Gastritis is the name given to the inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa, which inevitably leads to digestive problems. A person begins to digest food poorly, as a result of which his health deteriorates and weakness and lethargy appear. According to statistics, about half of all residents of our country experience painful symptoms of gastritis to one degree or another.
Diet for gastritis
Many people wonder: what diet should you follow for gastritis? This is a very important issue, because proper nutrition is the main part of the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. If you have gastritis, you should always follow a soft diet, and if your health improves, you can only return to normal eating habits gradually. In some cases, doctors prescribe a personal diet for gastritis.
It should also be remembered that with gastritis, enzyme deficiency develops, so in some cases, along with a diet to improve digestion, it is worth using enzyme preparations such as Micrazim.
There are two types of gastritis: acute and chronic. In different people, this form can be accompanied by high and low levels of gastric acidity. Acute gastritis is of the following types:
- fibrinous (worsening with the appearance of an infectious disease);
- catarrhal (accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the outer layer of the stomach);
- phlegmonous (causing a purulent inflammatory process on the gastric wall);
- corrosive (one of the side effects of poisoning).
Chronic diseases come in the following forms:
- superficial;
- hypertrophic;
- polyposis;
- bacteria;
- granulomatous;
- autoimmune.
Another form of chronic gastritis is typical for those whose stomach wall is damaged due to systematic consumption of large quantities of alcohol.
The main principles of the diet for gastric disease
Remember that the right diet for gastritis is the key to successfully overcoming the symptoms. If the acidity of your gastric juice increases, then you need to eat foods that help reduce its activity. Follow three rules:
- Mechanical principles. Avoid foods that contain coarse fiber. Such products include onion crops, cured meats, and bran. In addition, dishes cooked in oil are strictly prohibited.
- Chemical principles. Avoid foods that can increase gastric secretion. This list includes alcohol, sparkling water, citrus fruits (including juice from them), coffee, black bread, cabbage and rich meat soups.
- Thermal principle. Do not eat food that is at a very high or very low temperature. They irritate the esophagus, and cold foods, among other things, last longer than usual in the stomach.
What foods can you eat if you have gastritis?
Include lean meat (such as rabbit) in your diet. Duck, goat and goose are not allowed, but chicken can only be eaten without the skin.
Other acceptable foods and treats include:
- River fish;
- seafood;
- egg white omelet;
- oatmeal and buckwheat porridge;
- milk;
- zucchini, pumpkin, tomato, carrot, various vegetables;
- berries with a high sugar content;
- boiled fruits and purees.
What should be missing from the diet?
If you have been diagnosed with gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, then it is not recommended to prescribe a diet for yourself. Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist or nutritionist so that gastric treatment is consistent and effective.
With this disease, the menu should not include:
- Fresh baked goods, especially rye bread, as well as puff pastry. Instead, it is better to eat white bread, plain cookies and pies.
- Soups with rich broths, including mushroom soup, cabbage soup and borscht. Such a dish should be replaced with a light vegetable soup with potatoes, cabbage, carrots and onions.
- Smoked dishes, as well as meat with fat and veins. Instead, it is better to eat dishes made from boiled or steamed meat (cutlets, meatballs). The types of meat allowed are chicken and goat.
- Boiled eggs and fried omelettes. They should be replaced with soft-boiled eggs and steamed omelets.
- Any salty and savory dishes, marinades, chocolate, carbonated drinks, coffee and kvass.
- Alcohol.
