Diet tips for gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Those affected often suffer from stomach pain, heartburn, nausea or a feeling of fullness. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa occurs in both acute and chronic forms. A proper diet can help permanently relieve the damaged stomach and prevent the disease.

Fasting relieves acute gastritis.

Acute gastritis is often triggered by external influences such as stress, nicotine, medication, alcohol or a stomach-irritating diet. The resulting excess of gastric acid attacks the mucous membrane. The inflammation usually subsides once the gastric mucosa has calmed down.

To support this, sufferers can fast for one to two days. It would help if you drank enough – still water or lukewarm herbal tea is ideal. You can use rusks, oatmeal, or vegetable juices if you don’t want to do it without food entirely. After fasting, bland food is advisable at first.

 

Light food relieves the stomach.

Light food relieves the affected stomach because it does not stimulate acid production. For example, mashed potatoes, rusks, grated apples, bananas and other essential types of fruit are ideal. Oat flakes or porridge are recommended because their mucilage supports the gastric mucosa.

After a few days of bland food, those affected can eat normally again but should avoid aggressive foods – such as coffee, spicy food or fatty dishes.

Diet in chronic gastritis

Depending on the cause, three forms of chronic gastritis are distinguished. A light diet and a generally stomach-friendly diet counteract the symptoms in types A and C. It is important to observe which foods trigger the symptoms and, if necessary, to rule out allergies or intolerances.

Type B gastritis, the most common form of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Probiotic yoghurts and fresh broccoli can inhibit its reproduction, as well as radish and radish sprouts, which is why these foods should be on the menu.

 

prevent gastritis

Regardless of acute or chronic gastritis, in addition to avoiding stress, a permanently healthy diet helps prevent the disease. Important basic rules are:

1. Many small meals stimulate gastric acid production less and are therefore recommended.
2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. In this way, you prepare for digestion better and relieve the stomach.
3. Meals should be neither too hot nor too cold.
4. Use fresh or dried herbs and no hot spices and little salt and sugar.

Tips for a stomach-friendly diet

A wholesome diet rich in fiber and low in acid and fat is gentle on the stomach and protects the gastric mucosa from inflammation. For example, the following are easy to digest:

• Low-acid fruit, especially apples, pears, bananas, kiwis, peaches, grapes and melons
• Vegetables, for example fennel, carrots, green salads, zucchini or green peas
• Potatoes, for example as mashed potatoes
• Kings

Stomach irritating foods

The following foods put a strain on the stomach lining and should therefore not be on your diet:

• Fried, smoked and fried foods
• fatty food, for example meat, fish
• fatty dairy products (e.g. whole milk, cream, ripe or fatty cheeses, moldy cheese or ripe Camembert)
• Bread and baked goods
• Snacks and sweets
• Nuts , unripe fruit, citrus fruits and  avocados
• flatulent vegetables such as cabbage, leeks, legumes, peppers or onions
• hot spices

Coffee,  drinks that are too hot or too cold and alcohol severely irritate the stomach and can even trigger gastritis. Black tea, milk drinks with a high fat content, soft drinks and carbonated drinks also put a strain on the stomach lining.

 

What to drink for gastritis?

Still, water, tea, grain coffee, vegetable juices and diluted fruit juices that are not too acidic are well tolerated. Green smoothies are also recommended. For example, suppose you mix two different leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach, rocket, wild garlic leaves or lettuce) with water, a banana and a spoonful of coconut oil. In that case, you get a nutrient-rich drink that strengthens the stomach against gastritis.