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Gastritis Diet Gastritis is a condition associated with the swelling of the intestinal lining and a gastritis diet is recommended. Stress, alcohol intake and improper diet are the primary causes of acute gastritis. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are completely abstained from. Chronic gastritis is a result of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), a bacterial infection. Small meals at frequent intervals prove helpful. But, too frequent a meal is also taken care of, as eating too many times increases acid secretion. This in turn worsens the symptoms of heart burn and discomfort. Fried foods, such as potato crisps, French fries and so on are not included in the diet. Complete abstinence from carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages helps.
Coffee, cola, chocolate and tea are caffeinated beverages. Seasoning such as cinnamon, mustard, parsley, clove, garlic peppermint and so on irritate the mucosal lining. Soft and bland food, devoid of pepper, chillies, hot pepper and chilly powder or flakes proves beneficial for gastritis. Fruit juices are effective against gastritis. Spinach and carrot juice, twice a day helps. Pumpkin juice for a month or two is helpful, when taken in an empty stomach. Foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, peas, onion, dried beans and so on are harmful to the stomach. Tomatoes, citrus fruits and tomato juice are acidic and thereby increase the acidity of the stomach.
Other dairy products, apart from skimmed milk that are allowed are pudding, low fat yoghurt, custard, cold milk and low fat ice cream. Strongly flavoured cheese, such as pepper and jalapeno, high fat dairy products and chocolate milk products are some of the dairy foods to be avoided. Reduce the intake of sauces in your diet. Habitual overeating results in increase in acid secretion. Foods that are not properly cooked also cause gastritis. Go in for a softly cooked bland diet, devoid of spices and condiments, as a part of gastritis diet.
Yes skimmed milk is important for gastritis. Milk when consumed (especially cold) helps to provide symptomatic relief from gastritis. However if full fat milk is consumed it encourages the production of gastric acid which can worsen the condition. So to avoid this double skim the milk before drinking and also if you are found of milk products then use double skimmed milk products. Also remember not to exceed more than 3 servings of dairy products in general, although it may tend to ease your condition. Have meals at spaced intervals and avoid having heavy meals especially just before going to bed. Chew a small piece of ginger marinated in salt, as this will have a soothing effect on the inflamed stomach lining. Drink lots of water; if you like coconut water then include a glass in a day as this would also help in faster recovery from the condition. In general avoid smoking, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, strong tea, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, oily junk food and spicy food as far as possible. Choose foods that would soothe the stomach like bananas, cooked oats, rice or gruels which would also be easy to digest. Before starting on any new medication consult your specialist as many preparations can tend to irritate or inflame the stomach lining further.
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