A therapeutic diet for gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the gastric mucosa) can significantly alleviate and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur.The diet can also prevent flare-ups of chronic gastritis.Gastritis can occur for a variety of reasons.
Causes of gastritis
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- chronic vomiting (due to illness or bulimia);
- constant stress and certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatories are two well-known culprits);
- but most cases of gastritis and peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori infection, which causes serious disturbances in the acid balance of the stomach and intestinal flora.
Why are special foods and diets recommended for gastritis?
Foods that soothe stomach inflammation, such as broccoli and yogurt, are recommended because they are known to balance stomach acidity.Proper nutrition in the treatment of gastritis is crucial.
A diet for gastritis patients is sometimes the only treatment needed to control the problem.Food, in this case, can actually be medicine.
Allowed foods for gastritis
There are certain foods that should be consumed when you have gastritis and ulcers because they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach lining and can alleviate serious internal inflammation.
Below is a list of recommended foods to help with the gastritis and reflux diet:
- Broccoli sproutscontain a chemical called sulforpakhan, which helps kill H. pylori because it has an antibacterial effect.A 2009 study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research found that a group of people with H. pylori who ate a cup of broccoli sprouts every day for eight weeks had significantly less inflammation and stomach infections than those who ate the same amount of alfalfa sprouts, which do not contain sulforesin;
- YogurtIt is also an excellent option to help restore intestinal flora and balance the stomach.It's best to choose low-fat or fat-free brands that contain live, active bacteria.Choose plain yogurt and add honey (unless you're allergic to it) as a sweetener to help soothe your stomach;
- Fruits– excellent food for gastritis (with some exceptions).You can eat two to four fruits a day:apples, bananas, pears, peaches, grapes, melons and kiwis;
- Vegetablesthey are also an incredible and calming product (with some exceptions, which will be listed below in the list of prohibited products);
- Grainhelps stimulate intestinal function, helps prevent or reduce the symptoms of gastritis.Consume foods rich in fiber, such asbrown rice, oatmeal, barley, whole grain breads and cereals, crackers, pasta and cornmeal;
- Proteins likelean meat, fish, poultry and eggsThese are all great low-fat foods.For those following a plant-based diet, opt for foods like nuts, seeds, dried beans and lentils;
- You can also eatapplesauce, drink apple juice, skimmed milk and light cheeseslow fat.
Prohibited foods for gastritis
A diet for chronic gastritis will help eliminate any stomach irritation.It may seem difficult to give up coffee and sugar at first, but once you understand how diet plays a role in healing, it won't be a problem.
Below are the gastritis drinks and foods that you should avoid in your diet if you suffer from gastritis.
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Tea
- Spicy dishes, including chili and curry
- Black and red pepper, radish
- Fatty foods (increase stomach acid)
- All low-fat dairy products except skim milk and low-fat cheese
- Tomatoes
- Tomato products (sauce, paste, canned food, juice)
- Oranges, grapefruits, figs, dried fruits
- Fast food
- Fried food
- Dried sausages
- Butter
- Soft drinks or any drink with added sugar
- Carbonated drinks (increase stomach acidity)
- Citrus and pineapple juice
Some herbs and plants help reduce the number of H. pylori and relieve inflammation:
- Cranberry: Some studies suggest that cranberry may inhibit further growth of H. pylori;
- Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL): Licorice is best chewed.This should be done one hour before or two hours after meals;
- Peppermint: May help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Sample Gastritis Diet Plan
Below is a 7-day menu for gastritis.Foods can be substituted according to personal preference.
In addition to the eating plan, it is advisable to start each day with a cup of herbal tea, followed by a fruit snack 20 minutes later.Breakfast - 30 minutes after fruit.
First day
- Breakfast- two slices of whole grain bread toast with plum jam
- Snack- Fruits
- Lunch- skinless chicken breast stewed with carrots or cabbage salad
- To have lunch- brown rice with carrots and broccoli
Day two
- Breakfast— Corn porridge with raisins, honey or almonds to taste
- Snack- fruit or a cup of black or green tea
- Lunch- a bowl of pumpkin soup, brown rice and tofu
- To have lunch- a medium banana and yogurt with oats
Third day
- Breakfast- two slices of wholemeal bread with low-fat cheese
- Snack- lemon balm tea and a medium banana
- Lunch— roasted trout and green salad with olive oil
- To have lunch– vegetable salad with pumpkin seeds
Day four
- Breakfast- oatmeal with almonds, honey, banana and pumpkin or sesame seeds
- Snack- chamomile tea and apple slices
- Lunch- skinless chicken breast, as well as carrot or beetroot salad
- To have lunch- spinach and whole wheat pasta
Day five
- Breakfast— Semolina porridge with skimmed milk
- Snack– 10 almonds
- Lunch- two eggs, a medium potato and beetroot salad
- To have lunch— banana smoothie with alfalfa sprouts, raspberries and honey
Day six
- Breakfast- dried fruit and buckwheat salad
- Snack- carrot juice
- Lunch- vegetable salad
- To have lunch- steamed vegetables and a slice of wholemeal bread
Day seven
- Breakfast- a slice of cornbread and yogurt
- Snack– a medium banana and tea
- Lunch- a piece of skinless chicken thigh and drumstick
- To have lunch- muesli balls made with oats, almonds, raisins, honey, cinnamon and coconut flakes
With gastritis, it is important to plan your meals and take breaks between meals.Avoid drinking water during and immediately after meals.Drink water between meals.
In addition to changes in food choices, lifestyle changes may include limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking.Furthermore, it is advisable to exercise three to five times a week.
Having gastritis means that you will have to limit your intake of some of your favorite foods to avoid painful symptoms.The diet for the treatment of gastritis, taking into account your preferences, can be quite varied in the choice of dishes.
General recommendations
Eat less, but consume food more frequently.The plan is to eat five to six times a day, every 2 to 3 hours;
Don't eat before bed.Ideally, you need to completely stop eating 3 hours before bed.However, if this is too difficult, try eating one to two hours before bed;
Drink water.Drink a glass of water between meals, but not during meals;
Give up bad habits if you have them.Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.Smoking delays the healing of the stomach lining;
Try to be less nervous.Emotional stress can be the main cause of stomach inflammation and worsen the symptoms of the disease.