The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating style based on the traditional food practices of the people living along the Mediterranean Sea. The diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils and fish. If you have gastritis, you can follow a Mediterranean-style diet with modifications to minimize the pain and inflammation associated with your illness.
Plant-based Foods
The base of your Mediterranean diet for gastritis should be plant foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods are nutrient-rich and high in fiber. Most people with gastritis can tolerate fiber-rich foods without pain. However, certain types of fruits and vegetables can affect the acidity of the stomach and may need to be avoided. These include tomatoes, tomato products and citrus fruits. In addition, certain vegetables and legumes can cause gas and discomfort and may need to be avoided, depending on your tolerance. These foods include peppers, broccoli, cabbage, onions, pickled vegetables, garlic, kidney beans, chickpeas and navy beans. In addition, certain nuts such as almonds, peanuts or walnuts, may also cause discomfort and need to be avoided, depending on your tolerance.
Oils
The Mediterranean diet is not a low-fat diet and encourages you to liberally include healthy oils such as olive and canola oil. However, fat can delay stomach emptying and cause discomfort if you eat too much. For your gastritis, you may need to limit your fat intake to two to four servings a day, with one serving equal to 1 tsp. of oil, 1 tsp. of margarine or 1 tbsp. of salad dressing.
Fish and Seafood
Fish and seafood are also encouraged on the Mediterranean diet and should be well-tolerated as long as they are not covered in spicy seasonings or fried. You should include two servings of seafood a week on your Mediterranean diet for gastritis.
Dairy Foods
Low-fat dairy products, including low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, are recommended on your diet and should be well-tolerated. Avoid chocolate milk and any strongly flavored cheeses or those with added spices such as pepper to limit pain and inflammation associated with your gastritis.
Poultry and Eggs
Poultry and eggs are also recommended on the Mediterranean diet and should be well-tolerated as long as they are not fried and do not contain any of the offending foods or spices. The Mediterranean diet recommends two servings of poultry a week and up to seven eggs, which includes eggs added for baking.
Meats and Sweets
Red meat and sweets are limited on the Mediterranean diet. Red meat should be consumed only twice a month and should be prepared without spices or sauces. Sweets, those made with added sugar and high in saturated fat, should be eaten only once or twice a week. Depending on your tolerance, you may need to avoid sweets made with chocolate.
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