Gastritis Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
Gastritis Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining, which can develop abruptly or progressively due to various factors. Common triggers include excessive alcohol intake, chronic stress, and the use of certain medications, along with other potential causes such as bacterial infection or bile reflux.Management of gastritis involves a combination of medical treatment and dietary adjustments. A careful selection of foods is crucial to both alleviate irritation and promote healing of the stomach’s mucosal lining. Below, we outline a recommended dietary approach, suggesting four beneficial foods to consume and four to avoid to aid in the management of gastritis.
High-Fiber Foods
Dietary fiber, and especially the insoluble type, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the passage of food through the digestive tract, thus offering substantial benefits for individuals with gastritis. Fortunately, incorporating high-fiber foods into one's diet is a straightforward endeavor. A plethora of fruits, including apples, bananas, oranges, and raspberries, provide a substantial amount of dietary fiber. Vegetables such as carrots, beets, and broccoli are equally beneficial, as are whole grains like brown rice, barley, and quinoa. Beans of all types are also excellent sources of fiber, contributing to a well-rounded, gastritis-friendly diet.
Healthy Fats
Individuals managing gastritis should take care to avoid saturated fats prevalent in some meats and deep-fried items, as these can exacerbate stomach lining inflammation. Instead, it is advisable to focus on incorporating healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, into their diets. Optimal sources include nuts, seeds, olive oil, and peanut butter, as well as lean poultry such as chicken and turkey breast. Additionally, the consumption of fatty fish such as salmon and tuna is recommended, given their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is known to aid in reducing stomach irritation.
Probiotics
Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to the onset of gastritis, can be counteracted by the beneficial effects of probiotics, which inhibit its growth. Probiotics can be ingested through supplements or naturally via a variety of foods. Kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and soy beverages, along with fermented dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and kefir—preferably those that are low in fat—are rich sources of these health-supporting microorganisms.
Water
Proper hydration plays a vital role in detoxifying the digestive system and maintaining gastrointestinal health. Water, devoid of additives and sweeteners that may exacerbate stomach inflammation, is particularly beneficial for individuals with gastritis. It is advised by the University of Maryland Medical Center to ingest six to eight glasses of filtered water every day. For those who find this recommendation difficult to achieve, herbal teas such as chamomile, licorice, and slippery elm can serve as suitable substitutes.
Avoid: Most Beverages Beyond Water
Individuals managing gastritis are advised to limit their intake of beverages to primarily water. Alcohol, a known irritant that can exacerbate gastritis, should be strictly avoided to prevent additional stomach lining damage. Additionally, beverages that contain caffeine, are carbonated, or are decaffeinated are not recommended. Acidic fruit juices, such as those from tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, and grapefruits, or any drinks with citric acid should also be excluded from one's diet. It is essential to review product labels carefully prior to consumption to ensure these ingredients are not present.
CHECK CALORIEAvoid: Acidic Foods
Individuals managing gastritis typically find that most vegetables can be a safe addition to their diet. However, caution is advised when consuming onions and garlic, as certain individuals have reported discomfort and a burning sensation after ingestion. It is prudent to also consider the acidity of various fruits when navigating gastritis. Fruits such as tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, lemons, limes, figs, various berries, and all dried fruits may have higher acidity levels and could potentially aggravate symptoms. These should be consumed judiciously or avoided if they cause discomfort.
Avoid: Fatty Foods
It is acknowledged that although the consumption of high-fat foods is not directly linked to the onset of gastritis, such foods can exacerbate stomach inflammation. This category encompasses high-fat meats, including many beef cuts, processed meats like sausages, bacon, ham, and deli items, in addition to deep-fried delicacies such as French fries, potato chips, and battered poultry and seafood. In particular, the ingestion of foods containing trans-fatty acids poses health risks beyond gastrointestinal discomfort; it is associated with the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Trans-fatty acids are commonly present in a range of baked products, including cookies, doughnuts, and numerous snack crackers. Therefore, minimizing the intake of trans-fatty acids and high-fat foods may be beneficial for both stomach health and overall cardiovascular well-being.
CHECK CALORIEAvoid: Spicy Foods
It is well-documented that individuals suffering from acid reflux may experience an exacerbation of gastritis symptoms after consuming spicy cuisine. Consequently, it is advisable to eliminate such irritants from one's diet during the recuperative phase to mitigate further aggravation to the stomach's mucosal lining. Key culprits often include hot peppers, chili peppers, mustard, and hot sauces along with seasonings like black and red pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Steering clear of these foods can be beneficial in managing and alleviating the uncomfortable symptoms associated with gastritis.
