A therapeutic diet for gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) can significantly alleviate and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur.The diet can also prevent outbreaks of chronic gastritis.Gastritis can occur for various 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);
- However, most cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers are caused by H. pylori infection, which causes severe disturbances in the acid balance of the stomach and intestinal flora.
Why are special foods and diets recommended for gastritis?
Foods that relieve stomach inflammation, such as broccoli and yogurt, are recommended because they are known to balance stomach acid.Proper nutrition is crucial in treating gastritis.
Diet for patients with gastritis is sometimes the only treatment necessary to control the problem.In this case, food can really be medicine.
Permitted foods for gastritis
There are certain foods that should be eaten for gastritis and ulcers as they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach lining and can relieve severe internal inflammation.
Below is a list of recommended foods that can help you with your gastritis and reflux diet:
- Broccoli sproutscontain a chemical called sulforpakhane, 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;
- yogurtis also an excellent choice for returning the intestinal flora to normal and balancing the stomach.It's best to choose low-fat or fat-free brands that contain live and active bacteria.Choose plain yogurt and add honey (unless you are allergic to it) as a sweetener to settle your stomach;
- fruit– excellent food for gastritis (with some exceptions).You can eat two to four fruits a day:apples, bananas, pears, peaches, grapes, melons and kiwis;
- Vegetablesare also an amazing and soothing product (with some exceptions listed below in the list of prohibited products);
- GrainHelps stimulate intestinal function and helps prevent or relieve symptoms of gastritis.Consume foods rich in fiber such as:brown rice, oat flour, barley, whole grain breads and cereals, crackers, pasta and cornmeal;
- Proteins such aslean meat, fish, poultry and eggsThese are all great low-fat foods.Those who follow a plant-based diet choose foods such as nuts, seeds, dried beans and lentils;
- You can also eatDrink applesauce, apple juice, skimmed milk and light cheeseslow fat.
Forbidden foods for gastritis
A diet for chronic gastritis helps eliminate stomach irritation.It may seem difficult at first to give up coffee and sugar, but once you understand the role diet plays in healing, it will no longer 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 (these increase the acid in your stomach)
- 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 drinks with added sugar
- Carbonated drinks (they increase stomach acid)
- Citrus and pineapple juice
Some herbs and plants help reduce H. pylori counts and relieve inflammation:
- Cranberry: Some studies suggest that cranberry may inhibit further growth of H. pylori;
- Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL): Liquorice is best chewed.This should be done one hour before or two hours after meals;
- Peppermint: May help relieve symptoms of stomach ulcers.
Sample diet plan for gastritis
Below is a menu for 7 days for gastritis.Food can be substituted depending on personal preference.
In addition to your diet plan, it is advisable to start each day with a cup of herbal tea and enjoy a fruit snack 20 minutes later.Breakfast – 30 minutes after fruit.
Day one
- Breakfast- two slices of whole bread toast with plum jam
- snack— fruits
- Lunch— Braised skinless chicken breast with carrots or coleslaw
- Dinner— brown rice with carrots and broccoli
Day two
- 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 oatmeal
Day three
- Breakfast- two slices of wholemeal bread with low-fat cheese
- snack- Lemon balm tea and a medium banana
- Lunch— baked trout and green salad with olive oil
- Dinner– 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 and carrot or beet salad
- Dinner- Spinach and whole wheat pasta
Day five
- 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
Day six
- Breakfast- Dried fruits and buckwheat salad
- snack- Carrot juice
- Lunch- Vegetable salad
- Dinner- steamed vegetables and a slice of whole grain bread
Day seven
- Breakfast- a slice of cornbread and yogurt
- snack– a medium sized banana and tea
- Lunch- a piece each of skinless chicken thigh and leg
- Dinner- Muesli balls made from oats, almonds, raisins, honey, cinnamon and coconut flakes
With gastritis, it is important to plan 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.In addition, it is advisable to exercise three to five times a week.
Gastritis means you need to limit your intake of some of your favorite foods to prevent painful symptoms from returning.The diet for the treatment of gastritis can be quite diverse, taking into account your preferences in the choice of dishes.
General recommendations
Eat less, but eat more often.The plan involves eating every 2 to 3 hours five to six times throughout the day;
Don't eat before bed.Preferably, you should stop eating completely 3 hours before bedtime.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 slows 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.