Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. It leads to discomfort and is often associated with indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. 

Gastritis can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis occurs abruptly and can be severe, whereas chronic gastritis develops over time and is usually not serious. Gastritis can result from multiple factors.

The most common cause of gastritis is a bacterial infection in the stomach caused by the bacteria H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). Other causes include viral infections, certain medications (such as pain killers), digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect the lining of the stomach), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and food allergies. The symptoms of gastritis can vary among individuals.

Common symptoms of gastritis include nausea, stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, indigestion, burning sensation in the stomach or chest, hiccups, and loss of appetite. 

Gastritis is mostly not serious and resolves with simple measures. It is possible to manage the symptoms of gastritis through few diet modifications. Diet plays a key role in improving your digestive health and overall well-being.

Let’s take a look at some foods that can help you manage gastritis.

Foods To Include

Following are the foods that can work best in relieving the symptoms of gastritis:

  • Fiber-rich food: Food that is high in fiber content such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes the healthy functioning of the digestive system and therefore, can help prevent gastritis.

  • Lean Proteins: Lean proteins such as chicken, beans, and fish are easy to digest and will help to avoid the symptoms of gastritis.

  • Low-Fat Foods: Food that is low in fat such as lean meat, nuts and seeds helps in reducing inflammation of the stomach. Some people are allergic to nuts, therefore before consuming nuts, make sure that you are not allergic to them.

  • Food Low in Acid Content: Ensure that you consume food that is low in acid content such as apples and bananas. These fruits add variety to your diet and are easier for your stomach to digest.

  • Fermented Foods: Fermented foods such as yogurt contains healthy bacteria that keep your digestive system healthy and thus, prevents gastritis.

Regularising your meal timings can also help in preventing gastritis. Avoid heavy meals and try having small frequent meals throughout the day. This helps in reducing stress on your digestive system. 

Like choosing the right diet, avoiding certain foods are also necessary to prevent or relieve the symptoms of gastritis.

Foods To Avoid

Following are the foods that can aggravate the symptoms of gastritis:

  • Caffeinated Beverages: Beverages that contain caffeine such as tea or coffee can dehydrate you and put stress on your digestive system.

  • Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as lemon and oranges are acidic. These fruits can worsen the symptoms of gastritis.

  • Full-Fat Dairy Products: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream contain lactose (a type of sugar found in dairy products) that is difficult to digest and, thus, aggravate gastritis symptoms. 

  • Carbonated Drinks: These drinks contain artificial colors and sweeteners that can irritate your stomach and also increase acid production.

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol can cause dehydration and slow down digestion. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the major causes of gastritis.

  • Fried Foods: Fried food contains too much oil and is difficult to digest. These foods can irritate your stomach.

  • Spicy Foods: The contents in spicy food such as chili sauce can trigger inflammation and worsen the symptoms of gastritis.

There is no specific diet that can treat gastritis. Making small changes in your diet pattern can help prevent or relieve the symptoms of gastritis. However, if the symptoms persist and it is causing discomfort, then you should consult your doctor.

 

Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.