Tips for choosing the right diet for gastritis. Being a disorder whose genesis is strongly influenced by lifestyle, gastritis can be calmed or completely resolved by applying some variations in eating habits.
It is not always possible to keep stomach inflammation at bay only by following a proper diet.
The severity and duration of symptoms should always be considered on an individual basis, considering the need to consult a family doctor and possibly specialist visits and diagnostic tests to identify the cause of the disorder, such as the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection.
Not surprisingly, the stomach is continuously subjected to the passage of food and substances from outside the body, and this makes it particularly prone to the risk of infection by harmful microorganisms.
Helicobacter pylori, for example, is a bacterium that causes severe gastritis, which can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, gastric reflux, feeling of heaviness, and in the worst cases nausea and vomiting.
There is also the possibility of suffering from nervous gastritis. In fact, in times of strong pressure and psychological stress, it is possible that the body reacts with excessive production of gastric juices. The result is an inflammation of the walls of the stomach, which can cause that feeling of nausea typical of anxious symptoms.
What is certain is that those suffering from stomach disorders such as gastritis must pay the utmost attention to the diet, choosing foods according to their preferences but also to any reactions that they cause.
Each of us has an individual ability to digest and assimilate different foodstuffs and often the presence of intolerances to certain foods is completely ignored.
Very often, already yourself you are able to identify foods that cause a feeling of heaviness and heartburn. If after a meal you experience the symptoms of gastritis, the first step is to carefully analyze everything you have eaten, trying to identify the food responsible.
In most cases, these are excesses of sweets, chocolate, or foods seasoned with a large amount of spices. In any case, it is possible to draw up a diet for gastritis that is useful to most people.
Foods to avoid
In case of gastritis the stomach mucosa is in an irritated or inflamed state so it is very important to avoid foods that could cause additional stress. These dietary indications are valid both for sporadic and milder forms of gastritis, and for more severe and chronic forms.In the first case it is already possible a complete remission of the symptoms, while in the second it is also necessary pharmacological therapies, such as those based on antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori or drugs able to regulate gastric motility, which in any case will always be prescribed by the doctor.
Over-the-counter digestive products or non-prescription drugs, such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors, can be useful in the treatment phases of gastritis. To avoid instead are NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory drugs, which could increase irritation of the stomach walls.
A general rule is not to make excessive meals and to divide them throughout the day: this helps to keep gastric acidity within optimal limits.
It is essential to avoid, especially in the acute phase of gastritis:
- all high-fat foods that could increase the secretion of acid by the stomach (such as red meats, fatty or preserved fish and fatty cheeses, especially fermented ones such as gorgonzola and pecorino)
- all particularly spicy condiments containing for example black and white pepper, garlic and chilli
- pay particular attention to acidulous fruits such as lemons, mandarins, oranges, etc., and dried fruit, the latter too rich in fats and proteins
- limit the consumption of refined foods, such as pasta, white bread and crackers
- Eliminate gas-producing foods such as broccoli, kale, onions, milk, dried beans and peas, and some fruits.
Among the foods that are not recommended during gastritis, it is also worth mentioning carbonated drinks, especially sugary ones, which like cabbage and broccoli could contribute to swelling the stomach.
Then we find raw or undercooked food, sausages and foods rich in fat, and dairy products, particularly if you suspect you suffer from lactose intolerance. Otherwise, it is still preferable to replace whole milk and fresh cheeses with skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, or with yogurt, as for breakfast.
Alcohol and caffeine in the dock
All drinks that can irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach or that can increase the production of gastric acid should be avoided. Among these it is obvious to mention alcohol and in particular spirits, which must be completely eliminated from the diet.
The same goes for coffee, even decaffeinated coffee, and for all drinks containing caffeine. Avoid drinking iced or too cold drinks, especially on an empty stomach.
It is advisable to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially in the most serious cases where vomiting and diarrhea are present (with relative dehydration problem).
Inflammation of the stomach, in fact, and in particular chronic gastritis, could be a sign of a disorder or a more extensive pathology, which also affects the intestinal system. In particular, it could trigger colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, especially in anxious states. Foods and irritants could also negatively affect the intestinal walls.
Milk has an immediate beneficial effect, but after initial relief it can cause a quick reappearance of symptoms. This is because due to its alkaline character it currently counteracts acidity, but being a food rich in fats and proteins, it later increases it and slows down the emptying of the stomach.
Drinks that are too sugary and those derived from acidic fruits should also be avoided.
Here’s what to bring to the table
- Light and low-fat foods (white meats, lean fish, low-fat and fresh cheeses). Avoiding consuming different protein sources in the same meal, such as eggs and meat or legumes or cheeses
- Simple and unprocessed dishes favoring boiling, sautéing with extra virgin olive oil or grilling
- Foods rich in fiber. They do not cause an increase in gastric acidity, so all fibrous vegetables (green beans, artichokes, celery, lettuce, cabbage, nettles, etc.) are advisable. Tomatoes are not recommended for their acidulous nature
- Foods containing flavonoids, such as apples, celery and blueberries because they can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori
- Foods rich in antioxidants, especially fruits such as blueberries, cherries and so on. and vegetables
- Foods high in B vitamins and rich in calcium, such as almonds, beans, leafy vegetables (such as spinach) and sea vegetables
- As far as drinks are concerned, non-acidic fruit juices, milk in small quantities and skimmed milk and yogurt to drink are recommended, as well as, of course, a good amount of water.
In summary, here are the “yes” and “no” foods, respectively to be preferred or avoided in
case of gastritis.
| YES | NO |
|---|---|
| White meat | Red meat |
| Lean fish | Fatty and preserved fish |
| Lean and fresh cheeses | Fatty cheeses, especially fermented ones (gorgonzola, pecorino cheese, etc.) |
| Fibrous vegetables (green beans, artichokes, celery, lettuce, cabbage, nettles etc.) | Tomatoes and other acidulous vegetables |
| Foods containing flavonoids (apples, celery and blueberries) | Particularly spicy condiments (black and white pepper, garlic, chilli , etc.) |
| Foods rich in anti-oxidants (vegetables and fruits such as blueberries, cherries, etc.) | Sour fruit (lemons, mandarins, oranges, etc.) |
| Foods high in B vitamins and calcium (almonds, beans, leafy vegetables, sea vegetables) | Dried fruit |
| Non-acidic fruit juices | Pasta, white bread, crackers |
| Skimmed milk (in limited quantities) | Foods that promote gas formation (broccoli, cabbage, onions, milk, dried beans and peas, some fruits) |
| Yogurt | Alcohol, coffee and caffeinated beverages |
To conclude, let’s not forget that a balanced diet must be accompanied by an equally balanced lifestyle: light courses and a minimum intake of fruit and vegetables are not enough to keep the stomach strong and healthy.
Daily habits also affect the prevention and occurrence of gastritis and other diseases of the digestive system. Free time, for example, is important, even during meals, which should be consumed calmly and chewing slowly.
Away also to physical activity, sports and walks in the open air. Absolute ban, however, for alcohol and smoking, to a too sedentary life, and to meals consumed in a hurry.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.