Gastritis is characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining. When the lining is inflamed, your stomach produces less acid, digestive enzymes and mucous. Helicobacter pylori causes most cases of gastritis, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to gastritis. Treatment of gastritis includes medications that reduce acid in the stomach. You may also need antibiotics if you have an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. A diet for gastritis patients should include a variety of healthy foods from each of the food groups while avoiding foods that can aggravate symptoms.
Beverages
You need six to eight cups of fluids per day if you have gastritis. Choose water, low-acid juices such as apple and grape juice, mild herbal teas and caffeine-free drinks. Caffeine in food can increase stomach acid production, according to Drugs.com.
Breads, Grains and Starches
You need six to 10 servings of breads, grains and starches per day. You do not need to avoid high-fiber starches. Including fiber in your diet can help improve overall digestion. Examples and serving sizes of breads, grains and starches for the gastritis patient include one slice of whole wheat bread, ½ cup of cooked hot cereal, ¾ cup of whole grain ready-to-eat cereal, ½ cup of cooked pasta or rice, and five whole grain crackers.
Fruits
You need two to four servings of fruits each day. Avoid acidic fruits such as oranges and strawberries, which can aggravate your gastritis. Healthy fruit choices and serving sizes for the gastritis patient includes one medium apple, pear or peach, a small banana, 15 grapes, ½ cup of applesauce, ½ cup of canned fruit, 1¼ cups of diced melon, and one kiwi.
Vegetables
Vegetables provide your body with important nutrients including potassium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin E. Aim to eat two to four servings of vegetables each day. Serving sizes include one cup of raw or ½ cup of cooked vegetables. Healthy choices for the gastritis patient includes green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, salad greens, artichokes and asparagus. Avoid gas-producing and acidic vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and tomatoes.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
You need two to four servings of meat or meat substitutes each day. Meats provide your body with protein, iron and zinc. Food choices and serving sizes for gastritis patients include ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, 2 oz. of low-fat cheese, 3 oz. of tofu, 2 scrambled or soft-cooked eggs and 2 to 3 oz. of soft cooked meats such as beef, pork, fish or poultry. Limit spicy seasonings such as pepper and chili to decrease gastritis symptoms.
Milk and Dairy Foods
Choose low-fat and nonfat dairy foods to limit acid production, suggests Drugs.com. You need two to three servings of milk and dairy foods a day. Adequate intake of milk and dairy foods help keep your bones healthy and strong. Healthy milk and dairy choices and serving sizes for gastritis patients include 1 cup of 1 percent fat or nonfat milk, 1 cup of low-fat yogurt, ½ cup of pudding or custard and ½ cup of low-fat ice cream. Avoid dairy foods with chocolate because it can aggravate your symptoms.
