Diet Tips for Managing Gastritis: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Discover effective dietary strategies for managing gastritis with this comprehensive guide. Learn which foods can help soothe inflammation, such as honey, broccoli, garlic, and probiotics, and identify items to avoid like fried foods, citrus fruits, and caffeine. Following these dietary tips can aid in quicker recovery and symptom relief while complementing medical treatments. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing gastritis through diet and medication.

Managing Gastritis Through Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip

Gastritis, often caused by damage to the stomach lining or autoimmune responses, is frequently linked to an H.pylori infection. Common symptoms include nausea, bloating, indigestion, and abdominal pain. About 30% to 35% of adults experience this condition. Despite its prevalence, gastritis is manageable with proper dietary adjustments and medical care. While antacids provide relief, adopting a gastritis-friendly diet can significantly ease discomfort. In this article, we explore foods beneficial for gastritis and those best avoided during treatment.

Foods to Incorporate During Gastritis

Honey
Honey is a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective against H.pylori. Use it as a spread or add a few teaspoons to drinks like lemon tea to help reduce stomach inflammation.

Broccoli
Fresh, cooked, or roasted, broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, a compound that targets H.pylori bacteria. Broccoli sprouts contain even more nutrients—up to 50 times more than the florets—and are excellent for fighting gut bacteria. You can also find sulforaphane supplements at health stores.

Garlic
Garlic is highly effective against H.pylori due to its antimicrobial properties. Crushing garlic cloves and consuming their extract, or using aged garlic supplements, can enhance its benefits in controlling symptoms and bacterial growth.

Probiotics
Probiotic-rich foods help restore gut balance and repair the stomach lining. Incorporate items like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and sourdough bread into your diet for better digestive health.

Foods to Avoid When Suffering from Gastritis

High-Fat Foods
Fried, processed, or greasy foods can aggravate inflammation. Limiting these helps reduce symptoms and promotes healing.

Dairy Products
While yogurt can be beneficial, other dairy items like milk, cheese, and cream may trigger acid reflux and should be consumed cautiously during gastritis.

Citrus Fruits
Lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits can irritate the stomach lining and worsen reflux. Avoid these until symptoms subside.

Beverages
Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, energy drinks, and soda, as these can irritate the stomach and hinder recovery.