Gastritis Diet and Treatment for Gastritis

The main goal to achieve in case of gastritis is to minimize any experience of symptoms and fast recovery. For this an easy to digest, mildly flavored diet is considered good for most people with gastritis. All fruits and vegetables are low in fat and provide good amounts of much needed vitamins, minerals and fiber. But some vegetables can aggravate certain symptoms after consumption. For instance if you suffer from heartburn then it would be wise to avoid citrus fruits and vegetables, as well as tomato based fatty gravies, tomato juice and other citrus juices. Certain vegetables can cause excessive flatulence for some when consumed raw or in cooked form. Some of these vegetables include onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber and peas. But you need not avoid all these vegetables altogether. Learn to identify which vegetable is a triggering factor in your case and limit its consumption till your gastritis is healed. For example cabbage may cause flatulence and bloating in some persons with gastritis, but if you are comfortable after eating cabbage then you need not restrict cabbage consumption. In fact if none of the vegetables cause any problem in your case, then there is no need to restrict any vegetables.

Remember vegetables are not the only triggers for the symptoms of gastritis. Other foods like caffeine and tea, spices like garlic, red chili, chili powder, black pepper, red pepper, hot peppers, alcohol, smoking, tobacco consumption and sodas, carbonated beverages, colas, cocoa, mint, chocolate, fatty foods and fried foods can all irritate your stomach lining and can cause pain. Before restricting any foods, particularly those that are rich in nutrients, like vegetables and fruits, consult your health care specialist.

It is also important that you keep the following points in mind for treating gastritis –

Eat meals at regular intervals preferably at the same time of the day. Eat small divided meals instead of only 2 meals a day.Keep at least a minimum gap of 3 hours between your meal time and sleeping time. Also avoid any kind of strenuous activity immediately after eating your meal. A simple walk or a low impact activity is fine. Avoid smoking completely. Also avoid any kind of stress, whether physical or emotional. Practice certain relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation to relax.
Certain medications can also cause inflammation of the stomach lining, especially non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some pain killers. So before taking any medication either or not for gastritis it is wise to consult a specialist.