DIET FOR GASTRITIS

DIET FOR GASTRITIS

A healing diet for gastritis and ulcers (an inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) can significantly ease and improve the discomfort and symptoms that occur with it.

Gastritis can be caused by a number of things including excessive alcohol consumption, chronic vomiting (from illness or bulimia), consistent stress, and certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are two well-known culprits).

But most cases of gastritis and ulcers care caused by an H. pylori infection, which causes major disruptions in the acidic balance of the stomach and gut flora.

That is why foods such as broccoli sprouts and yogurt are recommended because they are known to balance out the acidity in the stomach and cool the internal system. Nutrition for gastritis is critical in proper healing.

Peptic ulcers (open sores that develop within the digestive system) often accompany gastritis, and the act of eating is what most often triggers the pain associated with these two gut issues.

Because of this, doctors often start treatment with a simple elimination diet to remove offending foods that are generally known to cause gastritis symptoms in most people. A diet for gastritis sufferers is sometimes the only course of treatment required to get the problem under control. Food can truly be medicine in this case.

Foods to Eat When Suffering from Gastritis

There are certain foods that should be eaten when suffering from gastritis and ulcers because they have a cooling effect on the lining of the stomach and can ease the internal inflammation.

Below is a list of recommended foods to help with a diet for gastritis and reflux. The easiest thing to remember is that a bland diet for gastritis is best.

• Broccoli sprouts have a chemical in them called sulforpahane, which helps kill H. Pylori because it has an antibacterial effect. A 2009 study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research showed that a group of people with H. Pylori who ate a cup of broccoli sprouts every day for eight weeks had less stomach inflammation and infection than those who ate the same amount of alfalfa sprouts, which does not contain sulforpahane.

• Yogurt is also an excellent choice to help return gut flora back to normal and level out the balance in the stomach. It’s best to look for brands containing live and active bacterial cultures and are low fat or fat-free. Get plain yogurt and add honey for sweetening; honey is also soothing.

• Fruit is a great choice with gastritis (with some exceptions, listed below). Try eating two to four servings a day of apples, bananas, pears, peaches, grapes, melon, and kiwi.

• Vegetables are also a terrific and soothing choice (again, with some exceptions listed below).

• Also include applesauce, apple juice, skim milk, and light-flavored, low-fat cheeses.

Foods to Avoid When Suffering from Gastritis

A diet for chronic gastritis will help eliminate any irritation in the stomach. At first it might seem difficult to kick coffee and sugar, but once you realize how much diet plays a part in healing it won’t be an issue for long. Below are foods and beverages to remove from your diet.

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Tea, both black and green
• Spicy foods, including chili and curries
• Black and red pepper
• High-fat foods, because they increase the acid in your stomach
• All high-fat dairy products, except skim milk and low-fat cheese
• Tomatoes, onions, and garlic
• Tomato products (sauce, paste, canned, juice)
• Oranges, grapefruit, figs, berries, and dried fruit
• Junk food
• Fried food
• Cured sausages
• Butter
• Soft drinks or any drinks with added sugar
• Carbonated beverages, because they increase stomach acid
• Citrus and pineapple juice

Herbs Good for Gastritis

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to heal the body. There are a number of good herbal remedies for gastritis. Some herbs interact with medications, so make sure to check with your doctor if you are on medication and choose to use one or all of the following.

They can be taken as capsules, tinctures, or teas. Work with a nutritionist, herbalist, or naturopathic doctor to get the dosage and formulation that is best for your needs.

• Cranberry: Some research indicates that cranberry can inhibit the further growth of H. Pylori.
• Mastic: Traditionally used for peptic ulcers, mastic inhibits further growth of H. Pylori.
• DGL-licorice: Chewing this is best. Do so one hour before or two hours after meals.
• Peppermint: This can help relieve the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Source: http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/diet-for-gastritis