Foods To Avoid If You Suffer From Gastritis

Some foods can complicate the discomfort caused by gastritis. Know what are the foods to avoid if you suffer from gastritis.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, caused mainly by bacteria, irritation from some foods, or as a reaction to some medications. You should know what are the foods to avoid if you suffer from gastritis.

Bad eating habits, such as disorder with the time and quantity of food, can lead to the development of gastritis. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a suitable time for meals. Read on to learn more about the subject, including the foods to avoid if you suffer from gastritis.

Causes of gastritis

According to the National Library of Medicine of the United States, the main causes of gastritis are the consumption of some medicines or foods, excessive alcohol intake or an infection caused by the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria . Many kinds of ulcers are also attributed to this. Other causes of gastritis include stress and viral infections.

What to avoid if you suffer from gastritis

An article entitled Gastritis and its dietary recommendations published by the Junta de Andalucía points out that pepper, ground pepper, mustard, vinegar, alcohol, coffee and tea, as well as food and beverages at extreme temperatures should be avoided. .

Beyond these recommendations, the Hospital de Sagunto presents a general guideline of recommended and discouraged foods. Let’s see them below:

Orange, grapefruit and tangerine

Citrus fruits lower the pH of the stomach and therefore contribute to increasing acidity. As ulcers develop in the throat, esophagus, and stomach, citric acid prevents them from healing quickly. 

Spicy

If you suffer from intestinal problems, it would be better to avoid its consumption. Pepper, chili and paprika could cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the digestive system, causing burning, abdominal pain, diarrhea, among others.

Coffee

Although it has been confirmed that there is no relationship between coffee intake and stomach cancer, coffee would cause reflux and discomfort associated with gastritis. Therefore, it is a food that you should avoid if you suffer from gastritis, since it contains organic acids that would cause heartburn.

Caffeine increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, affecting the proper functioning of the digestive system. You should also avoid other foods such as energy drinks, instant tea, and gum.

Sauces

Those who have stomach problems such as ulcers or gastritis should not consume sauces. This is due to the level of acid in their formulas, which can irritate and cause heartburn.

Sausages

Sausage is high in sodium, which can lead to hypertension. They contain a large amount of saturated fat, and they are hypercaloric foods, which makes you gain weight easily.

Other foods that can cause inconvenience

There are also other foods that can increase stomach acid production and harm you if you suffer from gastritis. It is best that you avoid them completely or, at least, reduce their intake to a minimum:

• Tomato
• Onion
• Sodas
• Strong spices
• Vinegar
• Alcohol
• Canned food
• Fried food
• Roasted foods

What foods can you eat if you suffer from gastritis?

These foods are recommended for gastritis, as they contain flavonoids, natural pigments that protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances present in other foods. They also have antioxidants that are responsible for preventing the development of various diseases:

• Rice
• Water
• Apple
• Pear
• Grape
• Melon
• Papaya
• Banana
• Green leafy vegetables
• Carrot
• Walnuts
• Grain
• Wholemeal meals
• Olive oil

To keep in mind

There are other things that you should avoid if you suffer from gastritis such as eating in the street, eating food outside the indicated time and going to sleep immediately after eating. The latter slows down the digestion process. You also need to control stress and anxiety situations.

Many times it becomes so normal to feel pain or burning in your stomach that you do nothing about it. If you suffer or think you suffer from gastritis, consult your doctor.