However, it is better to consult a doctor before taking any remedial steps as some forms of gastritis may cause gastric cancer and ulcers. This article discusses all that you need to know about gastritis, its causes, an effective diet plan to treat this inflammatory condition, foods to eat and avoid, and some easy and delicious recipes to get started with the diet. Keep scrolling to know more!
What Is Gastritis?
Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining caused either by a Helicobacter pylori infection or by the excessive administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (medicine-induced gastritis). It can be either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (develops over time) in nature (1). Following a healthy diet can help alleviate the symptoms of gastritis. Check out how it works below.
Gastritis Diet – How It Helps
The main aim of a gastritis diet is to control H.pylori infection and alleviate gastritis symptoms. A gastritis diet should be:
High in fiber: A high-fiber food is beneficial for your gut. The undigested portions of dietary fiber produce short-chain fatty acids that have a beneficial effect on gut bacteria (2).
Enriched with healthy fats: Fatty foods are not the best choice for treating gastritis, but healthy fats definitely work wonders for it. Include nuts, seeds, and oily fish that are rich in omega-3 (polyunsaturated) fatty acids to reduce stomach inflammation (3).
High in lean protein: Lean proteins may help repair the damaged stomach lining and build stamina.
High in probiotics: Include foods and drinks rich in probiotics or live organisms. Studies have found that probiotics help eradicate H.pylori and reduce stomach inflammation (4).
Rich in flavonoids: Include spices, herbs, and condiments in your diet. Flavonoid-rich foods exhibit antibacterial properties that can eradicate H.pylori (5).
Cutting down on highly acidic foods, processed foods, and dairy can help minimize acid secretion in the stomach and provide relief from the symptoms of gastritis. Now, you are quite aware of what kind of foods to be included in the diet for relief from stomach irritation and discomfort. Here’s is a sample gastritis diet plan that gives an idea of what to include in your daily meals.
Gastritis Diet Menu Plan
Here are lists of foods that you must eat and avoid when you are experiencing gastritis.
Foods To Eat
There are certain foods that reduce gastritis symptoms and provide relief to stomach irritation and bloating. These include:
High-fiber whole foods like whole grains, beans, and legumes. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Lean protein like chicken, poultry meat, and oily fish. Vegetable juice with pulp (choose vegetables that are low in acid like cucumber, potato, carrot, broccoli, asparagus, pumpkin, etc.) Probiotics or fermented foods like kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut. Low-sugar, low-acid fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and apples. Functional foods like ginger, garlic, turmeric.
Foods To Avoid
Foods that increase the acid levels in the stomach and cause more discomfort need to be avoided. These include:
Acidic fruits (citrus family) and vegetables like onion Beverages like coffee and tea Alcohol Carbonated energy drinks and sodas Fried foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice-cream, etc. Spicy foods Sauces, spreads, and pickles
Now that you know what foods to eat and avoid if you have gastritis, here are a few quick recipes you can try that are not only delicious but also healthy.
Gastritis Diet Recipes
1. Chicken Barley Soup
Ingredients
Cooked pearl barley – 80g Chicken breast pieces – 85g Chopped carrot – 50g Chopped broccoli – 44g Salt – 0.4g
How To Prepare
2. Rice And Vegetable Khichdi
Ingredients
Cooked rice – 75 g Soaked green beans – 13 g Raw peanuts – 15 g Chopped carrots – 50 g Chopped cauliflower – 50 g Salt – 0.5 g
How To Prepare
3. Banana And Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients
Organic yogurt – 100 g Bananas – 1-2 Honey – 20 g Almonds – 3-5 (Optional)
How To Prepare Can I eat salad when I have gastritis? Yes, you can eat a salad when you have gastritis. Choose low-acid foods to make your salad. But, do not use any salad dressing. Is curd good for gastritis problem? Yes, curd contains probiotics that increase the good bacteria in your gut, which reduce inflammation. Can I eat bread when I have gastritis? White bread may increase the acid secretion in your stomach and aggravate the gastritis symptoms. Choose whole-wheat bread and limit the portions. Can stress and anxiety cause gastritis? Yes, stress and anxiety can increase acid secretion due to hormonal action. Reduce stress as much as possible to keep gastrointestinal issues at bay. Does drinking water help gastritis? Yes, drinking plenty of water controls the acidity of your gastric juices. This can help speed up your healing process and help you recover from gastritis faster. How long does it take for gastritis to heal? This depends on the severity of the condition. Acute gastritis takes between 2 to 10 days to heal. Chronic gastritis may last between a few weeks to a few months if not treated early and properly.
