2 sliced banana + 1 cup of unsweetened fennel tea	1 cup of cantaloupe cubes	1 cup of cooked white pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fresh basil + 3 oz of grilled turkey breast + 1 cup of cooked butternut squash	1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese + 1 peeled, cooked peach	1 omelet made with 2 eggs and cooked spinach + 1 slice of white toast + 1 teaspoon of olive oil
3	1 cup of unsweetened chamomile tea + 2 scrambled eggs + 1 white English muffin + 1 peeled pear	1 cup of low-fat plain kefir	1 baked tilapia fillet + 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potato + 1 cup of cooked carrots + 1 tablespoon of olive oil	1 cup of unsweetened chamomile tea + 4 vanilla wafers	1 bowl of homemade chicken and rice soup with carrots and zucchini (without bouillon cubes)
4	1 cup of unsweetened ginger tea + 2 small pancakes made with white flour and low-fat milk + 1 teaspoon of maple syrup + 1/2 sliced banana	1 slice of seedless watermelon	1 lean ground turkey patty + 1/2 cup of white rice + 1 cup of cooked green beans + 1 tablespoon of olive oil	1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt + 1 teaspoon of honey	3 oz of baked salmon + 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes (without butter) + 1 cup of cooked carrots
5	1 cup of unsweetened chamomile tea + 1 cup of Cream of Rice + 1 cooked apple with 1 pinch of cinnamon	1 cup of sugar-free gelatin	1/2 cup of tofu cooked in 1 teaspoon of olive oil (without soy sauce) + 1 cup of cooked zucchini and carrots + 1/2 cup of white rice	1 cup of unsweetened fennel tea + 2 plain rice cakes with 2 tablespoons of part-skim ricotta	2 small flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken and cooked squash (without salsa or hot sauce)
6	1 cup of unsweetened chamomile tea + 1 white bagel thin with 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese + 1/2 cup of papaya	1 baked apple with 1 pinch of cinnamon	1 sandwich on white bread with shredded chicken mixed with 1 tablespoon of low-fat plain yogurt + 1 cup of cooked carrots	1 cup of low-fat plain kefir	1 baked cod fillet + 1/2 cup of white rice + 1 cup of steamed zucchini + 1 teaspoon of olive oil
7	1 cup of unsweetened ginger tea + 2 poached eggs + 1 slice of white toast + 1/2 cup of honeydew melon	1 banana	1 cup of cooked white pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 4 baked lean turkey meatballs (without spices) + 1 cup of cooked spinach	1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese + 1 peeled, cooked pear	1 baked chicken breast + 1 medium baked potato (without skin) with 1 tablespoon of low-fat plain yogurt + 1 cup of cooked green beans

The amounts in this meal plan vary according to age, sex, physical activity, and health history. Ideally, you should see a registered dietitian for a complete assessment and a meal plan that fits your needs.

During and after treatment, always wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them. H. pylori is mainly spread from person to person, but traces of the bacteria have been found in some raw foods, so washing them well is a good habit.

If your treatment includes tetracycline, schedule the dairy foods in this meal plan away from your medication doses.

What to eat after treatment

Once a test confirms that H. pylori is gone and symptoms have resolved, you can gradually return to your usual diet.

Whole grains, legumes, raw vegetables, and other higher-fiber foods can be added back little by little. Coffee, citrus fruits, and spicy foods can also be reintroduced one at a time, so you can notice how your stomach reacts.

Here is a sample 7-day meal plan for after treatment:

Day	Breakfast	Morning snack	Lunch	Afternoon snack	Dinner
1	1 cup of chamomile tea + 2 slices of whole wheat toast with 1 oz of part-skim mozzarella	1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries	3 oz of grilled chicken breast + 1/2 cup of white rice + 1/2 cup of black beans + tomato and carrot salad + 1/2 cup of cooked beets + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1/2 cup of red grapes	1 cup of watermelon cubes + 1 oz of almonds	3 oz of roasted pork tenderloin + 2 small baked potatoes + lettuce, tomato, and shredded carrot salad with 1 teaspoon of olive oil
2	1 cup of low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk + 2 small oat pancakes with 1/2 cup of blueberries	1 apple + 1 oz of walnuts	3 oz of grilled tofu + 1 cup of rice noodles with carrots, zucchini, and onion + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 kiwi	1 cup of mint tea + 1 sandwich on whole wheat bread with 3 oz of tuna and 1 slice of Swiss cheese	2 small whole wheat tortillas filled with 3 oz of shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, arugula, and onion
3	1 smoothie made with 1 cup of low-fat milk and 1 banana + 2 rice cakes with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and 1 teaspoon of fruit jam	1 cup of papaya cubes with 1 tablespoon of rolled oats	3 oz of baked salmon + 1/2 cup of brown rice + 1 cup of cooked carrots, eggplant, and cauliflower + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 cup of fruit salad (apple, banana, pear, and strawberries)	1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 1 chopped kiwi	1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pasta with 3 oz of lean ground beef in homemade tomato sauce + arugula and mango salad with 1 tablespoon of olive oil
4	1 cup of coffee with low-fat milk, if tolerated + 1 cup of oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk + 1/2 sliced banana + 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed	1 orange	3 oz of grilled turkey breast + 1/2 cup of quinoa + 1 cup of roasted broccoli and bell peppers + 1 tablespoon of olive oil	1 cup of low-fat plain kefir + 1 pear	1 1/2 cups of homemade lentil soup with carrots and celery + 1 slice of whole wheat bread + green salad with 1 teaspoon of olive oil
5	2 scrambled eggs with spinach + 1 slice of whole wheat toast + 1/2 cup of orange juice	1 peach + 1 part-skim mozzarella string cheese	3 oz of baked cod + 1 medium baked sweet potato + 1 cup of green beans + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 cup of pineapple chunks	1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt with 1/2 cup of raspberries	1 whole wheat pita with 2 tablespoons of hummus, 3 oz of grilled chicken, cucumber, and tomato
6	1 cup of coffee or tea + 1 whole grain English muffin with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter + 1/2 cup of strawberries	1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks	1 bowl with 1/2 cup of brown rice, 1/2 cup of black beans, 3 oz of grilled shrimp, corn, tomato, and 1/4 avocado + 1 squeeze of lime	1 cup of red grapes + 1 oz of pistachios	3 oz of baked skinless chicken thigh + 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts + 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes + 1 teaspoon of olive oil
7	1 cup of overnight oats made with low-fat milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1/2 cup of blueberries	2 tangerines	Salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, 1/2 cup of chickpeas, 3 oz of grilled salmon, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 slice of whole grain bread	1 cup of low-fat plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey	1 1/2 cups of stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and snow peas) with 3 oz of lean beef strips and 1 teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce + 1/2 cup of brown rice

