Advice on food for gastritis

Is skimmed milk important for a gastritis
(October 19, 2011)

Is bland diet recommended for gastritis?

Can dairy products be consumed while suffering from gastritis?

Can soy and coconut milk be taken during gastritis?

Gastritis diet is generally blander, as care needs to be taken ‘not’ to irritate the lining of the stomach. Eating well and choosing the right foods go a long way in keeping gastritis under check. Fresh milk or full cream milk is best avoided during gastritis. This is because the stomach produces more gastric juices to aid its digestion. However, fat free or low fat milk can be had during gastritis. If taken cold, they also relieve the symptoms of acidity or heartburn. If you are lactose intolerant, you may consume soy milk during gastritis. Soy milk for gastritis is a preferable option, because it is easy for the stomach to digest, and does not stimulate it to secrete more gastric juice.

While having smaller meals at more frequent and regular intervals, it is important to drink lots of clean water during gastritis.

Coconut water and fresh fruit or vegetable juices also help in this condition. Coconut milk for gastritis is not a recommended alternative. It is more concentrated and has a higher percentage of oil. This induces further secretion of gastric juices, as it is not easy for the stomach to break it down. Thus coconut milk, from which the oil has not been extracted, is not a good choice as a part of the gastritis diet.

Which beverages are good during gastritis?

Which fruits are effective during gastritis?

Gastritis Diet 

Gastritis refers to an inflammation or an irritation in the lining of the stomach, which can be caused by one or more factors. It is quite a common condition, which often leads to vomiting, nausea, heaviness or bloating in the abdomen, discomfort after eating, and loss in appetite. Some of the common reasons that could lead to gastritis is bacteria and the consumption of certain substances, such as alcohol. At times, the consumption of coffee, spices and incompatible food combinations or other irritants can also lead to excessive gas or acidity in the stomach, which aggravates the condition. Therefore, people who are suffering from this problem should follow a special diet for gastritis that can soothe the stomach, therefore helping in faster recovery. Foods for gastritis include steamed vegetables and bland soups and broths.  

Foods for gastritis

There are certain food items that should be strictly avoided, in case a person is suffering from gastritis. These foods include aerated drinks, sweet juices, mustard, hot peppers, vinegar (with the exception of apple cider vinegar), salt preserved foods, smoked meats, pickled foods, junk food and deep fried food. Full cream milk is definitely on the list of gastritis foods to avoid, as it can cause the inflammation to worsen. In fact, milk has been linked to the H Pylori bacteria, which is one of the causes of gastritis. Therefore, while certain milk products like yogurt may be a part of a gastritis diet, milk should be avoided as far as possible. However, in case gastritis is accompanied by hyperacidity, a glass of cold low-fat or skim milk should be consumed for instant relief from the acidity and heartburn. It is important to eat some solid food after drinking milk, as it can promote secretion of acid if the stomach is empty. Given below are some of the foods for gastritis which will help alleviate the symptoms of gastritis:

•  Plain unflavored yogurt 
•  Apple cider vinegar
•  Spinach juice
•  Carrot, cucumber, and beet juice
•  Grapes
•  Almonds
•  Papaya
•  Raw tomatoes
•  Raw apples
•  Molasses
•  High fiber foods like whole grains

In addition to eating the right foods for gastritis, it is important to eat regular meals throughout the day. However, all meals should be small and light.

In case the presence of blood is noticed, while throwing up, or if the stools are black in color, they may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, for which immediate medical attention is required.

Gastritis is the generic name given to a range of different conditions that cause the lining of the stomach to be damaged. The stomach is the pouch that receives food and helps with the breakdown of food. Digestive juices and enzymes enter the stomach to help process food. Digestive juices are acidic in nature. The lining of the stomach is thus designed to be tough and resilient so that it manages to handle the acidity that occurs during the process of digestion. Even under normal circumstances, the stomach is fairly acidic. An individual suffering from gastritis may have a part of the lining that is damaged. This area will get inflamed when the acidic digestive juices enter the stomach. The inflammation can also be caused by the condition itself and in this case, the digestive juices simply worsen the condition. Once this condition occurs, the stomach will produce lower quantities of the digestive juices and enzymes required for normal digestion. This makes it difficult for the individual to process food, particularly if the food is heavy. Gastritis may be caused by a bacterial infection or by some specific condition that affects the lining of the stomach.

