Gastritis diet strategies and recommendations

Gastritis is a digestive condition that arises as a result of irritation, inflammation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. This is caused as a result of excessive acid in the stomach. As part of the long-term treatment strategies recommended by gastroenterologists, gastritis diet recommendations are important.

Given the long-term effects of this condition, including ulcers, ongoing pain, inflammation, bleeding, and even stomach cancer, individuals need to consider the benefits of food items that make up a gastritis diet.

This post identifies dietary recommendations deemed useful to manage gastritis symptoms and those that should be left out of these diets.

If patients are already on a special diet or are suffering from other health conditions, medical guidance from a gastroenterology specialist is required before dietary changes are made. 

Food items to be included in a gastritis diet

Dietary changes can help patients experience relief from gastritis symptoms by eliminating H.pylori, which is a type of bacteria that causes this condition.

Yoghurt is also considered a beneficial food item for a gastritis diet. In a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the probiotics in yoghurt demonstrated a stronger health benefit (when combined with medication) in terms of eliminating H.pylori, compared to individuals who took medication alone.

Yoghurt also contains good bacteria that improve the body’s ability to fight off unwanted bacteria in the stomach.

Other items recommended for a gastritis diet include high-fibre additions such as apples, celery, berries, carrots, and beans. Low-fat meat items including fish, chicken, and turkey breast are similarly beneficial for patients.

Vegetables that are low in acidity and other probiotics including kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut are also believed to provide relief from gastritis symptoms in the long run.

Dietary habits that reduce symptoms of gastritis

Patients may be recommended to start consuming around 5-6 small meals throughout the day, as opposed to 3 big meals. Eating meals in small quantities can help the stomach heal by reducing the effect of stomach acid.

Patients are also asked to drink plenty of water. Those who consume alcohol frequently must reduce their intake, given that it increases the content of acid in the stomach, leading to inflammation.

Certain nutritional supplements may be recommended by doctors including Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. Any vitamins or nutritional supplements should be cleared with a GP prior to their incorporation in a gastritis diet.

Food items to be excluded from a gastritis diet

Certain food items need to be excluded from these types of diets to ensure that stomach acid isn’t increased, inadvertently. While these don’t necessarily pose negative health effects, they may trigger symptoms of gastritis in those with this condition.

Certain beverages such as coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and citrus-based fruit juice are known to exacerbate gastritis.

Acidic food including tomatoes and certain types of fruit, spicy food, allergenic or symptomatic food, fried and fatty food should also be avoided if patients wish to prevent pain and discomfort.

Patients require professional medical guidance to create a personalised diet for gastritis.

A diet for gastritis includes food items that can provide long-term relief to symptoms of gastritis. Patients suffering from this condition must receive guidance from a trained gastroenterologist specialist to receive recommendation suited to his/her lifestyle and health.

For the right recommendations, patients can request further information from Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah; an interventional gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Sydney.