The amounts and types of food in this meal plan can vary according to age, sex, physical activity, and health history. Ideally, you should see a registered dietitian for a complete assessment and a personalized meal plan.

Side effects from treatment

Treatment for H. pylori usually lasts 14 days and involves antibiotics and acid-reducing medications. The preferred initial treatment is bismuth quadruple therapy, which combines omeprazole or pantoprazole with bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole. Other options include rifabutin-based therapy or vonoprazan with amoxicillin.

Clarithromycin is generally used only when testing confirms that the bacteria are sensitive to it, due to antibiotic resistance.

It is important to complete the full treatment, even if symptoms improve. At least 4 weeks after treatment, a breath or stool test should be performed to confirm that the infection has cleared.

Acid-reducing medications, such as omeprazole, should generally be stopped 2 weeks before testing, as instructed by a doctor.

The most common side effects of H. pylori medications are:

1. Metallic taste in the mouth

Some antibiotics can leave a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. This usually goes away after treatment ends. Rinsing your mouth with water, brushing your teeth and tongue, chewing sugar-free gum, and choosing cold foods may help make it less noticeable.

2. Nausea and stomach pain

Nausea and stomach pain are common during treatment. To help prevent them, eat small meals, choose easy-to-digest foods like yogurt, white cheese, and crackers, and get enough rest.

Eating 1 slice of toast or 3 crackers after waking up and avoiding drinking large amounts of liquid at once may help relieve morning nausea. Ginger tea may also help. Learn how to get rid of nausea naturally with tea recipes.

3. Diarrhea

Antibiotics eliminate H. pylori, but they also affect the good bacteria that live in the gut. This can cause diarrhea during treatment.

Eating 1 plain yogurt a day and easy-to-digest foods, like soups, purees, white rice, fish, and chicken, can help relieve diarrhea and support the gut.

If diarrhea is severe, lasts several days, or comes with fever or blood in the stool, contact your doctor. See other home remedies for diarrhea that may help.

4. Dark stools and tongue

Bismuth can turn stools and the tongue dark or black. This is harmless and goes away after treatment ends. However, black, sticky, foul-smelling stools along with dizziness, weakness, or stomach pain may be a sign of bleeding and need emergency care.

When to seek emergency care

You should get medical help right away if you have any of these signs:

Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds;
Black, sticky, foul-smelling stools;
Sudden, severe stomach pain with a hard belly that does not go away.

These signs may mean bleeding in the stomach or a hole in the stomach wall, which are serious complications. In these cases, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Eggs are a good source of lean protein and are usually well tolerated. Boiled, poached or scrambled eggs made with little fat are better options than fried eggs.

Read more: Egg Nutrition Facts: Properties, Composition, Benefits & How to Eat
Yes. White bread, toast and crackers are low in fiber and tend to be gentle on the stomach. Whole grain bread can be added back slowly as symptoms improve.
It is best to avoid pizza during treatment and while you have symptoms. Cheese, fatty meats, tomato sauce and spicy toppings can worsen heartburn and stomach pain. Once the infection is cured and symptoms have resolved, pizza can be eaten in moderation.
Yes. Pancakes made with white flour and low-fat milk, with a small amount of syrup, are usually well tolerated. Avoid adding large amounts of butter, and don’t eat them at the same time as antibiotics that interact with calcium, like tetracycline.
Low-fat milk is usually well tolerated, but whole milk is higher in fat and may worsen symptoms in some people. If your treatment includes tetracycline, avoid milk and other dairy foods around the time of each dose, because calcium reduces how much of the medication the body absorbs. Ask your pharmacist how long to wait between them.
It is best to avoid or limit coffee during treatment. Coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can worsen heartburn and stomach pain in some people. Decaf coffee can also cause discomfort in some people.
The diet is most helpful during treatment and while you still have symptoms. Once a test confirms the infection is gone and you feel better, you can gradually go back to your usual diet. Lasting restrictions are usually only needed if you have another condition, like an ulcer or gastritis.