Diet for high acidity
With this form of gastritis, you should not use fruits and vegetables excessively, because they can worsen your health. However, you should not completely remove this product from the menu. Avoid foods that can stimulate the production of stomach acid and choose foods that reduce acid. By eating right, you're more likely to lose weight than gain it. Below is a table showing the permitted and prohibited products:
| Vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, beets. Light vegetable salad. Tomatoes: ripe, chopped. Cucumber without skin. | Greenery. |
| Fruits: non-acidic, ripe, without skin (bananas, pears, apples). It is better to eat fruit not raw, but baked. Melons and melons - in very limited quantities. | French fries, pickled foods, sauerkraut. |
| Milk (from cow or goat), cream, yogurt. Fresh cottage cheese. | Sour cream, kefir, hard cheese. |
| Soup with nutritional soup. | Cabbage soup and borscht in a rich broth. |
| Pasta | Beans |
| Boiled chicken or rabbit meat, lean river fish. | Smoked meat, fish and meat with high fat content, canned food. |
| Oatmeal and buckwheat | dried fruits |
| Soft boiled eggs. | chocolate |
| Crackers, white bread (that has been sitting for a few days), dry biscuits. | Boiled eggs, fried omelettes. |
| Weak tea and coffee, cocoa with extra milk. | Rye and freshly baked bread. Cakes, confectionery products with cream filling. |
Low acidity diet
In such a situation, you need to eat differently than in the previous case. You need to eat foods that promote gastric secretion. The table below shows the dishes that are suitable for forgiveness. If you have a severe stomach ache, then you need to exclude from the menu dishes that irritate the stomach tissue.
Vegetables: baked potatoes, tomatoes, greens, carrots, beets, squash, pickles.
Diet for gastritis - general recommendations
Gastric patients should exclude spices used in the cooking process from the menu. You can improve the taste of food with fresh herbs (parsley, dill, celery). Green vegetables will also help add vitamins to your diet: try to season as many meals as you eat with finely chopped greens.
You should eat small meals, but avoid junk food; in this way the stomach will not have difficulty digesting food. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. Food eaten in haste can worsen your health and worsen gastritis. Chew your food until it becomes a paste that is easy to digest.
Do not forget that a proper and balanced diet is the key to treating gastritis. Many patients who follow a strict diet during treatment say that it helps them successfully overcome all the symptoms and pain associated with this disease within 4 weeks.
Important: before use, read the instructions or consult your doctor.
What to eat for gastritis?
Gastric characteristics
Gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lining of the stomach, which leads to pain, loss of appetite and other symptoms. Of all the pathologies of the digestive tract, most patients suffer from this disease.
Many people underestimate the importance of timely diagnosis of gastritis and consider it as a minor deviation that does not require treatment. They think that the disease will not cause any harm and will gradually disappear by itself, without treatment. But if treatment and diet methods are not used in time, the pathology can gradually develop into peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, and malignant transformation.
Etiological factors
Many studies have been conducted, statistics have been collected, according to which the basis for the development of stomach inflammatory pathology is Helicobacter pylori. These are bacteria that attack the walls of the stomach and duodenum. Most people are just carriers of bacteria, but under the influence of negative factors it begins to multiply actively, causing pathology. It is Helicobacter pylori that over time can lead to the development of atypical cells of the mucous membrane, which will cause malignant degeneration.
- Eating poor quality food. It includes fatty, fried, spicy, smoked, and overly salty foods. This type of food aggressively affects the stomach wall, causing an inflammatory process. Due to damage, Helicobacter pylori begins to multiply actively.
- Kurenie. Nicotine and smoke during smoking spread into the respiratory tract and digestive system. It has a negative effect on the mucous membrane, causing irritation and increased inflammation.
- Drink alcohol in large quantities. This has a toxic effect on any body tissue, including the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to the occurrence or intensification of inflammation.
- Pressure. Great physical and psycho-emotional stress. These factors cause the active production of cortisol. It leads to increased release of hydrochloric acid. If it acts on the stomach wall in the absence of a food bolus, damage occurs.
If the patient is simultaneously affected by several factors, the disease develops faster.
Clinical signs
In the early stages, patients and doctors may not see visual signs. The more damage occurs, the more active the inflammatory process develops.
- pain in the epigastric region, aggravated by pressure, eating, hunger;
- nausea, vomiting that occurs regardless of food intake;
- constipation, diarrhea.
There are signs that can be used to determine whether a patient has a gastroenterological pathology.
- the occurrence of frequent epigastric pain;
- sore spot in the middle of the stomach;
- heartburn;
- frequent belching;
- constipation, diarrhea;
- occasional nausea;
- vomiting for no reason;
- the presence of any gastroenterological disease in close relatives;
- the presence of bad habits (smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, overeating);
- periodic use of a strict diet.
