Best Fruits For Gastritis patients require special diets to avoid gastritis. Best fruits for gastritis are orange and banana. Fruit juices help to relieve the burning sensation caused by acid reflux disease even more than other juices, such as vegetable juices, do. Drinking juices of apple and pear are also recommended.
Diet tips for gastritis and stomach ulcers
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Gastritis is a digestive condition that involves inflammation of the stomach lining. Symptoms include indigestion, burning stomach pain, nausea, and frequent burping. For some people, dietary changes can help.
There are different types and causes of gastritis. A common causeTrusted Source is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Other causes include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a high consumption of alcohol, and some inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease.
Some foods may increase the risk of H. pylori infection, and certain dietary habits can trigger stomach lining erosion or otherwise worsen gastritis symptoms.
A person with gastritis may find it difficult to eat, resulting in a loss of appetiteTrusted Source and unwanted weight loss.
Untreated gastritis can lead to ulcers, persistent pain, and bleeding. In some cases, it can become life-threatening. Chronic stomach inflammation also increases the riskTrusted Source of stomach cancer.
In this article, find out how certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help reduce gastritis symptoms.
Foods to eat
No specific diet can treat gastritis, but consuming certain foods may help improve symptoms or keep them from getting worse.
Dietary changes may, for example, help protect the stomach lining and manage inflammation.
Foods to help prevent gastritis
Green tea and fresh fruits and vegetables may help protectTrusted Source the body from gastritis. These are good sources of antioxidants, which can help ward off cell damage and disease by reducing levels of unstable compounds called free radicals in the body.
Foods that may help inhibit the growth of H. pylori and reduce gastritis and ulcer formation include:
- cauliflower, swede, cabbage, radishes, and other Brassica vegetables
- berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
- turmeric, a mild spice that may have anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source
Antioxidants may also help prevent a wide range of other diseases. Here, learn more about antioxidants and the foods that provide them.
Foods to help prevent symptoms
Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining. For this reason, an anti-inflammatory diet may help some people.
There is no single best anti-inflammatory diet. To combat inflammation, eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods, which are rich in antioxidants. It is also important to avoid processed foods and any containing unhealthful fats and added salt or sugar.
Foods to help treat gastritis
Two foods that may help treat gastritis are broccoli and yogurt.
Broccoli contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which has antibacterial properties. It also contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer. For this reason, eating broccoli sprouts may help relieve or prevent gastritis and decrease the risk of stomach cancer.
Authors of an older study, published in 2009, found that participants with H. pylori infection who ate 70 grams — more than half a cup — of broccoli sprouts per day for 8 weeks had lower levels of infection and inflammation than those who did not eat broccoli.
In 2006, another teamTrusted Source investigated whether eating about 2 cups of probiotic yogurt daily before using a combination of antibiotics could boost the ability of the medication to combat drug resistant H. pylori infection.
After 4 weeks, the researchers found that the participants who consumed the yogurt and antibiotics tended to eliminate the infection more effectively than those who only took antibiotics.
The results may have stemmed from the yogurt’s active cultures of beneficial bacteria that help improve the body’s ability to combat infection.
Dietary tips
The following dietary changes may help prevent or manage gastritis:
Eat little but frequently: Eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day — rather than three large meals — can help reduce the production of stomach acid.
Manage weight: Overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing gastritis. A doctor can help develop a weight loss plan to reduce the risk of gastritis and other associated health issues.
Use antacids: A doctor can also advise about medications to reduce symptoms.
Ask a doctor about supplements: Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, may lessen the impact of gastritis.
Omega-3 supplements and probiotic supplements are available for purchase online. However, speak with a doctor before trying these or other supplements, as they may interfere with treatments for other issues.
Also, some supplementsTrusted Source, such as iron, may increase the risk of gastritis.
Foods to avoid
- spicy foods
- alcohol
- acidic foods
- fried foods
Sometimes, an allergen can trigger inflammation. In this case, a doctor may recommend an elimination diet, which involves excluding certain food groups from the diet to see whether it affects symptoms.
For example, one team of doctors reportedTrusted Source that dairy and eggs caused a type of gastritis in one person. The team had also investigated wheat, nuts, soy, seafood, and rice.
Anyone who is considering an elimination diet should speak to a doctor first, as it can cause nutritional deficiency.
Foods that increase the risk of gastritis
A person may be more likelyTrusted Source to develop gastritis if they consume:
- red meats
- processed meats
- foods that are pickled, dried, salted, or smoked
- salty foods
- fatty foods
- alcohol
StudiesTrusted Source have shown that salty and fatty foods, for example, can change the stomach lining. High-salt diets can alter the cells within the stomach, making them more prone to H. pylori infection.
