4 Bad Habits to Avoid When You Have Chronic Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It’s a condition that can be temporary, but, if not treated in a timely manner, it can become a long-term digestive disease. So, do you know the habits you should avoid when you have chronic gastritis?
In this article, we’ll show you 4 habits that are better to avoid when you have gastritis. You might even ignore some of them or do some without realizing they’re harmful. However, they might be making your digestive system worse. We’ll tell you more below.
4 habits to avoid when you have chronic gastritis
The membranes that line your stomach wall protect it from acid and germs. If this protective coating becomes irritating or damaged, it can become inflamed.
The inflammation of the stomach lining is called gastritis. Usually, certain bacteria or regularly using anti-inflammatory pain relievers can cause it. Because of this, it’s best to go to the doctor and get the best treatment, as well as avoiding habits that can make it worse.
1. Consuming certain irritating substances
One of the worst habits you could do with this condition is to consume irritating substances or foods. In fact, they damage the digestive mucosa even more, and make your symptoms worse.
Of course, irritating substances include tobacco and alcohol, as well as coffee and tea. In the case of alcoholic beverages, it’s best to replace them with other drinks. For example, you can try some natural fruit and vegetable juices.
Some spices can also be irritating, like ginger, pepper or mustard. In addition, sugar and sugary foods can cause long-term harm, even if they don’t cause immediate discomfort.
2. Eating incorrectly
Secondly, if you have acute or chronic gastritis, it’s important to follow some guidelines when at the dinner table:
- It’s better to eat 5 small meals a day. Also, don’t eat too much, since this could make your digestion and gastritis worse.
- Make sure to chew your food well. That way, when you swallow, each bite is well processed.
- Eat in a relaxed and calm environment, without arguments or other distractions.
- Opt for simple meals that don’t combine too many foods. In addition, it’s best to eat fruits mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
- If you suffer from chronic gastritis, you’ll notice relief from your symptoms if you eat more during the day, at breakfast and lunch, and even at snack time. Then, at night it’s best to have an early dinner and a light snack.
3. Abusing antacids
Many people with heartburn or chronic gastritis turn to antacids to ease their discomfort. However, whether they’re drugs or sodium bicarbonate-based remedies, it’s best to only use them every once in a while. Also, only use what your doctor recommends.
Antacids are not the solution to the problem. In fact, they can even damage your digestive system in the long run, since they interfere with gastric juices. Additionally, they can even predispose you to suffer other more serious digestive diseases in the future.
You can find some types of antacids that don’t irritate your stomach. In addition, there are foods that could give you relief, like apples, cucumbers, papaya, or plums.
4. Relieve your stress
The last of the habits that make chronic gastritis worse is stress. To what extent are gastritis and stress related? Stress actually increases the gastric acids that cause this digestive condition.
In this sense, to treat chronic gastritis, you’ll need to change some of your habits to help you relax. Drinking herbal teas or taking supplements, as well as doing activities like yoga, meditation or tai chi are some good examples.
What to avoid when you have chronic gastritis
These tips can help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, if you suffer from this disease or main symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor to get a diagnosis and get the best possible treatment.
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