Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and is mainly caused by an infection with helicobacter pylori bacteria. Gastritis might also be caused by excess stomach acid secretion, chronic use of nonsteroidal non-inflammatory drugs, ingestion of corrosive substances, food allergies, autoimmune disorders and backup of bile into the stomach. A gastritis diet is used to help rest and heal the stomach.
Flavonoid-Rich Foods
Patients with gastritis should eat flavonoid-rich foods such as cranberries, blueberries, cherries, apples, celery, squash, bell peppers, garlic, onions and tea. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants that inhibit the growth of helicobacter pylori bacteria, which also have been tied to stomach ulcers.
Mildly Flavored Foods
Mildly flavored and easy-to-digest foods are recommended for patients with gastritis, according to Drugs.com. Spicy foods should be avoided because they irritate the stomach lining. Examples of spices to avoid include black pepper, chillies, chili powder and hot peppers. Tomatoes, tomato juice, peppermint and other highly flavored foods should also be avoided. Examples of easy-to-digest foods includes mashed potatoes, cooked noodles, cream of rice, tender meat, low-fat milk, applesauce and cooked vegetables.
Foods to Avoid
Patients with gastritis should avoid high-fat foods because they increase inflammation in the stomach. Examples of high-fat foods include red meats, bacon, sausages, whole milk and whole milk dairy products. Low-fat foods such as lean meats, fat-free milk and skinned poultry should be eaten instead of fatty foods. Trans fats found in commercially baked goods such as doughnuts, cookies, cakes and french fires should be avoided. Citrus juices and alcoholic beverages should also be eliminated because they increase irritation of the stomach lining.
Probiotics
The University of Maryland advises patients with gastritis to take a lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic supplement containing 5 billion to 10 billion units a day. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms similar to the bacteria found in the human gut. Probiotics help suppress the growth of helicobacter pylori bacteria. Lactobacillus supplements can be purchased in drugstores.