A high intake of alcohol can also contribute to stomach inflammation and make symptoms worse. It can also cause erosionTrusted Source of the stomach lining.
Gastritis Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
The term gastritis refers to any condition that involves inflammation of the stomach lining. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help people manage gastritis symptoms.
Gastritis can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis comes on suddenly and severely, while chronic gastritis lasts for a longer time.
Different factors cause different types of gastritis. Symptoms include:
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- feeling full
For most people, gastritis is minor and will go away quickly after treatment. However, some forms of gastritis can produce ulcers or increase the risk of cancer.
Diet is an important player in your digestive and overall health. Following a gastritis-friendly diet can go a long way toward relieving your symptoms and helping you feeling better.
What to eat on a gastritis diet
Some foods may help manage your gastritis and lessen the symptoms.
Diet does not generally cause chronic gastritis, but eating some foods can make the symptoms worse. These may include foods that are:
- fried
- spicy
- highly acidic
Some people find that the following foods and drinks help ease symptoms of gastritis:
- high fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans
- low fat foods, such as fish, lean meats, and vegetables
- foods with low acidity, including vegetables and beans
- noncarbonated drinks
- caffeine-free drinks
According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, some studies say that probiotics could help with stomach complications caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori.
These bacteria cause an infection in the digestive system, which can lead to gastritis or stomach ulcers. In fact, H. pylori is the most common cause of gastritis, accounting for 90 percentTrusted Source of cases.
That’s why healthful probiotic foods could help with gastritis. These include:
- kombucha
- yogurt
- kimchi
- sauerkraut
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help ease symptoms.
Some types of gastritis can make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron or vitamin B12, leading to deficiencies. Talk with your doctor about taking supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Foods to avoid on a gastritis diet
Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
For some people, food allergies can trigger gastritis. In these cases, identifying and avoiding these foods may treat and prevent the condition.
Some forms of gastritis are caused by drinking alcohol too often or drinking too much in a short period.
Foods that may irritate the stomach and make gastritis worse include:
- acidic foods, such as tomatoes and some fruits
- alcohol
- carbonated drinks
- coffee
- fatty foods
- fried foods
- fruit juices
- pickled foods
- spicy foods
- tea
If you notice that a certain food or food group makes your symptoms worse, avoiding this food can prevent symptoms. This is particularly true when it comes to food allergies.
Gastritis diet with an ulcer
Left untreated, some types of gastritis can eventually lead to a stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer. If you have an ulcer, the types of foods that you should eat or avoid are similar to those for gastritis.
With an ulcer, you should make sure you are getting foods full of nutrients. Following a healthful, balanced diet makes it easier for the ulcer to heal.
According to 2014 researchTrusted Source on diet and stomach ulcers, the following foods are allowed:
- milk, yogurt, and low fat cheeses
- vegetable oils and olive oil
- some fruits, including apples, melons, and bananas
- some vegetables, including leafy greens, carrots, spinach, and zucchini
- lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans
- lean meats
- natural juices
Research also suggests that people with a stomach ulcer may want to avoid:
- fried foods
- spicy peppers
- chocolate
- caffeinated drinks
- mustard grains
There is very little research to support these specific dietary recommendations for gastritis. Your best option is to consult with a doctor or nutritionist for an individualized diet based on your own symptoms and reactions to foods.
Foods to eat and avoid on a gastritis diet
Gastritis is a common condition that may cause digestive symptoms and pain. Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms may help people manage this condition.
Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. There are different types and causes of gastritis, and treatment will depend on the type and cause. The most commonTrusted Source cause is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Other causes include lifestyle choices, such as the use of tobacco or alcohol, and various health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease.
This inflammation is due to damage to the lining of the stomach. Acute gastritis lasts for a limited time and often improves after treatment. Without treatment, however, gastritis can become chronic, or long term. Depending on the cause, complications can occur, which include peptic ulcers, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, and an increased risk of cancer.
ResearchersTrusted Source have not confirmed a link between nutrition and most types of gastritis. However, in a 2020 studyTrusted Source, over 58% of people with chronic gastritis said dietary factors affected their symptoms. The factors included both eating habits and specific foods.
This suggests that focusing on dietary habits may help manage symptoms.
In this article, we will look at foods that may be helpful to eat and avoid with gastritis. We will also look at recipe ideas and how to help prevent gastritis.
Foods to eat
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesTrusted Source says it is unclear whether diet and nutrition play a significant role in causing gastritis. However, expertsTrusted Source recommend avoiding alcohol and spicy foods, as these may worsen symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Gastritis is an inflammatory condition, and research suggests that following an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation.
