Top foods to eat and avoid when on a gastritis diet
Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet.
What to avoid
Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms.
- Spicy foods
Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. - Alcohol
Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when - Acidic foods
Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. - Fried and fatty foods
Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes gastritis and must be avoided.
What to eat
Food that can kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill H.pylori that cause gastritis. - Garlic
Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill H. pylori. It can also reduce inflammation, thus reducing symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. - Probiotics
Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach. It can strengthen the digestive process and, thus, prevent gastritis. - Fiber
Foods high in fiber are good for digestion and can help to fight the symptoms of gastritis. Apples, beans, legumes, carrots, and oatmeal are rich in fiber and must be consumed. - Alkaline foods
Alkaline foods can be helpful for those suffering from gastritis as it reduces symptoms. Green leafy vegetables, sea salt, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and nuts are alkaline. These foods can be included in your diet. - 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 eaten instead of white bread. - Lean meats
Those suffering from gastritis should consume lean meats that have less fat and don’t irritate the stomach. They include skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops. - Lean protein
Lean protein found in tuna, beans, chicken breast, and egg whites is good to include in a diet for gastritis. They help to repair the damage caused.
Certain foods can cause gastritis and worsen the symptoms. They need to be avoided by those allergic to it. Foods that are gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory must be included in the diet.