Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Gastritis Diet?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

Gastritis is a stomach condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes acutely or chronically inflamed. This condition can be caused by traumatic injury, surgery, infection, medication, alcohol abuse, allergy, food poisoning and autoimmune disorders. Following a gastritis diet that restricts or eliminates certain foods can help reduce stomach inflammation, alleviate the symptoms of gastritis and hasten healing. An effective gastritis diet reduces or eliminates spicy foods, dairy products and alcohol, and it increases the intake of fiber and low-fat foods.

Symptoms of gastritis are caused by stomach inflammation and its consequences, such as digestion problems and acid reflux. People with gastritis often experience stomach pain, chest pain, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting. In cases of advanced gastritis, the stomach begins to bleed, and vomit or stools might contain blood.

An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.

Gastritis often can be cured by eliminating the source of the inflammation. For example, if the symptoms are caused by medication or a food allergy, then eliminating that food from the diet or ceasing to use the medication will promote stomach healing. When gastritis is caused by an infection with the Helicobacteri pylori bacteria, it can be cured completely with a course of antibiotics that can kill the bacteria.

Cutting down on vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can reduce bloating, gas and belching.
Cutting down on vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can reduce bloating, gas and belching.

Regardless of the cause of the condition, following a gastritis diet can help reduce the severity of symptoms and help the stomach heal more quickly. Modifying the diet is extremely useful, even when the cause is not diet-related, because certain foods are known to irritate the stomach, and others provide a more soothing influence. A change in eating habits, including meal schedule, also can help alleviate gastritis symptoms.

Stomach pain is a common symptom of gastritis.
Stomach pain is a common symptom of gastritis.

The core of this diet is the elimination or reduced intake of foods that can worsen stomach inflammation. These foods include spices such as pepper, chili and curry spices, as well as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, cocoa, fats and fatty foods, citrus, onions, garlic and dairy products. All of these foods can trigger gastritis symptoms if eaten in too great a quantity. Some, such as alcohol and caffeine, can trigger symptoms even if used in small amounts.

Gastritis can cause excessive belching.
Gastritis can cause excessive belching.

Some foods, such as milk, legumes, broccoli, cabbage and certain fruits, can cause excess gas. These can be avoided to reduce belching and abdominal bloating. Cutting down on salt also can help reduce bloating. Increasing fiber intake can help many people with gastritis, but however for some, increased fiber intake can cause further digestive problems. It is useful to keep fiber intake at a consistent level from day to day, to maintain bowel regularity.

Rice is typically included in a gastritis diet.
Rice is typically included in a gastritis diet.

Following a gastritis diet can include changes in eating habits and eating schedules as well as in the foods that are eaten. Maintaining a mealtime schedule, in which meals are eaten at consistent times each day, can help control stomach acid production. It usually is not necessary to eat smaller, more frequent meals unless larger meals make symptoms worse. Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and stopping before the stomach is full all help ensure that the stomach is not overloaded with difficult-to-digest food.

When on a gastritis diet an individual should avoid dairy products.
When on a gastritis diet an individual should avoid dairy products.

Someone who wants to follow a gastritis diet should consult his or her doctor before beginning the diet, to ensure that following a new diet will not interfere with medical treatment. Some people find that it is useful to consult a nutritionist or dietitian for professional advice on maintaining a diet to manage gastritis symptoms. Another important consideration is that some people might find that certain foods affect them differently than they affect other people with gastritis. For example, some people with gastritis can tolerate potatoes and tomatoes, but others cannot. Therefore, trial and error is sometimes a necessary part of devising a diet for gastritis.

Discussion Comments

anon946290

Alcohol is not the only main culprit. I've never had any alcohol, and I'm 34 years old. I was diagnosed with gastritis due to undiagnosed acid reflux (my lovely family doc just told me I was having panic and anxiety attacks). The acid reflux got to the point where it flared up so severely it irritated the lining of my stomach and caused the inflammation.

I am also getting really tired of such a restricted diet that one day works and the next day it feels like it is inflamed again. None of the PPI's or H2 blockers are working. But, just read where acid reflux is more caused by low stomach acid, not too much. Definitely looking into this some more, now. This is pure misery; it's gotten to the point where it is nearly debilitating.

anon924081

Stopping alcohol is not always the answer. I have had no alcohol for months and the gastritis still lingers. I'm getting very tired of a bland diet and food restrictions.

anon328784

Gastritis can be caused by spicy foods because they 'burn' the lining of your stomach, making it harder to repair damage and also alcohol doesn't really help.

youssef

another myth!

The main culprit of gastritis is alcohol not hot species or tomato sauce!

1-Alcohol create gastritis

2-The stomach is sick

3- When you eat garlic, hot sauce or onion you feel bad why? because your stomach is sick

4-solution? --heal your stomach

5- How do you heal your stomach then?

6- By stopping alcohol! It's easy!

7- when you are healed, return to your normal diet (hot chili, onion, vinegar).

8-Never return to alcohol if you want to stay healthy.

Some kinds of gastritis may have been created by medication such aspirin.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
    • Cutting down on vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can reduce bloating, gas and belching.
      By: monticellllo
      Cutting down on vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can reduce bloating, gas and belching.
    • Stomach pain is a common symptom of gastritis.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Stomach pain is a common symptom of gastritis.
    • Gastritis can cause excessive belching.
      By: Dan Race
      Gastritis can cause excessive belching.
    • Rice is typically included in a gastritis diet.
      By: womue
      Rice is typically included in a gastritis diet.
    • When on a gastritis diet an individual should avoid dairy products.
      By: lidante
      When on a gastritis diet an individual should avoid dairy products.
    • Eliminating certain foods from the diet can help relieve symptoms of gastritis.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Eliminating certain foods from the diet can help relieve symptoms of gastritis.
    • Following a gastritis diet can help reduce the severity of the symptoms, and help the stomach to heal faster.
      By: bruno135_406
      Following a gastritis diet can help reduce the severity of the symptoms, and help the stomach to heal faster.
    • Pizza, hamburgers and fried chicken should be avoided by those with gastritis.
      By: freshidea
      Pizza, hamburgers and fried chicken should be avoided by those with gastritis.