Nutritional practices that may help manage inflammation include:
- including in the diet certain foods, such as berries, which contain polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins
- consuming fermentable fiber within lentils and other pulses
- choosing carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- limiting the intake of saturated fats and aiming for healthier fats such as omega-3 fats within fatty fish, nuts, and seeds
Here are some foods that can play a role in an anti-inflammatory diet:
- leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, spinach, and arugula
- oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines
- nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts
- fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries
- olive oil
Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and other spices may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Probiotic foods
According to older research from 2013Trusted Source, probiotic compounds may help eliminate H. pylori from the gut. Another suggests that probiotics can speed up the healing of gastric ulcers.
An older reviewTrusted Source of clinical trials found that those who used a probiotic supplement during treatment of H. pylori were twice as likely to eliminate the bacterial infection successfully and experienced fewer treatment side effects than those who did not use a probiotic supplement.
Another studyTrusted Source suggests that probiotics may help speed up the healing of gastric ulcers, though it is important to note that most studies on this topic have involved animal models.
Additionally, the research focused on the use of probiotic supplements rather than foods. Therefore, there is not yet enough research to confirm probiotics can benefit people with gastritis.
Meanwhile, consuming probiotic foods may benefitTrusted Source people with gastritis by boosting their overall gut health.
Foods that contain beneficial probiotic bacteria include:
- natural yogurt
- sauerkraut
- miso
- kefir
- tempeh
- kimchi
- sourdough bread
Additionally, a 2015 studyTrusted Source found that kimchi helped slow the spread of H.pylori infection in mice.
Probiotics are available as supplements, but a person should check with their doctor first to ensure they are safe to use, as they may not be suitableTrusted Source for everyone.
Menu and recipe ideas
The following are two examples of how people can combine foods beneficial for gastritis in nutritious meals.
Day 1
- breakfast: natural yogurt with blueberries and chopped nuts
- lunch: marinated tempeh salad with sourdough bread
- dinner: ginger salmon with steamed broccoli and kale
Day 2
- breakfast: Oatmeal with walnuts and blueberries
- lunch: Almond crusted salmon with salad
- dinner: Braised Cabbage with smoked Tofu
What Are the Best Foods for Gastritis?
If you have gastritis, you may not always feel like eating, but it’s important to stay nourished and eat foods that can help you recover.
Image Credit: LightFieldStudios/iStock/GettyImages
When you have stomach inflammation, known as acute or chronic gastritis, you may not feel like eating anything at all. But it’s important to stay nourished, and many foods can actually help heal the stomach lining. Here’s how to include them in your diet.
Acute vs. Chronic Gastritis
“Gastritis” is a general term that simply means inflammation of the stomach lining, says Mayo Clinic. This painful condition can be acute or chronic — short- or long-term — and is often caused by overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), an infection from the bacteria H. pylori or periods of intense stress, it says.
When acute, gastritis comes on quickly and may pass quickly as well, Mayo Clinic explains. Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, develops over a longer period of time and can do more permanent damage to the stomach lining.
Whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic gastritis, dietary recommendations for both conditions are virtually the same. The primary difference is how long you will need to avoid or include certain foods.
High-Fiber Foods
Foods high in fiber benefit your health in general, removing harmful cholesterol, boosting friendly bacteria and preventing constipation. But fiber may also help restore the lining of the stomach.
“Fiber acts as a buffer and reduces the concentrations of bile acids in the stomach,” explains gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal, MD, an adjunct assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. “It also reduces the time that food spends moving through the digestive tract, so there is less bloating and discomfort.”
To promote recovery from gastritis, opt for high-fiber foods. Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, oats and quinoa. Include fruits like apples, cantaloupe, and watermelon and vegetables like leafy greens, carrots and broccoli. And don’t forget beans and legumes like lentils, black beans, soybeans, chickpeas and kidney beans.
Low-Acidity Foods
Often, gastritis pain is aggravated by food with a high level of acidity. “Certain foods create an acidic environment in your body,” says Dr. Sonpal. “Highly acidic diets mean that the body has to work harder to neutralize its acidic state.”
When your stomach lining is inflamed, it’s a good idea to choose more alkaline, lower-acidity foods, he says. Options that are lower in acid include yogurt, bananas, rice, green vegetables like celery, spinach broccoli and white or sweet potatoes. For low-acidity protein, choose tofu, fish or lean meats like chicken or turkey.
Foods High in Flavonoids
Heard of flavonoids? These antioxidant compounds in foods get media attention for good reason. According to August 2019 research in Scientific Reports, a number of natural flavonoids kill the H. pylori bacteria that cause gastritis.
Green tea, garlic, apples, cranberries and legumes all contain flavonoids, so try adding them to meals and snacks. A March 2017 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that even citrus fruits (which people with gastritis might avoid because of their acidity) can reduce H. pylori in the stomach.
There’s one flavonoid-rich item probably best left out of your diet, however: red wine. Most experts agree that alcohol aggravates gastritis.