A therapeutic diet for the treatment of gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) can significantly alleviate and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur.The diet can also prevent the outbreak of chronic gastritis.Gastritis can occur for many reasons.
Causes of gastritis
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- chronic vomiting (due to illness or bulimia);
- constant stress and certain medications (two well-known culprits are aspirin and anti-inflammatories);
- but most cases of gastritis and gastric 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?
Anti-inflammatory foods such as broccoli and yogurt are recommended because they are known to balance stomach acid.Proper nutrition is key in the treatment of gastritis.
Diet for gastritis patients is sometimes the only treatment needed to control the problem.In this case, food can really be medicine.
Approved foods for gastritis
There are certain foods that should be eaten in case of gastritis and ulcers because they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach lining and can relieve severe internal inflammation.
Below is a list of suggested foods that can help with the gastritis and reflux diet:
- Broccoli sproutsthey contain a chemical called sulforpacan, 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;
- Yogurtit is also an excellent choice for restoring the intestinal flora and restoring the balance of 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're allergic to it) as a sweetener to settle your stomach;
- Fruits- excellent food for gastritis (with a few exceptions).You can eat two to four fruits a day:apples, bananas, pears, peaches, grapes, melons and kiwis;
- Vegetablesalso a wonderful and soothing product (with a few exceptions listed below in the prohibited products list);
- Grainstimulates bowel function, helps prevent or reduce the symptoms of gastritis.Eat foods high in fiber, such asbrown rice, oatmeal, 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 following a plant-based diet should choose foods such as nuts, seeds, dried beans and lentils;
- You can eat it tooapple sauce, drink apple juice, skim milk and light cheeseslow in fat.
Prohibited foods for gastritis
A diet for chronic gastritis helps to eliminate stomach irritation.Giving up coffee and sugar may seem difficult at first, but once you understand the role diet plays in your recovery, it won't be a problem.
Below is a list of gastritis drinks and foods that you should avoid in your diet if you suffer from gastritis.
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Tea
- Spicy foods including chili and curry
- Black and red pepper, radishes
- Fatty foods (they increase stomach acid)
- All low-fat dairy products, except skim milk and low-fat cheese
- Tomato
- Tomato products (sauce, paste, preserves, juice)
- Orange, grapefruit, fig, dried fruits
- Fast food
- Fried food
- Dried sausage
- butter
- Soft drinks or any drinks with added sugar
- carbonated drinks (increase stomach acidity)
- Citrus and pineapple juice
Certain herbs and plants reduce H. pylori and reduce inflammation:
- Blueberries: Some studies suggest that blueberries may inhibit the further growth of H. pylori;
- Deglycyrrhizal Licorice (DGL): Licorice is best chewed.This should be done one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal;
- Peppermint: May help relieve stomach ulcer symptoms.
Sample diet for the treatment of gastritis
Below is a 7-day menu for gastritis.Foods can be substituted according to personal preference.
In addition to the meal plan, it is advisable to start each day with a cup of herbal tea, followed by a fruit snack 20 minutes later.Breakfast - 30 minutes after fruit.
First day
- Morning- two slices of wholemeal bread with plum jam on toast
- A snack— Fruits
- Lunch— steamed skinless chicken breast with carrot or coleslaw
- Dinner— brown rice with carrots and broccoli
Second day
- Morning— Porridge with raisins, honey or almonds to taste
- A 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
Third day
- Morning- two slices of wholemeal bread with low-fat cheese
- A snack- lemongrass tea and a medium-sized banana
- Lunch— fried trout and green salad with olive oil
- Dinner– vegetable salad with pumpkin seeds
Fourth day
- Morning- oatmeal with almonds, honey, banana and pumpkin or sesame seeds
- A snack- chamomile tea and apple slices
- Lunch- skinless chicken breast and carrot or beet salad
- Dinner- spinach and whole wheat pasta
Day five
- Morning— Wheat semolina with skimmed milk
- A snack- 10 almonds
- Lunch- two eggs, a medium-sized potato and carrot salad
- Dinner— banana smoothie with alfalfa sprouts, raspberries and honey
Sixth day
- Morning- dried fruits and buckwheat salad
- A snack- carrot juice
- Lunch- vegetable salad
- Dinner- steamed vegetables and a slice of whole grain bread
Seventh day
- Morning- a slice of cornbread and yogurt
- A snack– a medium-sized banana and tea
- Lunch- one piece of skinless chicken leg and leg each
- Dinner- muesli balls made of oats, almonds, raisins, honey, cinnamon and shredded coconut
In the case of gastritis, it is important to plan meals and observe the breaks between meals.Avoid drinking water during and immediately after meals.Drink water between meals.
In addition to changing your diet, lifestyle changes can include limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking.In addition, it is advisable to train three to five times a week.
Gastritis means you have to limit your favorite foods to prevent painful symptoms from flaring up.A diet for the treatment of gastritis, taking into account your preferences, can be quite diverse in the selection of foods.
General recommendations
Eat less, but eat more often.The plan is to eat five or six times during the day, every 2-3 hours;
Don't eat before bed.You should preferably stop eating completely 3 hours before going to bed.However, if this is 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 any.Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.Smoking slows down the healing of the stomach lining;
Try to be less nervous.Emotional stress can be the main cause of gastritis and can aggravate the symptoms of the disease.