What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is a medical condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. The inflammation can be acute, meaning it occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period, or it can be chronic, meaning it develops gradually and persists for a long time.
The stomach lining contains cells that produce gastric acid and enzymes that aid in digestion. When the lining is inflamed, it can become thinner and less able to produce these substances, which can lead to digestive problems and discomfort.
The most common cause of gastritis is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is usually contracted through contaminated food or water. Other causes of gastritis include excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, and autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation, but can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite. Treatment for gastritis typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid production and eliminate H. pylori infection (if present), as well as lifestyle modifications such as avoiding trigger foods and reducing stress.
Gastritis Foods to Avoid
If you have gastritis, there are certain gastritis foods and drinks you should avoid to prevent further irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. Here are some foods to avoid:
- Spicy and acidic foods: Spices like chili powder, black pepper, and garlic can increase stomach acid production and worsen gastritis symptoms. Similarly, acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can irritate the stomach lining.
- Fried and fatty foods: Foods high in fat and fried foods take longer to digest, which can cause discomfort and aggravate gastritis symptoms.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, so it’s best to avoid coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
- Dairy products: High-fat dairy products like cheese and cream can increase stomach acid production and aggravate gastritis symptoms.
- Carbonated drinks: Carbonated drinks can increase the production of stomach acid, leading to further irritation of the stomach lining.
- Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in salt, preservatives, and additives, which can irritate the stomach lining and worsen gastritis symptoms.
It’s important to note that every person’s body reacts differently to certain foods, so it’s best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to develop a personalized gastritis diet plan.
Diet Plan: 2 Days a week!
It is recommended to all gastritis patients follow this diet plan in order to reduce the severity of gastritis.
Monday:
- Breakfast (8:00-8:30 AM) – Delicious Boiled White Chickpeas and Tomato (1 cup)
- Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM) – Nutrient-packed Tender Coconut Water (1 cup) + Grapes (1/2 cup)
- Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM) – Hearty Chapati (2) + Fish(1pc.) Stew
- Evening (4:00-4:30 PM) – Crunchy Roasted Rice Flakes (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup)
- Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM) – Satisfying Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Baked Pumpkin (1/3rd cup)
Friday:
- Breakfast (8:00-8:30 AM) – Savory Carrot Soup (1 cup)
- Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM) – Refreshing Tender Coconut Water (1 cup) + Pomegranates (1/2 cup)
- Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM) – Tasty Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Cabbage Curry (1/3rd cup)
- Evening (4:00-4:30 PM) – Creamy Boiled Potato and Black Grams (1/2 cup) + Black Tea (1 cup)
- Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM) – Delicious Boiled Rice (1/2 cup) + Mashed Potato(2) + 1tsp Ghee
Prevention and Treatment Tips for Gastritis:
Here are some prevention and treatment tips for gastritis:
- Avoid trigger foods: As mentioned earlier, certain foods and drinks can aggravate gastritis symptoms, so it’s important to avoid spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help promote a healthy digestive system.
- Manage stress: Stress can contribute to the development and worsening of gastritis, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist.
- Avoid NSAIDs: Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to gastritis. If you need to take these medications, talk to your doctor about the lowest effective dose and duration.
- Treat H. pylori infection: If your gastritis is caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.
- Medications to reduce stomach acid: If you have excessive stomach acid production, your doctor may prescribe medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce acid production and promote healing of the stomach lining.
- Follow-up with your doctor: If you have chronic gastritis, it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
By following these tips, you can help prevent and manage gastritis and promote a healthy digestive system.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, gastritis is a medical condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. It can be caused by factors such as infection with H. pylori, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs, stress, and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Prevention and treatment for gastritis include avoiding trigger foods, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, avoiding NSAIDs, treating H. pylori infection (if present), taking medications to reduce stomach acid production, and following up with your doctor regularly.
If you suspect you have gastritis, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a personalized treatment plan. With proper management and lifestyle modifications, you can reduce your symptoms and promote a healthy digestive system.
