Are you constantly feeling burning stomach pain or irritation? Or having frequent indigestion or bloating issues? Then you may be suffering from gastritis, inflammation of stomach lining caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection or overuse of certain drugs or any major illness or injury that affects blood flow to the stomach, which can increase acid secretion. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic.

Acute gastritis comes on abruptly and severely, while chronic gastritis develops overtime. Indigestion, nausea, feeling full and belching are some of the other symptoms. For some people, it may be mild and settle away after treatment, while certain forms of gastritis can lead to ulcers or even increase the risk of cancer.

Diet plays a key role in uplifting digestive health and overall well-being. Following a gastritis diet can go a long way towards easing the symptoms and making you feel better.

Also Read: Natural Foods To Soothe Tummy Ulcers

Gastritis Diet -How It Works?

The main goal of a gastritis diet is to control H.pylori infection and mitigate symptoms associated with it. The chief components of the gastritis diet include:

Foods Rich In Fibre

High-fibre food is beneficial for gut health and function. The undigested part of dietary fibre makes short-chain fatty acids butyrate that has a positive impact on gut bacteria. The butyrate makes prebiotics they nourish and support the functioning of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbe lessen inflammation and treat all other gastrointestinal woes.

Laden With Healthy Fats

Fatty foods are not the preferred option for treating gastritis, however, healthy fatty acids work wonder for it. Add nuts, seeds, oil such as olive oil, coconut oil and oily fish abundant in omega 3 fatty acids that help to lessen stomach inflammation.

High In Lean Protein:

Lean protein food sources like beans, yoghurt, low-fat cheese, egg white, fish, skinned chicken works well to repair the inflamed stomach lining and boost stamina.

Probiotics

Several studies have disclosed that foods and drinks rich in probiotics help combat H.pylori and reduces infection in the digestive system. Some of the healthful probiotic foods include kombucha, yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Also Read: Prebiotics: 5 Awesome Foods That Uphold Gut Health-Infographic

Flavonoids

Adding a spectrum of spices, herbs and condiments imbued with flavonoids are beneficial to alleviate the inflammation. The potent antibacterial traits of flavonoids combat H.pylori bacteria and offer relief from the symptoms.

Foods To Include

Some of the foods that lessen gastritis symptoms and offer relief to stomach pain, irritation and bloating include:

Fibre-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, beans and legumes.

Good source of fats such as nuts, seeds, monounsaturated oils and fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Vegetable juices with pulp that are low in acid content like carrot, pumpkin, cucumber, potato, broccoli, asparagus, etc.

Fermented foods like yoghurt, idly, dhokla, kefir, kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut.

Low-sugar, low-acid fruits like blueberries, strawberries and apples.

Functional foods like fortified cereals, ginger, garlic, turmeric.

Foods To Avoid

Certain kind of foods are known to increase the acid secretions in the stomach that needs to be identified and avoided include:

Acidic fruits mainly of citrus and vegetables like onion

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea

Alcohol

Carbonated energy drinks and sodas

Fried foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats, may aggravate inflammation in the stomach lining

Dairy products like high-fat milk, cheese, ice-cream, etc.

Recommended Meal Timing

When gastrointestinal system is under stress or not functioning properly, the amount of food you eat and time interval between meals may also lead to stomach irritation and pain. Regularising meal timings can be beneficial for a person having an upset tummy caused due to gastritis. Try having small frequent meals throughout the day as opposed to having three heavy ones. Include one or two intermediary snacks in a day to minimise uncontrolled hunger pangs.

Cooking Tips

The most vital thing to remember while preparing food on a gastritis diet is to steer clear of foods that are fried, oily, fatty, sweet and spicy. Most essentially the cooking styles you follow at home may need to be altered on a gastritis diet. Some of the preferred cooking methods that are less likely to cause stomach irritation include baking, boiling, steaming and poaching.

Conclusion:

Making necessary changes in the lifestyle and dietary pattern may remarkably lessen symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. Eating wholesome foods and avoiding certain triggers such as fatty or acidic can mitigate inflammation, pain as well as eases symptoms associated with gastritis and prevent irritation of the stomach lining. Gastritis diet offers proper nutrition and can be adapted to suit your nutritional needs. Seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms are more severe and last for more than a month, as untreated gastritis may lead to more serious complications.