Gastritis is a condition of inflammation of the stomach wall. This is due to various different reasons. Symptoms are troublesome. Certain food items can aggravate the condition while there are other foods that can provide relief to the patient.
Gastritis: reasons and symptoms
Gastritis is s condition in which the lining of the stomach gets swollen. Several different factors can cause it. Registered nutritionist Sophie Medlin explains:
“It can be caused by alcohol, chronic vomiting, medications like ibuprofen and aspirin and even by stress. A bacteria called H. pylori, as well as other infections can also cause it.”
What is Gastritis? Common causes (Source: Very well health)Symptoms can start acutely and get chronic over a period of time. The symptoms include burning in the epigastric region, feeling sick, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, water brash, indigestion, bloated stomach feeling, vomiting blood etc. The blood vomited is altered and dark red in color due to action of acid on it.
Certain antacids or histamine blockers or proton pump inhibitors can ease symptoms. But these are temporary measures. It is important to overhaul one’s diet. For this, one should know which foods aggravate the condition and which soothe the stomach and offer relief!
Foods that worsen gastritis
Beijing university of Chinese Medicine has stated that foods that are spicy, salty, fried or acidic are bad for patients of gastritis. Sweets and meat can also create havoc in the inflamed stomach lining. Therefore, if one has gastritis, such foods should not be part of their diet menu. Alcohol consumption can also aggravate the condition. Hence abstinence from alcohol intake is good in these patients. This will help repair the damaged lining and allow time for it to heal.
Foods to avoid in Gastritis (Source: Facebook)Certain drugs such as pain killers and caffeinated drinks can also create gastric ulcers and even bleeding and stomach perforation. Therefore, patients of gastritis should avoid these drugs.
Foods to take in gastritis
Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and probiotic foods are best for gastritis. And those foods that possess anti-inflammatory actions include berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. Besides these, dark green leafy vegetables (Kale, spinach, lettuce, amaranth, cabbage), other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, oily fish like salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and unsalted nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts and pistachios) also help considerably. They are light on the stomach and give the stomach time to heal.
Foods good for stomach ulcers and hyperacidity (Source: Netmeds)Ginger tea and green tea also soothe the stomach lining. Aloe vera juice, extra virgin olive oil and certain spices like turmeric and ginger are also considered good for this ailment. They heal and improve the situation.
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The probiotic foods that can assist in gastritis include sourdough bread, natural yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, meso, sauerkraut, tempeh etc. Sophie explains:
“In general, people with gastritis need to prioritise medical treatment. However, what you eat can certainly aggravate things further. Good foods to eat when you have gastritis include root vegetables, lower acid fruit like melon and banana, lean meats and fish, white or brown bread (but not seeded), cereals like porridge, pasta, rice, and potatoes.”