Gastritis Diet: Here’s what you should eat and avoid

Overview 

Gastritis is a medical condition characterised by inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be either acute or chronic, with acute gastritis occurring suddenly and severely, while chronic gastritis lasts for a more extended period. The causes of gastritis vary depending on the type, and symptoms include indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, and feeling full. Although most cases of gastritis are minor and can be treated quickly, some forms can lead to ulcers or increase the risk of cancer. A gastritis-friendly diet can help manage symptoms and improve overall digestive health. 

Gastritis Diet 

The maintenance of digestive health heavily relies on the stomach lining. Its primary function is to produce acid and enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food, enabling the extraction of essential nutrients by the body. 

Additionally, the stomach lining secretes mucus as a protective measure against acid damage. However, there are instances when the lining becomes inflamed, resulting in reduced secretion of acid, enzymes, and mucus. This inflammation is referred to as gastritis.

Gastritis is characterised as the inflammation of the stomach’s protective lining. It is typically categorised into two types: acute gastritis, which involves sudden and severe inflammation, and chronic gastritis, associated with long-term inflammation that can persist for years. If left untreated, chronic gastritis may lead to abdominal bleeding or an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Another classification of gastritis is known as Erosive Gastritis, which is a less common form of the condition. Although it does not cause significant inflammation, it can result in bleeding and the formation of ulcers in the stomach lining. 

Benefits of Gastritis diet 

The gastritis diet aims to alleviate sudden flare-ups of acute gastritis and prevent complications in individuals with chronic gastritis. It is not meant to substitute your regular diet but can be tailored to fulfil your daily nutritional requirements if you need to adhere to it for an extended period. In the case of chronic gastritis, the diet can aid in minimising flare-ups and decreasing the likelihood of complications, including: 

• Stomach cancer 
• Peptic ulcers (open sore in the lining of the stomach) 
• A gastritis diet may also help ease pregnancy-related nausea and heartburn.  
• Gastric hemorrhage (stomach bleeding) 
• Peritonitis (a severe condition in which an ulcer breaks through the stomach wall) 
• Anemia (low red blood cells) due to bleeding

How a gastritis diet works 

The effectiveness of a gastritis diet lies in its ability to limit the consumption of foods and beverages that provoke stomach irritation. The duration of this dietary regimen is contingent upon the frequency and severity of one’s symptoms and the underlying cause of gastric inflammation.

Numerous factors can contribute to the development of chronic gastritis, such as: 

• Infection with H. pylori 
• Bile reflux 
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
• Recreational drug abuse, including cocaine, heroin, and prescription opioids 
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney failure 

Until these conditions are effectively treated or managed, individuals may need to adhere to the gastritis diet to alleviate acute symptoms and minimise the risk of flare-ups. 

Foods to eat and avoid during gastritis diet 

Fruits and vegetables 

Opt for fruits and vegetables with low acidity, such as apples, berries, pumpkin, and carrots, instead of acidic fruits like citrus and tomatoes. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from consuming flavour-enhancing vegetables like onions, garlic, and hot peppers. Bananas can be beneficial as they stimulate mucus production, which aids in protecting the stomach against acid. However, it is essential to consume them in moderation as excessive intake may lead to bloating, gas, and cramping for certain individuals. 

Dairy 

Avoid full-fat dairy products like milk and butter, as they irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Instead, consume low-fat dairy products like non-fat, plain yoghurt, which contains gut-healthy probiotics that can help control bacterial infections in the gut. Avoid sauces, fillings, or puddings made with heavy cream or soft cheeses.

Whole grains 

Incorporate whole grains such as bread, brown rice, and pasta into your gastritis diet as they are bland and rich in fibre, essential for digestive health. Other nutritious options include oats, barley, and quinoa. If you experience symptoms that make eating challenging, opt for plain white rice or white potato, as they are easier to digest. Avoid corn and corn-based products as they contain sugars that can exacerbate gastritis. 

Desserts 

Avoiding most desserts due to their high fat and sugar content is advisable. This category includes baked goods, pastries, ice cream, puddings, and chocolate. It is worth noting that chocolate can be problematic as it contains a significant amount of caffeine. 

Instead, choose fresh berries with a low-fat, non-dairy whipped topping or a small portion of fat-free ricotta cheese. Applesauce and sliced melon can also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of gastritis. 

Beverages 

It is recommended to avoid beverages containing caffeine, sugary drinks, sodas, and acidic fruit juices, mainly orange or tomato juice. 

