Gastritis is a stomach disorder wherein the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This can occur due to certain foods or even bacterial infections. Gastritis can be avoided by avoiding certain foods as they help in dealing with symptoms effectively. On consulting with a doctor, one will be able to know the foods that should be consumed and avoided if suffering from gastritis. In the following, some of the foods that should be eaten and avoided have been listed.
Foods to eat
Food that can help kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Some of the choices have been listed below:
- Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in a compound known as sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill the H.pylori bacteria that cause gastritis. - Probiotics
Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach. It can strengthen the digestive process and, thus, help prevent gastritis. - Fiber
Foods that are rich in fiber, such as apples, beans, legumes, carrots, and oatmeal, are good for digestion and can help fight the symptoms of gastritis. - Garlic
Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill the H. pylori bacteria. It can also reduce inflammation, thereby relieving one of the symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can, however, cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. - Whole grains
Whole grains are good and should be consumed instead of processed grains. Brown rice is a good substitute for white rice and brown bread can be consumed instead of white bread. - Lean meats
Those suffering from gastritis should consume lean meats that have less fat and which do not irritate the stomach. They include skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops. - Lean proteins
Lean proteins found in tuna, beans, chicken breast, and egg whites are good to include in a diet for gastritis. They help repair the damage caused. - Alkaline foods
Alkaline foods can be helpful for those suffering from gastritis as it helps reduce the symptoms. Green leafy vegetables, sea salt, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and nuts are alkaline in nature. These foods can be included in one’s diet.
Foods to avoid
The symptoms of gastritis can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can also cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger the symptoms of the condition.
- Spicy foods
Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and aggravate the symptoms as well. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide range of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or at least consumed in moderation. - Alcohol
Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when alcohol is consumed. - Acidic foods
Foods that are acidic in nature must be avoided as it can irritate the stomach. These include citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent the worsening of the symptoms. - Fried and fatty foods
Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes of gastritis and must be avoided.
Moreover, foods that are gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory must be included in the diet. One should ensure to consult a doctor before making any changes to the diet.
