A Healthy Diet for Gastritis

This diet is low in fat, fiber, and simple sugars, which helps to empty the stomach and reduce the production of stomach acids. Therefore, it helps to reduce the symptoms and discomfort caused by gastritis.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Written by Eliana Delgado Villanueva

Last update: 22 March, 2023

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that causes discomfort, heartburn, and even nausea and vomiting. People with chronic gastritis are often afraid to eat certain things to avoid this discomfort. In this article, we will give you advice on how to structure a proper diet for gastritis. Keep reading to find out more!

What causes gastritis?

One of the most common causes of gastritis is an infection caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. In developed countries, this bacterium could be infecting up to 50% of the population, although only 15% of them develop the disease.

This shows that developing gastritis depends heavily on genetic or environmental factors (food, smoking, etc.). With that said, this isn’t the only cause of gastritis. Other causes include:

• Continued use of certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Consuming too much alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
• Autoimmune disorders like pernicious anemia.
• High stress or anxiety, since it increases gastric acids and causes what is called gastritis nervosa.
• The over consumption of rich, very heavy or spicy foods.

How should someone with Gastritis structure their diet?

A gastritis diet consists of a nutritious and healthy diet in which we reduce and avoid the consumption of those foods that aggravate and irritate the stomach and increase the consumption of those foods that have a calming or positive effect on the stomach. 

With the right diet, it’s possible to improve digestion, decrease pain and other symptoms, thereby reducing inflammation and gastric discomfort. It’s very important to remember that medical follow-up is always necessary in the treatment of gastritis. 

General dietary guidelines for gastritis.

When preparing a diet for people who suffer from gastritis, the following tips should be taken into account:

• Meals should be light: If necessary, you can eat more frequently, but you should avoid eating until you feel completely full
• Promote certain recommended foods that are healthy for the stomach: Potatoes, rice, carrots, pumpkins, cooked cabbage, apples, ripe bananas, and olive oil.
• Light cooking: It’s preferable to steam, boil, make purees or soups. Avoid stir-frying, grilling, roasting, or other very dry or undercooked foods.
• Don’t drink anything too hot
• Drink water throughout the day

Examples of a daily diet for gastritis

Remember that while this diet will help reduce some of the pain and discomfort caused by gastritis, it isn’t a cure.

Breakfast

• Semi-skimmed milk with sugar / Yogurt
• White bread with jam / Cookies / Two slices of white bread with turkey or ham
• 1 tablespoon of skim white cheese

Morning snack

• Grilled fruit or fruit compote / Peach, apple, or grape juice / Recommended fruit

Lunch

• Side Dish: Zucchini puree / Boiled potatoes with Swiss chard / Rice with vegetables / White macaroni with cooked ham or bacon, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Main Dish: Roasted skinless chicken thigh / Grilled beef / Boiled hake / Baked whiting
• Dessert: Ripe banana / Peach in syrup / Roasted pumpkin / Curd with sugar / Homemade custard made with skim milk

Afternoon snack

• Tea or infusion with some cookies / Natural yogurt / Light fruit

Dinner

• Starter: Boiled green beans, carrots, and potatoes / Vegetable puree / Chicken soup with noodles / Borage and potato
• Main Dish: Grilled chicken breast with steamed potatoes / Grilled ham / Grilled sole with cooked carrots / Baked halibut / Egg or zucchini omelette
• Dessert: Roasted apple / Ripe pear / Fresh cheese with quince jelly / Vanilla custard

Note: If you want to improve digestion, try drinking more infused teas with strong digestive properties. 

Lastly, remember to avoid limiting your diet more than necessary. Use these recommendations as a guideline and always remember your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Also, try to make your diet, within its restrictions, as varied and balanced as possible. Additionally, you can try gradually introducing more foods into your diet if your condition improves.