Gastritis Diet Tips: Foods to Eat & Avoid

For many Americans, indigestion is common. But if you experience burning sensations in or above your stomach, stomachaches or pains, feeling nauseous or vomiting, or constantly burping, it could be gastritis symptoms. This means you might need to start a gastritis diet treatment plan. Gastritis is a digestive condition caused by damage and inflammation to the gastric mucosa, the lining of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Erosion of the stomach lining leads to acid causing pain and sometimes nutrient malabsorption. Certain foods can make gastritis symptoms worse, such as very acidic, spicy or hot foods, alcohol, caffeine, and processed/packaged foods. On the other hand, foods high in fiber, antioxidants like vitamin C, electrolytes like magnesium and calcium, vitamin B12, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and boost digestive health. A healing gastritis diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, high-quality proteins and healthy fats can manage symptoms, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent deficiencies that can cause further complications.

Each person with gastritis reacts differently to foods, so an elimination diet is a good way to test which foods cause the worst pain or provide relief. Try eliminating common trigger foods for a period and then add one back at a time. To manage symptoms on a gastritis diet, eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid eating close to bedtime, drink plenty of water, reduce stress, quit smoking, lower toxin exposure, and take beneficial supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin C, adaptogen herbs, vitamin B12, and a daily food-based multivitamin. Foods beneficial for gastritis include high-antioxidant fruits and veggies like onions, garlic, squash, bell peppers, leafy greens, artichoke, asparagus, celery, fennel, sea vegetables, ginger, turmeric, cruciferous veggies, berries, apples, and cranberries. Probiotic foods like cultured veggies, kombucha, yogurt, and kefir can also help. Raw garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Licorice root, fennel, and anise can offer relief. A high-fiber diet is beneficial for gastritis, and sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, soaked/sprouted legumes and grains. Lean proteins like grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, cage-free eggs, or pasture-raised poultry, and healthy fats like coconut or olive oil, avocado, grass-fed butter, and ghee are also important. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, milk and other dairy products, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, and common allergens and inflammatory foods should be avoided. The causes of gastritis include aging, low immune function, H. pylori infections, NSAID use, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, excessive alcohol or smoking, high stress, other digestive conditions, pernicious anemia, and obesity.

The most common symptoms of gastritis include burning sensations in the stomach/abdomen, especially after eating, stomachaches or pains, nausea or vomiting, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and changes in bowel movements and stool appearance. In conclusion, gastritis is a condition that can be treated and even reversed through a healthy lifestyle, including a proper diet. By following a gastritis diet plan and avoiding trigger foods, you can manage symptoms, promote healing, and improve your overall digestive health.