Although some patients present as asymptomatic, people with stomach ulcers may experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, belching, or feelings of excessive fullness after eating (per NIDDK). According to Medical News Today, an accumulation of acid within the gastrointestinal tract is thought to contribute to the development of peptic ulcers. Foods with a high acid concentration further add to this acidic buildup, and tomatoes are one such food.
Eating tomatoes may heighten the risk of developing stomach ulcers in the first place, but they can also work against those of us who already have them. Certain prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, can be used to accelerate healing and decrease stomach acid production (per NIDDK). However, experts at AARP state that tomato products may counteract the effects of these medications and instead prompt heartburn-like symptoms. Also falling into the category of highly acidic fruits you may want to pass on are lemons, grapefruit, and oranges.