A therapeutic diet for gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) can significantly relieve and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur.The diet can also prevent outbreaks of chronic gastritis.Gastritis can occur due to a number of reasons.
Causes of gastritis
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- chronic vomiting (from illness or bulimia);
- constant stress and certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are two well-known culprits);
- but most cases of gastritis and peptic 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?
Foods that soothe stomach inflammation, such as broccoli and yogurt, are recommended because they are known to balance stomach acid.Proper nutrition in the treatment of gastritis is crucial.
A diet for patients with gastritis is sometimes the only course of treatment needed to bring the problem under control.Food in this case can really be medicine.
Allowed foods for gastritis
There are certain foods that should be eaten when you have 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 recommended foods to help with your gastritis and reflux diet:
- Broccoli sproutscontain a chemical called sulforpakhan, 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 does not contain sulforesin;
- Yogurtis also an excellent choice to help restore gut flora back to normal and balance the stomach.It is 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 help soothe your stomach;
- Fruits– 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, which will be listed below in the list of prohibited products);
- Cornhelps stimulate bowel function, helps prevent or reduce symptoms of gastritis.Consume high fiber foods such asbrown 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.For those on a plant-based diet, choose foods such as nuts, seeds, dried beans and lentils;
- You can also eatapplesauce, drink apple juice, skim milk and light cheeseslow Fat.
Prohibited foods for gastritis
A diet for chronic gastritis will help eliminate any irritation in the stomach.It may seem difficult to give up coffee and sugar at first, but once you understand how diet plays a role in healing, it won't 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 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 any drinks with added sugar
- Carbonated drinks (they increase stomach acidity)
- Citrus and pineapple juice
Some herbs and plants help reduce the number of H. pylori and relieve inflammation:
- Cranberry: Some studies suggest that cranberry may inhibit further growth of H. pylori;
- Deglycyrrhizated Liquorice (DGL): Liquorice is best chewed.This should be done one hour before or two hours after meals;
- Peppermint: May help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Sample diet plan for gastritis
Below is a menu for 7 days for gastritis.Food items may be substituted according to personal preference.
In addition to your meal plan, it is advisable to start each day with one cup of herbal tea, followed by 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
- Dinner— stewed 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 one cup of black or green tea
- Dinner- a bowl of pumpkin soup, brown rice and tofu
- Dinner- one medium-sized banana and yogurt with oatmeal
Day three
- Breakfast- two slices of whole grain bread with low-fat cheese
- Snack- lemon balm tea and one medium-sized banana
- Dinner— 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
- Dinner- chicken breast without skin, as well as carrot or beet salad
- Dinner- spinach and whole wheat pasta
Day five
- Breakfast— Semolina porridge with skim milk
- Snack– 10 almonds
- Dinner- two eggs, one 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
- Dinner- vegetable salad
- Dinner- steamed vegetables and one slice of whole grain bread
Day seven
- Breakfast- one slice of corn bread and yogurt
- Snack– one medium-sized banana and tea
- Dinner- one piece each of skinless chicken thigh and drumstick
- Dinner- muesli balls made with 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 such as limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking.In addition, it is advisable to exercise three to five times a week.
Having gastritis means you will have to limit your intake of some of your favorite foods to prevent a flare-up of painful symptoms.The diet for the treatment of gastritis, taking into account your preferences, can be quite varied in the choice of dishes.
General recommendations
Eat less food, but consume food more often.The plan is to eat five to six times throughout the day, every 2 to 3 hours;
Don't eat before bed.Preferably, you need to completely stop eating 3 hours before bed.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 down the healing of the stomach lining;
Try to be less nervous.Emotional stress can be the main cause of stomach inflammation and aggravate the symptoms of the disease.