It is impossible to determine the diagnosis independently, because the symptoms may be present in other temporary disorders or acute, chronic diseases. It is important to undergo examination and diagnosis by a doctor who will prescribe conservative or radical treatment, depending on the lesion that develops.
Diet
- gastroenterologist;
- nutritionists.
It would be better if these doctors work together to provide quality treatment.
- degree of damage to the mucous membrane;
- degree of spread of lesions to different parts of the gastrointestinal tract;
- because of defeat.
After collecting complete information, a nutritional regimen is prepared. This is one of the basic treatment methods that reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
- with high acidity;
- with low acidity.
Regardless of the type of diet chosen, the gastroenterologist should remind you of the basic principles of the correct diet during illness.
- Breaking apart. The total volume of the product to be taken by the patient in 1 day is identified. It is divided into 6 parts, distributing food evenly throughout the day. That is, the patient must eat food every 3 hours. You can not overeat or starve, because these factors have a negative effect on the state of the stomach. A serving of food is approximately the volume of two palms.
- chew. Food eaten begins to be digested in the oral cavity under the influence of saliva, which contains enzymes. Therefore, it is important to chew each part for a long time.
- Rest after eating. You need to sit and lie down for 30 minutes so that the digestion process starts without obstacles.
- Temperature. If there is suspicion of an inflammatory process, eat warm food. It should not be too hot or cold.
- Water mode. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day to maintain a stable water-electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration from developing. Drink water little by little throughout the day.
- Protein intake is mandatory. Protein is the foundation from which the body is built. Thanks to them, damaged tissue recovers faster after gastritis.
- Prohibition of eating too coarse food. It should not contain pieces that can injure the affected mucous membrane structure.
- Proper cooking. It is boiled, steamed, baked. No frying or smoking.
- Prohibition of alcohol consumption, caffeine, energy drinks, soda.
- Maintain vitamin concentration. If it is normal, the metabolism and metabolism improves, the nervous system and the digestive tract are strengthened. If there are not enough nutrients, multivitamin preparations are used.
The use of this rule reduces the load on the stomach during treatment.
Fruits with high acidity
Gastritis, accompanied by normal or high acidity, requires a special diet. It is necessary to monitor the temperature of food: it is not recommended to eat food with a temperature above 40-50 ⁰C. Fruits can be eaten pure, steamed, boiled, baked or stewed, or in purees, mousses, jellies, jellies or compotes. It is not recommended to take fruits with a high content of organic acids (pomegranates, citrus fruits, fresh apricots), unripe or sour fruits. During an exacerbation, all fruits should be used only in pure form. The rest is better to use:
- type of sweet apple;
- avocado.
Fruits with low acidity
For the opposite form of gastritis, when acidity is reduced, doctors recommend other fruits:
- citrus fruit - prevents the formation of malignant cells, maintains normal acidity;
- pomegranate and its juice help restore the gastric mucosa;
- peach - promotes the production of gastric juice, but it can only be eaten by patients who are not allergic to fruit.
Attention! For any gastrointestinal pathology, it is important not to overload the stomach and follow the diet prescribed by the doctor.
Diet for gastritis with high acidity
- excessive production of hydrochloric acid;
- increased acidity of hydrochloric acid.
Normally, hydrochloric acid is meant to break down stomach contents. But it must be within certain limits so as not to damage the body's own tissue.
- inflammation;
- erosion;
- ulcers;
- punch
Gastritis can develop at different ages. Prolonged exposure to damaging factors is sufficient for the inflammatory process to develop. If the acidity of gastric juice increases, you need to follow a certain diet that reduces this indicator.
Attention! Many patients know that taking antacids lowers the acidity of gastric juice. However, it is forbidden to take these medicines on your own. They have contraindications and side effects.
When using a diet, it is important to follow certain rules in order for success to occur.
- Avoid foods that cause or worsen damage to the stomach wall. These are foods that contain fiber and solid elements. For example, cereals, bread, bran, string meat. All food should be as soft as possible and easy to digest.
- Rejection of any food and drink that causes an increase in the acidity of hydrochloric acid. For example, citrus fruits, canned food, coffee, alcohol, soda.
- Eat food at a warm temperature. Do not eat boiling water, hot liquids or food. Cold food is also not acceptable. The optimum limit is 25-35 degrees.