In addition to regular coffee, it may be necessary to avoid decaffeinated coffee as it can be highly acidic. Other sources of caffeine, such as black tea, green tea, hot cocoa, and energy drinks, should also be avoided. 

The most suitable options are water, herbal tea, non-dairy milk, and light apple or cranberry juice. Some studies suggest that peppermint, ginger, and turmeric tea are particularly effective in relieving gastritis symptoms. Additionally, a teaspoon of honey can aid in reducing inflammation. 

Furthermore, it is essential to eliminate alcohol from your diet, including beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol not only irritates the stomach but also interferes with the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used in the treatment of gastritis. Examples of PPIs include Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid.

Spices 

• Mustard 
• Hot peppers 
• Black pepper 
• Garlic powder 
• Chilli pepper 
• Onion powder 
• Nutmeg 
• Curry powder 

Certain herbs and spices, including basil, oregano, sage, and tarragon, have a lower likelihood of causing stomach irritation. Ginger and turmeric are known to alleviate stomach discomfort potentially. 

When to eat  

If you have gastritis, the frequency and size of your meals can impact the likelihood of experiencing symptoms. To alleviate symptoms, consider consuming smaller meals at regular intervals instead of three large meals. 

Studies indicate that during an acute flare-up, consuming food every two hours is advisable, even if it is just a small snack. Going beyond this two-hour timeframe raises the risk of gastritis symptoms by at least six times. 

Do’s and dont’s  

Being overworked and overstressed can lead to an increased risk of gastric problems. This is because the body’s ability to perform normal digestive functions is compromised, often resulting in an overproduction of stomach acids. 

To maintain good digestive health, it is recommended to have five small, easily digestible meals throughout the day at regular intervals. Additionally, eating slowly, refraining from talking while eating, and thoroughly chewing food can aid digestion. These practices help reduce the amount of intestinal gas produced during the eating process. 

Emotional eating can also contribute to digestive disorders. Therefore, it is essential to address any underlying psychological or emotional issues to recover from such conditions fully. 

It is essential to keep the body well-hydrated to support a healthy digestive process. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is necessary to prevent gastric complications. Consuming 2-3 glasses of lukewarm water in the morning promotes regular bowel movements and alleviates indigestion and flatulence. 

Various food items play a significant role in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Fermented milk products like yoghurt contain lactobacillus bacteria, known for promoting digestion. Opting for non-glutenous grains, non-citric fruits and vegetables, high-fibre foods, and lean protein meats are the best choices for supporting digestive health. 

It would be advisable to refrain from consuming foods such as complex carbohydrates and proteins that are challenging to digest after experiencing a gastric attack. 

To prevent gastritis, it is crucial to refrain from consuming certain medications such as acetaminophen, analgesics, ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Failure to do so may result in irreparable harm to the gut. 

It is essential to avoid certain medications such as acetaminophen, analgesics, ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent gastritis. 

Consuming caffeinated beverages like sodas, tea, and coffee in moderation is advisable. It is essential to refrain from consuming wheat, tomatoes, lemons, red meat, and other similar foods. 

Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid dairy products when dealing with gastritis. Additionally, it is essential to avoid hot and spicy ingredients like peppers, black pepper, and red chilli powder, as they irritate the gastric lining. Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and beans are also harder to digest and should be avoided. 

Guidelines for eating with Gastritis – A quick reference 

Foods to eat	Foods to avoid
Oatmeal and porridge	Citrus fruit and juices
Steamed or broiled fish	Spicy foods
Broths and clear soups	Full-fat dairy
Bananas	Onions, garlic, and peppers
Scrambled or boiled eggs	Red meat
Whole grain bread and pasta	Alcohol
Low-fat dairy	Potato chips and packaged snacks
Brown rice, quinoa, and barley	Fried foods
Steamed cauliflower and cabbage	Tomatoes and tomato sauce or juice

Sample Gastritis diet chart 

Breakfast (8:00-8:30 AM)	Vegetable soup (1 cup)
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)	Tender coconut water (1 cup) + 1 Apple (Unskinned)
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)	Khichdi (1/2 cup)
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)	Boiled Black grams (1/3rd cup) + Black Tea (1 cup)
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)	Khichdi (1/2 cup)

Summary 

A gastritis diet excludes spicy, acidic, fried, fatty, and processed foods, such as fast foods, full-fat dairy, tomatoes, and citrus. Alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine should also be avoided. 

Opt for mild foods that are not acidic and have low sugar content. This selection encompasses whole grains, root vegetables, fish, skinless poultry, and berries. Additionally, peppermint, ginger, and turmeric tea relieve symptoms. 

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