A proper diet, including high-fiber and low-fat foods, helps to relieve symptoms of gastritis and acid reflux. Continuing the diet may provide long-term protection from recurrences. Avoiding some of the same foods that aggravate both conditions reduces or prevents problems. Symptoms of gastritis include acid reflux, which causes a burning or painful sensation in the upper chest and throat, and indigestion, which can result in acid reflux. Antacids and acid-reducing medication relieve or prevent symptoms of gastritis and acid reflux.
Inflammation
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, may result from a bacterial infection, helicobacter pylori, which also causes stomach ulcers. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, hiccups, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol and cigarette smoking can irritate the condition. The same irritants worsen acid reflux. Eating a fiber-rich diet, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoiding high-fat foods, helps to alleviate gastritis.
Stomach Acid
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can happen because of heavy meals or high-fat foods that delay stomach emptying. The stomach secretes more acid during digestion, increasing the risk of acid reflux. A weakened esophageal muscle can also cause acid reflux. The muscle normally opens as food enters the stomach and then contracts. A weakened muscle does not shut tightly and allows stomach acid backup. Coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, chocolate and citrus fruits may trigger symptoms.
Low Fat
Eating low-fat foods avoids stomach acid buildup and indigestion to reduce symptoms of gastritis and acid reflux. Lean meat, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy products provide protein. Protein, which builds and repairs muscle tissue, may help strengthen the lower esophageal muscle, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
High Fiber
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables work well in a diet for gastritis and acid reflux. However, citrus fruits and tomatoes have acidic content that can aggravate acid reflux. Apples, celery, cranberries, onions, garlic and tea contain flavonoids that may prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gastritis. Onions, garlic and caffeinated teas may trigger acid reflux symptoms. Whole grains, including bread, cereal, pasta, oatmeal and brown rice, aid in digestion to protect against symptoms of gastritis and acid reflux. Whole grains may soak up excess acid in the stomach.
Triggers
People respond differently to foods, so you may have your own specific triggers. Follow a food diary for a week, advises the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Write down the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience afterwards to find your triggers. Gastritis and acid reflux are treatable through a proper diet and medication. See your doctor for the best dietary and medical advice that fits your particular condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastritis; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention; June 2009
- McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
