Gastritic Treatment

Had Acute Attack of Gastritis. Allergic to all fruits in your gastritis diet and dairy.What do I eat? (About all I can eat is spinach and mangos)HELP!
(October 11, 2010)

The condition of gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach which is called mucosa becomes inflamed. The lining of the stomach contains cells that are specialized in producing enzymes and acids that help in breaking down the food to aid in digestion. It also produces mucus that prevents acid from damaging the stomach lining. When the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, there is a reduced production of mucus and enzymes. Gastritis can either be chronic or acute.


When the inflammation of the stomach lining is severe and temporary it is called acute gastritis, and when it persists for a long duration, it is called chronic gastritis.

Most often there are no symptoms associated with gastritis, but sometimes upper abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting can be experienced. Some of the tests that are used for the diagnosis of gastritis are blood tests, upper gastrointestinal series, and stool test. Gastric treatment involves medications that help in bringing down the quantity of acid in the stomach. This brings relief to the gastritis symptoms and facilitates healing of the lining of the stomach. Antacids like sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, aspirin, magnesia, and alumina help reduce dyspepsia or mild heart burn by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Acid blockers like ranitidine and nizatidine can also be used as a gastritis treatment, if antacids are not effective enough. This helps in reducing the quantity of acid that the stomach produces.

You could also use some home remedies as a treatment for gastritis. An effective home remedy is to eat two bananas in the morning when you wake up, and drink a glass of milk after 10 minutes. Continuing this gastritis treatment for a few days will ensure more permanent relief. Drinking coconut water is also very effective as a gastritis treatment. Coconut water provides the stomach with minerals and vitamins and returns the stomach to a normal condition.

For patients with gastritis, a gastritis diet treatment should be done that involves a fast for 2 to 3 days for acute gastritis and around 7 days for chronic gastritis. You could also perform shorter fasts that are repeated every one or two months, depending on how you progress. During this period, only warm water should be taken. This will provide the stomach with rest and will reduce the inflammation.  Once the symptoms are reduced, the patient should go on an all fruit diet for three days after that. Juicy fruits like melons, apples, grapes, pears, oranges, peaches, pineapple, and grapefruit should be taken. A chronic gastritis diet should not include coffee, tea, pickles, chili, and spicy, fried and oily foods. Alcohol and smoking should also strictly be avoided. You must make sure that the food is taken at proper timings. It is also essential that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. However, avoid drinking water during your meals as the digestive juices will be diluted, which will delay digestion.  

For the gastritis symptoms and treatment to be most effective, you must also include breathing exercises and other mild exercises like swimming and walking. By maintain a healthy diet and getting sufficient exercise, you will be able to get rid of gastritis permanently.

Gastritic diet includes foods which are easily digestible. All vegetables, which are not allergic, are considered, except a few. These are the veggies that result in flatulence, such as cabbage, peas, broccoli, cooked and dried beans, onion and so on. Opt for high fiber foods, which are not harmful, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals. Red pepper and chillies are not preferred. Low fat dairy products and skimmed milk help in control of acid secretion.

Inflammation and infection of the mucosal layer of the intestine is referred to as gastritis. Bleeding of the stomach is seen in case of erosive gastritis. Symptoms of acute gastritis include hairy tongue, mild fever, vomiting, dehydration, thirst and pain in the stomach. Causative factors of gastritis are diseases such as chronic bile reflux, pernicious anaemia and auto immune disorders. Traumatic injury, severe infection, major surgery and burns are some more aetiological factors that results in gastritis. Abstain from any food that irritates the stomach and results in pain. Decrease the intake of tomatoes, citrus juices, fatty foods, pepper mint and tomato juices.

Substances that irritate the mucus lining such as cigarettes are also not considered, due to the presence of nicotine. Replace fried foods and high fat diets with soft and steamed foods. Cooked cereals and toast prove beneficial to individuals suffering from acute gastritis. Reduce the intake of salt, as it acts as an irritant. Caffeinated beverages are a big 'no-no'. Some of the caffeine containing beverages are cola, chocolate drinks, tea, cocoa and coffee. Tender meat, chicken, turkey and seafood are allowed. Eggs are soft boiled or scrambled. Tofu, peanut butter, casserole and ricotta or cottage cheese can also be included in your gastritic diet.

Limit your seasoning in the gastritic diet such as cinnamon, onion, cloves and garlic. These increase pain and discomfort associated with heart burn. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Manage your stress in a proper manner.  Aerobic exercise also proves effective in raising the heart rate. It also improves the movement of the intestinal muscles, thereby allowing a hasty movement of wastes through the intestine. Prior to an insight about what to eat, it is important to follow meal timings in a strict manner. Eat small meals in a frequent manner. But, eating very often also increases the risk of acidity.  Eat in a peaceful environment, devoid of any kind of physical or psychological stress. Spinach juice is considered affective for gastritis. Opt for slightly bland diet foods and include potatoes, rice or rice gruel and coconut water.

Gastritic treatment depends on the cause of gastritis. Acute gastritis is a result of alcohol intakes or certain medications, such as NSAIDs (Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs). Stoppage of these helps in immediate relief. Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis. Treatment pattern involves the elimination of the bacteria. Proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics are some of the medicines that help. Acidity is kept under control by the intake of antacids, acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids that are available over the counter help to buffer the acidity and provide relief. These remedies prove beneficial, in addition to gastritic diet.

• Have small frequent meals at regular intervals and time everyday.
• If you can tolerate coconut water, then drink daily as it helps in gastritis.
• If you are not allergic to vegetables then along with spinach you can also include other vegetables in the diet.
• If you cannot tolerate milk as well, try to take milk in cooked or fermented form (curds or yoghurt) or milk products if possible if well tolerated.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, fried/oily foods, spicy foods (black pepper, chilies, chilly powder, hot pepper and garlic), tea, coffee, cocoa, colas and chocolates.
• Try and avoid any psychological stress and worries in life.