A therapeutic diet for gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach mucosa) can significantly relieve and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur.The diet can also prevent chronic gastritis flares.Gastritis can occur for several reasons.
Causes of gastritis
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- chronic vomiting (due to illness or bulimia);
- constant stress and certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatories are two well-known culprits);
- But most cases of gastritis and peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori infection, which causes serious alterations 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 in the treatment of gastritis is crucial.
Sometimes a diet for gastritis patients is the only treatment necessary to control the problem.Food in this case can really be medicine.
Foods allowed for gastritis.
There are certain foods that should be consumed 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 you with your gastritis and reflux diet:
- broccoli sproutsThey contain 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 do not contain sulforesin;
- yogurtIt is also an excellent option to help restore intestinal flora to normal and balance the stomach.It is best to choose low-fat or fat-free brands that contain live, active bacteria.Choose plain yogurt and add honey (unless you are allergic to it) as a sweetener to help settle the 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;
- VegetablesThey are also an amazing and calming product (with a few exceptions, which will be listed below in the list of prohibited products);
- grainHelps stimulate intestinal function, helps prevent or reduce the symptoms of gastritis.Eat foods rich in fiber such asbrown rice, oat flour, barley, whole grain breads and cereals, crackers, pastas and corn flour;
- proteins likelean meats, fish, poultry and eggsThese are all great low fat foods.For those following a plant-based diet, choose foods like nuts, seeds, dried beans, and lentils;
- You can also eatapplesauce, drink apple juice, skim milk and light cheeseslow in fat.
Prohibited foods for gastritis.
A diet for chronic gastritis will help eliminate any irritation in the stomach.At first it may seem difficult to give up coffee and sugar, but once you understand how diet plays a role in healing, it won't be a problem.
Below are the drinks and foods for gastritis that you should avoid in your diet if you suffer from gastritis.
- coffee
- alcohol
- tea
- Spicy dishes, such as chili and curry.
- Black and red pepper, radish
- Fatty foods (these increase acid in the stomach)
- All low-fat dairy products except skim milk and low-fat cheese.
- tomatoes
- Tomato products (sauce, pasta, preserves, juice)
- Oranges, grapefruits, figs, nuts.
- fast food
- fried food
- dried sausages
- butter
- Soft drinks or any drink with added sugar.
- Carbonated drinks (increase stomach acidity)
- Citrus and pineapple juice.
Some herbs and plants help reduce the amount of H. pylori and relieve inflammation:
- Blueberry: Some studies suggest that blueberry may inhibit further growth of H. pylori;
- Deglycyrrhizal licorice (DGL): Licorice is best chewed.This should be done one hour before or two hours after meals;
- Peppermint: May help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Example of diet plan for gastritis.
Below is a menu for 7 days for gastritis.Foods can be substituted according to your personal preferences.
In addition to your 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.
day one
- Breakfast- two slices of toasted whole wheat bread with plum jam
- snack- Fruit
- Lunch— skinless chicken breast stewed 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, brown rice and tofu soup
- dinner- a medium banana and yogurt with oats
Day three
- Breakfast- two slices of whole wheat bread with skimmed 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, as well as 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 potato and beet salad
- dinner— banana smoothie with alfalfa sprouts, raspberries and honey
Day six
- Breakfast- nuts and buckwheat salad
- snack- carrot juice
- Lunch- vegetable salad
- dinner- steamed vegetables and a slice of whole wheat bread
Seventh
- Breakfast- a slice of corn bread and yogurt
- snack– a medium banana and tea
- Lunch- one piece of skinless chicken thigh and one piece of thigh
- 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 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 that you will have to limit your intake of some of your favorite foods to avoid 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 eat food more frequently.The plan is to eat five to six times throughout the day, every 2 to 3 hours;
Don't eat before going to bed.Preferably, it is necessary to stop eating completely 3 hours before bedtime.However, if this is too difficult for you, try eating an hour or two before bed;
Drink water.Drink a glass of water between meals, but not during meals;
Leave 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 aggravate the symptoms of the disease.