Gastritis Diet: What should you eat and avoid

Gastritis is a condition which affects about 8 out every 1,000 people,It is an inflammation of the stomach lining.

Eating certain foods and drinks can trigger gastritis and eating others can help reduce symptoms, so it can be helpful to know what to avoid and what to eat if you suffer from the condition.

There are two types of gastritis, acute gastritis, which comes on suddenly and fiercely or chronic gastritis, which lasts longer.

What are the causes of Gastritis?

• helicobacter pylori infection (caused by bacteria)

• taking anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen

• Alcohol abuse

• being very stressed and unwell - illnesses that affect blood flow can increase acid in the stomach

• Autoimmune diseases

What are the symptoms of Gastritis?

• tummy pain.

• indigestion.

• feeling full and bloated.

• feeling sick (nausea)

• being sick (vomiting)

• not feeling as hungry as usual.

• burping and farting

• Vomiting blood or coffee ground type material

• Black, tarry stool

Foods to avoid:

Food allergies and fatty foods are the main culprit for worsening the inflammation in the lining of the stomach. It can also be caused from drinking too often or too much in a short amount of time.

Understanding what foods can worsen the condition can help to prevent and treat gastritis.

So what should you avoid?

• Alcohol

• Chocolate

• Coffee and tea

• Acidic fruits and vegetables

• Dairy products

• Energy drinks

• Fatty/fried foods

• Fried eggs

• Ice cream

• Cakes and baked goods

• Garlic

• Salsa, mayo, creamy sauces

• Marinades

• nuts / nut butter

• Crisps

• Processed meat

• Red meat

• Spices/spicy foods

• tomato products

Foods you can eat:

As already mentioned, there are some foods that can help with symptoms and prevention.

Low fat and acidity, and high fibre foods are your best bet, mainly because foods high in fat and acid can cause harm and worsen the condition.

So what can you eat?

• Eggs

• Vegetables e.g. cucumber and carrots (avoid onion)

• Legumes and beans

• Low-acid and low-sugar fruits e.g. blueberries

• Low fat cheese

• Ginger

• Turmeric

• Oats

• Plain and low-fat yoghurt

• Kombucha

• Kimchi

• Rice

• Seafood

• Honey

• Whole grain bread

• Skinless, lean meats and poultry

Studies have shown that probiotics can be helpful with stomach issues, including Gastritis caused by a helicobacter pylori infection.

Although there are a lot of restrictions with the gastritis diet, it is vital to maintain a balanced diet, you need grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and protein.

Grains

Bland grains such as rice, brown bread, and pasta are ideal as they are high in fibre, which is vital for digestive health.

Fruit and vegetables

Low-acidic vegetables can help protect against acids in the stomach, choose blueberries, strawberries, bananas, spinach, cucumber, sweet potatoes.

Protein

Protein is important in any diet, it helps repair and build cells. Choose lean meats such as skinless chicken and turkey, eggs are also high in protein, as well as nuts and nut butters.

Dairy

Choose low-fat dairy products as fats can cause irritation, this could be low-fat milk, yoghurts, and cheese.

How to manage stomach ulcers through your diet

Often people with gastritis suffer from stomach ulcers (also known as a peptic ulcer), usually if the condition is left untreated. It is also common if the condition stemmed from H. pylori, as the infection is found in the digestive system, it can cause ulcers.

It is vital to get a lot of nutrients when you have an ulcer, a healthy and balanced can help speed up the healing process.

The best foods for stomach ulcers include:

• low fat cheeses, milk and yoghurts

• some fruits, including apples and melons

• Non-acidic vegetables, including leafy greens, spinach and carrots

• lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans

• olive oil and vegetable oils

• lean meats

• natural juices