A therapeutic diet for gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) can significantly alleviate and improve the discomfort and symptoms you experience.The diet can also prevent outbreaks of chronic gastritis.Gastritis can occur due to a number of reasons.
Causes of gastritis
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- chronic vomiting (due to illness or bulimia);
- constant stress and certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are two 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 acid.Correct nutrition in the treatment of gastritis is essential.
A diet for gastritis patients is sometimes the only treatment needed to keep the problem under control.In this case, food can truly be medicine.
Allowed foods for gastritis
There are some foods that should be consumed when suffering from gastritis and ulcers because they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach mucosa and can relieve severe internal inflammation.
Below is a list of recommended foods to help with your 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 does not contain sulphoresin;
- Yogurtit is also an excellent choice to help restore intestinal flora to normal 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 calm your stomach;
- Fruit– excellent food against 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 amazing and soothing product (with some exceptions, which will be listed below in the banned products list);
- 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, choose foods such as nuts, seeds, dried beans and lentils;
- You can also eatapplesauce, drink apple juice, skim milk and light cheeseslow in fat.
Forbidden foods for gastritis
A diet for chronic gastritis will help eliminate any stomach irritation.It may seem difficult at first to give up coffee and sugar, but once you understand the role of diet in healing, it will no longer be a problem.
Listed below are gastritis-fighting drinks and foods that you should avoid in your diet if you suffer from gastritis.
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Tea
- Spicy dishes, including chilli and curry
- Black and red pepper, radish
- Fatty foods (increase acid in the stomach)
- All low-fat dairy products except skim milk and low-fat cheese
- Tomatoes
- Tomato products (sauce, pasta, canned food, juice)
- Oranges, grapefruits, figs, dried fruit
- 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 H. pylori numbers 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 peptic ulcer symptoms.
Sample diet plan for gastritis
Below is a menu for 7 days for gastritis.Foods can be substituted according to personal preferences.
In addition to the meal plan, it is advisable to start the day with a cup of herbal tea, followed 20 minutes later by a fruit-based snack.Breakfast - 30 minutes after fruit.
First day
- Breakfast- two slices of toasted wholemeal bread with plum jam
- Snack- Fruit
- Lunch— Stewed skinless chicken breast with carrots or coleslaw
- Dinner— brown rice with carrots and broccoli
Second day
- Breakfast— Millet 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
- Dinner- a medium sized banana and yogurt with oat flakes
Third day
- Breakfast- two slices of wholemeal bread with low-fat cheese
- Snack- lemon balm tea and a medium sized banana
- Lunch— Baked trout and green salad with olive oil
- Dinner– vegetable salad with pumpkin seeds
Fourth day
- Breakfast- oatmeal with almonds, honey, banana and pumpkin or sesame seeds
- Snack- chamomile and apple slices
- Lunch- skinless chicken breast and carrot or beetroot salad
- Dinner- spinach and wholemeal pasta
Fifth day
- Breakfast— Semolina porridge with skimmed milk
- Snack– 10 almonds
- Lunch- two eggs, a medium-sized potato and beet salad
- Dinner— banana smoothie with alfalfa sprouts, raspberries and honey
Sixth day
- Breakfast- dried fruit and buckwheat salad
- Snack- carrot juice
- Lunch- vegetable salad
- Dinner-steamed vegetables and a slice of wholemeal bread
Seventh day
- Breakfast- a slice of corn bread and yogurt
- Snack– a medium sized banana and tea
- Lunch- one piece each of skinless chicken leg and one thigh
- Dinner- granola 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 can include limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking.Additionally, it is recommended to exercise three to five times a week.
Having gastritis means you'll need to limit your intake of some of your favorite foods to prevent a flare-up of 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 food, but consume it more often.The plan is to eat five to six times during the day, every 2 to 3 hours;
Don't eat before going to bed.It is best to stop eating completely 3 hours before going to bed.However, if that's too difficult, try eating an hour or two 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 slows the healing of the stomach lining;
Try to be less nervous.Emotional stress can be the main cause of stomach inflammation and aggravate the symptoms of the disease.