Stomach Inflammation Diet

Stomach inflammation is a very common condition, which is medically referred to as gastritis. In fact, it is the second most common aliment in the world, next to the common cold. Although it is a very annoying problem, it is usually not a life threatening one. As the diagnosis is easy, inflammation of the stomach can be taken care of with good diet, plenty of water, and rest. While sometimes antibiotics are prescribed, they are usually not necessary as the stomach has the ability to heal itself, provided that you do not eat foods that worsen the problem.

In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of inflammation of the stomach, a stomach inflammation diet, and foods to include and avoid so as to ensure a speedy recovery.

The most crucial factor when it comes to stomach-related infections is diet.

Foods to include

• Foods rich in flavinoids that will help fight harmful bacteria can be included as part of the diet. Some flavinoids include onions, garlic, apples, celery, tea, and cranberries.
• Foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, and tomatoes also help the stomach heal.
• Foods rich in vitamin B and calcium such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, and grains do not aggravate the stomach. Those who normally experience allergies when eating nuts should stay clear of them, as it may only worsen the problem.
• Natural, unrefined oils are usually safe to use and will not upset the stomach further.
• Lean meats are usually safe to eat. Lean fish and meat (tofu if you are a vegetarian) are completely safe to eat. In fact, fish oil can help reduce the inflammation of the stomach to a large extent.
• Probiotic foods or supplements also help reduce the inflammation of the stomach. Probiotic foods are foods that contain beneficial bacteria that will help fight against harmful bacteria in the stomach. In fact, if you are able to eat a bit of curd or unsweetened yogurt, there is nothing better. If not, probiotic supplements are available that will help your stomach heal without the need for strong antibiotics.
• Water is one of the best things for an inflamed stomach. Drinking about 6 to 8 glasses a day will do your stomach a whole word of good. Just make sure that the water you drink is clean and free of other harmful contaminants, which could end up hurting your stomach more.
• Herbs also help reduce the inflammation of the stomach. Cranberry, mastic, licorice and peppermint are known to help protect the stomach and speed up the recovery process. If you are not able to get fresh herbs, dried herbs in the form of tablets are available in most pharmacies.

Foods to avoid

Including certain foods helps your body to recover faster, but it is equally important to stay clear of certain foods that will irritate the stomach further. Listed below are some of the foods (and substances) that need to be avoided when experiencing inflammation of the stomach.

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco/Cigarettes
• Carbonated drinks
• Citric fruit juices or any acidic foods
• NSAIDS such as ibuprofen
• Refined food products such as white rice and white sugar
• Foods high in trans fat such as fried foods and store bought baked treats

Health tips

Causes

Gastritis can be caused by a wide range of pathogens that include bacteria, virus, protozoans, parasites, and even allergens. Listed below are some other causes of stomach inflammation.

• Regular consumption of alcohol
• Smoking
• Excess caffeine intake
• NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use
• Stressful lifestyle
• Consuming poisonous substances
• Trauma to the stomach such as injury.

Symptoms

Most stomach disorders and infections tend to have very similar symptoms. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of abdominal inflammation.

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Discolored stools
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Hiccups
• Weight loss

Treatment and diagnosis

As mentioned above, treatment includes rest, water, a stomach-friendly diet, and in some cases antibiotics, antihistamine, and antiparasitics, depending on the cause. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should visit a doctor, who will be able to diagnose your condition based on the symptoms, medical history, and blood and stool tests.

Prevention

One of the best ways to ensure that you are free of stomach-related ailments is by exercising. Exercising for about 30 minutes a day is all that is needed to keep both your stomach as well as the rest of your body fit.

References

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Gastritis

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gastritis-000067.htm