Nine Foods to Relieve Gastritis

To relieve gastritis, it's very important to eat every so often because you may feel more pain if your stomach empties entirely.

Reviewed and approved by the pedagogue in physical education and nutritionist Elisa Morales Lupayante.

Written by Ivan Aranaga Amengual

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Inflammation of the stomach, better known as gastritis, is a chronic condition that can manifest for several reasons. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve gastritis naturally.

Today, we’ll give you a set of nutritional tips that can help you out a lot.

Some Possible Causes of Gastritis

First of all, one of the most frequent reasons why gastritis manifests is related to the intake of medicines such as painkillers and aspirin. This is because it can have a negative effect on the stomach lining.

Second of all, excessive and/or frequent consumption of alcohol also strongly influences the onset of gastritis.

Also, the constant intake of tea, coffee, and lemon juice before eating can irritate the stomach lining. This could lead to chronic or long-term gastritis.

Finally, although it’s not a trigger, eating very hot or very cold foods can worsen gastritis. They can cause irritation and pain upon contact with the stomach lining.

Symptoms

If you’re suffering from a combination of the symptoms that we mention below, then you should urgently visit a gastroenterologist because you could be suffering from acute gastritis:

• Loss of appetite, especially in the morning.
• Burning sensation or heartburn.
• Pain in the belly or ribs.
• Vomiting (occasionally with blood).
• Blood in stools.

Nine Foods to Relieve Gastritis

If a doctor confirms that you suffer from gastritis or have a relative or acquaintance who has it, this information will be very useful. Below, we share some of the best foods to relieve gastritis.

1. Honey

• To do this, drink a glass of warm water with two tablespoons of honey every day on an empty stomach.
• You’ll notice significantly less heartburn in no time.

2. Olive oil

Olive oil can also help relieve stomach lining inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• To reap its benefits, pour a tablespoon of this oil in a cup of warm water or warm milk.
• Drink it every day on an empty stomach. It helps reduce irritation.

3. Onion

Onion may help relieve gastritis. According to some studies, it could help eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This is one of the bacteria responsible for the onset of gastritis.

However, you shouldn’t consume it in excess as it’s a fairly strong vegetable. In addition, onion can cause nausea, vomiting, and flatulence in some people. Thus, you should always consult your doctor before you start consuming it.

• To reap its properties, consume a quarter teaspoon of onion.
• If you can find it, opt for black onion since it has even more vitamins and minerals.

4. Oatmeal

This is another excellent option to relieve gastritis due to its antioxidant properties that help cleanse the body.

You can eat oatmeal sweetened with honey every day for breakfast.

5. Papaya

Did you know that papaya seeds can be a great ally of your gastric health? This is because they contain papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins from foods and neutralize gastric acid. Therefore, it may help relieve gastritis.

To reap its benefits, first extract the papaya seeds and dry them in the sun. Once they’re dry, simply crush them into a powder. Then, put a small amount of the powder on a few pineapple slices and consume them during breakfast. You’ll feel immediate relief.

6. Seeds

• First, make a mixture of equal amounts of fennel, green cardamom, and cinnamon seeds. All these seeds have vitamins and minerals that facilitate digestion.
• Then, toast them in a dry frying pan for 30 seconds.
• After that, crush them into a powder. You can take a teaspoon of this powder after your meals.
• However, you shouldn’t over-consume these seeds since anything in excess can be harmful.

7. Black salt

For about two months, consume two or three teaspoons of black salt after each meal.

It contains less iodine than regular table salt and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can help significantly reduce the symptoms of gastritis.

8. Parsley

Parsley is another good option to relieve gastritis. This is due to its diuretic properties and the minerals, such as potassium, calcium, or phosphorus, it contains.

• To reap its benefits, first squeeze some parsley juice.
• Then, add some black salt and black pepper.
• Take three tablespoons of this syrup after every meal.

9. Ginger

Ginger may help relieve all stomach ailments and discomforts. This is due to its antioxidant properties that help cleanse the stomach.

For gastritis and ulcers, you can make a ginger and onion infusion. It can help reduce inflammation and nausea.

However, it’s important not to overdo it since both components are quite strong.

A Diet for People with Gastritis

If you have gastritis, you should follow a diet that complements the methods we explained above.

Otherwise, they may not take effect, or at least not as expected. In addition, you can also include low-fat yogurt, fruits, coconut water, and low-fat foods in your diet.

What You Shouldn’t Eat

There are many foods that are harmful to people who suffer from gastritis because they worsen the inflammation. Thus, if you have gastritis, you should avoid the following foods:

• Alcohol
• Coffee and tea
• Soft or pasteurized drinks
• Cocoa products
• Citrus juices
• Red meat
• Spicy foods

Other Recommendations

Even if you’re not hungry, you shouldn’t wait too long to eat. If your stomach is empty, it’ll irritate more, so your gastritis will only get worse. You should try to eat a good breakfast, even if you’re not hungry.

On the other hand, don’t forget to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day. This will help eliminate the bacteria that live in the stomach, which only worsen gastritis.

Finally, remember that following a proper diet isn’t enough, especially in the case of acute gastritis. Although it may relieve symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice. This diet can perfectly complement the treatment the specialist prescribes.