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Gastritis Healing Diet

April 19, 2011

Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. It has many known causes. Bacterial infection is responsible for chronic gastritis. Gastritis may be caused by excessive binge drinking or by consuming certain medications. Gastritis may also be found in individuals suffering from stress related problems.

Gastritis presents itself in the form of severe digestive distress. This includes bloating in the abdomen, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Some cases may also present with a burning sensation in the digestive tract.

Gastritis can be diagnosed by doctors based on the symptoms themselves. However, some doctors will suggest blood tests or a stool sample test. In severe cases, gastritis might cause the lining of the stomach to be eroded.

The medical treatment for gastritis is to prescribe antacid tablets.

However, bad eating habits will cause the problem to recur and the best long term solution is to follow a diet that will bring relief to those suffering from symptoms of gastritis.

The first change in diet is one of restraint. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

If the symptoms are quite severe, avoid alcohol consumption altogether. One should avoid any unnecessary medication like taking a tablet for a headache. It is possible that the headache might be a side effect of an upset stomach and taking such medication may only cause further distress.

Other lifestyle tips to follow for a person suffering from gastritis include eating regular meals and avoiding addictive drinks like colas and coffee. It is advisable to follow a pattern of eating three regular meals daily. Avoid munching on snacks intermittently. A tea time snack is allowed but this should be light and healthy. At meal times, serve yourself less than you would normally eat to avoid over eating. Always chew your food properly before swallowing it. Chewing is a process that prepares the food for digestion.

Avoid products with caffeine in them. Milk and dairy products should be consumed, but their intake should be limited to one or two servings per day. Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus juices should be avoided while the symptoms persist. You should consume foods that are high in fiber content as fiber eases the passage of food through the digestive system and does not cause acidity. It is recommended to strictly avoid spicy food when you are suffering from gastritis. Bananas and leafy vegetables are especially recommended to aid digestion.