The usual symptoms for gastritis include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gas and stomach pain. In severe cases, stomach bleeding will occur and this can cause bloody vomit and blood, often darkened, in the stool.

In order to diagnose gastritis, one may have to use an endoscope introduced through the mouth. This will be used to visually diagnose the problem. The stool may be tested for signs of blood which may indicate stomach bleeding. Tests are also conducted for bacteria that are common in stomach infections. These tests are conducted either on tissue samples from the stomach or by testing the individual’s breath.

When an individual is suffering from gastritis, his or her stomach is weak and cannot handle a normal diet. A specific diet for gastritis may thus be used to ensure that the stomach is not overloaded as it attempts to recover from the problem. The underlying cause for the problem may be under treatment, but this does not mean that it is alright to consume a normal diet. The stomach takes time to return to its normal condition and under these circumstances, a diet for gastritis is the best option for the individual. When following a diet for gastritis, all acidity inducing foods and drinks should be avoided. Alcohol, teas, coffee, chocolates, chili spices and citrus juices should be avoided at this time. Food genres such as Indian food and Thai food may be avoided as they tend to contain plenty of spices which can exacerbate the condition. Fatty foods may also be avoided as they are difficult to digest even when the stomach is healthy.

The bland diet for gastritis should include regular meals to avoid acid build up in the stomach. High fiber foods can help ease digestive issues during an attack of gastritis. Fresh fruits are usually good for the stomach and are also easy to digest. They also provide plenty of nutrition which is essential for the individual’s health. 

Gastritis Diet

Gastritis is a condition associated with the swelling of the intestinal lining and a gastritis diet is recommended. Stress, alcohol intake and improper diet are the primary causes of acute gastritis. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are completely abstained from. Chronic gastritis is a result of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), a bacterial infection. Small meals at frequent intervals prove helpful. But, too frequent a meal is also taken care of, as eating too many times increases acid secretion. This in turn worsens the symptoms of heart burn and discomfort. Fried foods, such as potato crisps, French fries and so on are not included in the diet. Complete abstinence from carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages helps.
Coffee, cola, chocolate and tea are caffeinated beverages. Seasoning such as cinnamon, mustard, parsley, clove, garlic peppermint and so on irritate the mucosal lining. Soft and bland food, devoid of pepper, chillies, hot pepper and chilly powder or flakes proves beneficial for gastritis. Fruit juices are effective against gastritis. Spinach and carrot juice, twice a day helps. Pumpkin juice for a month or two is helpful, when taken in an empty stomach. Foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, peas, onion, dried beans and so on are harmful to the stomach. Tomatoes, citrus fruits and tomato juice are acidic and thereby increase the acidity of the stomach.

Other dairy products, apart from skimmed milk that are allowed are pudding, low fat yoghurt, custard, cold milk and low fat ice cream. Strongly flavoured cheese, such as pepper and jalapeno, high fat dairy products and chocolate milk products are some of the dairy foods to be avoided. Reduce the intake of sauces in your diet. Habitual overeating results in increase in acid secretion. Foods that are not properly cooked also cause gastritis. Go in for a softly cooked bland diet, devoid of spices and condiments, as a part of gastritis diet.

Yes skimmed milk is important for gastritis. Milk when consumed (especially cold) helps to provide symptomatic relief from gastritis. However if full fat milk is consumed it encourages the production of gastric acid which can worsen the condition. So to avoid this double skim the milk before drinking and also if you are found of milk products then use double skimmed milk products. Also remember not to exceed more than 3 servings of dairy products in general, although it may tend to ease your condition. Have meals at spaced intervals and avoid having heavy meals especially just before going to bed. Chew a small piece of ginger marinated in salt, as this will have a soothing effect on the inflamed stomach lining. Drink lots of water; if you like coconut water then include a glass in a day as this would also help in faster recovery from the condition. In general avoid smoking, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, strong tea, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, oily junk food and spicy food as far as possible. Choose foods that would soothe the stomach like bananas, cooked oats, rice or gruels which would also be easy to digest. Before starting on any new medication consult your specialist as many preparations can tend to irritate or inflame the stomach lining further.