Gastritis Relief: 7 Effective Practices to Try at Home
Gastritis is the inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. It can range from a simple inflammation to a life-threatening gastric ulcer complicated with perforation. Gastritis can be divided broadly into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. Some common causes of acute gastritis include drug use (especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), alcohol consumption, smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection, radiation, allergy, food poisoning, abdominal trauma, and burns. On the other hand, chronic gastritis is often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, autoimmune gastritis, and chronic bile reflux. Common symptoms of gastritis include heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal fullness.
1. Adhere to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Regular intake of anti-inflammatory foods while reducing the intake of foods that cause inflammation can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include dark vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, and kale), fruits like berries, pomegranates, and grapes, avocados, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. Foods to avoid include fast foods (such as chips, burgers, and pizza), spicy foods, salty foods, and fried foods.
2. Take Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotic-rich foods improve digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and introduce good bacteria to the gut, which reduces the spread and growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha are some of the richest sources of probiotics.
3. Incorporate Honey into Your Diet
Studies show that the ingestion of honey, especially manuka honey, is associated with a reduced size of gastric ulcers. Honey’s antioxidant properties are thought to reduce lipid peroxidation and interfere with inflammation, contributing to these beneficial effects.
4. Quit Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased incidence of gastritis. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can help reduce gastritis symptoms and may prevent recurrences.
5. Avoid Overuse of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Long-term consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is also associated with gastritis. Avoiding overuse of these drugs will reduce gastritis symptoms and prevent recurrences.
6. Reduce Stress
Long-term stress is a major contributing factor to gastritis. Reducing stress can help relieve the symptoms of gastritis. Engaging in day-to-day activities, spending time with friends and family, adopting a pet, studying and practicing stress reduction techniques, and avoiding stress triggers are some effective ways to reduce stress.
7. Consider Garlic Extract
Garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Regular consumption of garlic is also associated with healthy blood pressure and proper weight control.
Gastritis Diet – Best & Worst Foods For Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. It can range from simple inflammation to a life-threatening gastric ulcer complicated with perforation. Gastritis can be divided into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. Some common causes of acute gastritis include the use of drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, alcohol consumption, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, radiation, allergy, food poisoning, abdominal trauma, and burns. Chronic gastritis can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, autoimmune gastritis, and chronic bile reflux.
The symptoms of gastritis include heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal fullness. Following a gastritis diet can help manage these symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. The main goal of a gastritis diet is to relieve symptom flare-ups and reduce inflammation in the gastric mucosa. Avoiding foods and beverages that commonly cause gastric irritation, such as spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, and acidic foods, is recommended. Some foods that can be safely included in a gastritis diet are eggs (without frying), honey, low-acid vegetables like cucumber, white potatoes, carrots, and broccoli, beans and legumes, seafood and shellfish (without frying), oats and barley, low-salt cheese, low-sugar and low-acid fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and apples, plain low-fat yogurt, probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, brown rice, skinless lean poultry (chicken and turkey), whole-grain bread and pasta, and peppermint, ginger, and turmeric.
On the other hand, there are certain foods and beverages that should be avoided when you have gastritis. These include alcohol, acidic fruits like citrus, acidic vegetables like onions, chocolate, coffee, corn and its products, fatty foods, fast foods, spicy foods, energy drinks, red meat, processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, potato chips and other packaged snacks, carbonated beverages, marinades, salsa, mayonnaise, and other sauces, fried eggs, smoked meat, refined grains, baked goods and pasta made with refined flour, spices like black pepper, mustard, red peppers, and chili powder, and tomatoes.
In addition to dietary changes, other lifestyle modifications can also help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. Some of these include drinking plenty of water, quitting smoking, reducing psychological stress, and maintaining good hygiene.
It is important to note that a gastritis diet alone may not be sufficient to alleviate symptoms, especially when the gastric mucosa is severely affected. In such cases, medications to reduce gastritis may be required, and the underlying cause must be addressed.
That’s all about the gastritis diet. I hope you found this information interesting and helpful.