If the patient's gastritis has become severe and causes unbearable pain, it is necessary to immediately start a strict diet. This will help significantly reduce the inflammatory process and allow tissue to recover. Already on the 3rd day someone will feel relief. But this is only possible with the help of the additional use of drugs prescribed by the doctor.
- low-fat chicken or vegetable soup with crackers, which can be replaced with soft porridge (for example, oatmeal);
- pasta soup with milk (hard pasta is allowed);
- boiled young potatoes without cream, salt;
- milk with a reduced fat content, so as not to cause an increase in the load on the gastrointestinal tract due to the appearance of a high concentration of lactose.
In case of severe exacerbation and acute pain, each product is added gradually, in small portions. This will allow the digestive tract to get used to it and will not cause negative reactions. But if food causes nausea or increased pain, it is better to replace it with another type of food.
Once the acute period has passed, the diet is continued.
- boiled eggs, baked, they contain a high concentration of protein (the yolk can be removed to limit the amount of fat);
- lean meat of chicken, rabbit, beef, which can be baked, boiled, steamed (remove the skin before cooking);
- fish and seafood, which contain a large amount of omega-3, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract and nervous system;
- milk that needs to be boiled first;
- soup with additional grains (any grain is allowed except semolina);
- vegetables sold in stores according to season;
- fruits, which are recommended to be eaten between main meals, so as not to cause pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, but not to leave the stomach empty;
- quality sausage;
- olive, sunflower oil;
- dumplings and similar products prepared at home from natural minced meat and a thin layer of dough;
- offal, on which the liver has the most positive effect, because it contains a large amount of microelements and vitamins;
- soft cheese;
- honey, weak tea, herbal decoction, dried fruit compote.
- bread products, muffins, fresh pastries;
- candy, chocolate;
- dairy product.
All these foods increase stomach acidity. Carbohydrates have a negative effect on any part of the digestive tract, causing strong acidity. This is a good environment for the reproduction of Helicobacter pylori. In addition, they refuse to chew gum, because during its use, hydrochloric acid is actively produced. If there is too much, gastric acid will be stronger. This can lead to the formation of erosions and ulcers.
Diet for gastritis with low acidity
With this type of inflammatory process of the stomach, the concentration and acidity of hydrochloric acid decreases. Therefore, food is poorly digested, large pieces of food enter the intestine, which leads to a heavy load on it. This has a negative effect on the overall condition of the digestive tract. Usually, people over the age of 40 experience such gastritis.
- atrophic state of the gastric mucosa;
- tissue thinning;
- decreased parietal cell function.
Gastritis with low acidity is one of the most dangerous diseases that are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to start treatment at an early stage, before precancerous conditions develop.
To correct the pathology, you need to eat food that will stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. You also need to increase its acidity so that the food bolus is processed.
Attention! It is necessary to simultaneously increase acidity and not put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is forbidden to use fatty, spicy, fried, smoked, fast food, and alcohol, regardless of the fact that they increase acidity.
- before eating, drink 200 ml of slightly carbonated mineral water;
- chew food thoroughly, eat each portion gradually; the whole meal takes at least 30 minutes;
- Between meals it is recommended to eat fruits that increase acidity, you can first burn them so as not to cause stress.
- types of lean meat - chicken, turkey, rabbit, young veal;
- any kind of fruits and vegetables that do not have a rough fiber structure (citrus fruits, white cabbage and cauliflower are recommended);
- vegetable and meat soup;
- a small concentration of carbohydrates in the form of sweets and baked goods;
- any type of fermented milk product;
- canned food;
- herb stew, tea, berries and fruit compote.
Since milk in any form reduces the acidity of gastric juice, it is forbidden to consume it when preparing a diet.
Gastritis is one of the most common digestive problems among the population. This disease can affect patients of any age. It can be prevented if you use preventive rules. But if the pathology has developed, it is important to undergo a timely diagnosis and start treatment to prevent complications from developing. Therapy is based on a proper and high-quality diet, improving lifestyle, and avoiding bad habits. The diet is selected individually for each patient, depending on the degree of damage and acidity of gastric juice.