- What to eat
- Foods to avoid
- Ulcers
- Causes
- Treatments
- FAQs
- Outlook.
If you have gastritis, you may want to avoid foods that could make symptoms worse, including spicy and fried foods. Foods high in fiber and low in fat may be easier to digest.
The term gastritis refers to any condition that involves inflammation of the stomach lining. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help people manage gastritis symptoms.
Gastritis can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis comes on suddenly and severely, while chronic gastritis lasts for a longer time.
Different factors cause different types of gastritis. Symptoms include:
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- feeling full
For most people, gastritis is minor and will go away quickly after treatment. However, some forms of gastritis can produce ulcers or increase the risk of cancer.
Diet is an important player in your digestive and overall health. Following a gastritis-friendly diet can go a long way toward relieving your symptoms and helping you feel better.
What foods help heal gastritis?
Diet does not generally cause chronic gastritis, but some people find that the following foods and drinks may help reduceTrusted Source the chance of developing gastritis:
- high fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans
- low fat foods, such as fish, lean meats, and vegetables
- foods with low acidity, including vegetables and beans
- noncarbonated drinks
- caffeine-free drinks
According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, some studies say that probiotics could help with stomach complications caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori.
These bacteria cause an infection in the digestive system, which can lead to gastritis or stomach ulcers. In fact, H. pylori is the most commonTrusted Source cause of gastritis.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor to see if you might benefit from probiotic supplements.
Some types of gastritis can make it more difficultTrusted Source for your body to absorb iron or vitamin B12, leading to deficiencies. Talk with your doctor about taking supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Gastritis foods to avoid
Foods that are high in fat may worsenTrusted Source inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
For some people, food allergies can trigger gastritis. In these cases, identifying and avoiding these foods may treatTrusted Source and prevent the condition.
Some forms of gastritis are causedTrusted Source by drinking alcohol too often or drinking too much in a short period.
Foods that may irritateTrusted Source the stomach and make gastritis worse include:
- acidic foods, such as tomatoes and some fruits
- alcohol
- carbonated drinks
- coffee
- fatty foods
- fried foods
- fruit juices
- pickled foods
- spicy foods
- tea
If you notice that a certain food or food group makes your symptoms worse, avoiding this food can prevent symptoms. This is particularly true when it comes to food allergies.
Other dietary habits to avoid
A 2022 cohort study found that 53%Trusted Source of people who had gastritis symptoms tended to eat too fast or eat at irregular times.
They also tended to eat more leftover foods, as well as eat triggering foods such as certain spicy, sweet, or salty foods. In addition, they tended not to eat consistent portions of food, snacked, and ate more barbecued food.
If you recognize any of these habits in your lifestyle, making some changes might help reduce your flare-ups. For example, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help ease your symptoms.
Gastritis diet with an ulcer
Left untreated, some types of gastritis can eventually lead to a stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer. If you have an ulcer, the types of foods that you should eat or avoid are similar to those for gastritis.
With an ulcer, you should make sure you are getting foods full of nutrients. Following a healthful, balanced diet makes it easier for the ulcer to heal.
The following foods are allowedTrusted Source:
- milk, yogurt, and low fat cheeses
- vegetable oils and olive oil
- some fruits, including apples, melons, and bananas
- some vegetables, including leafy greens, carrots, spinach, and zucchini
- lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans
- lean meats
- natural juices
That said, there is very little researchTrusted Source to support specific dietary recommendations for gastritis. Your best option is to consult with a doctor or nutritionist for an individualized diet based on your own symptoms and reactions to foods.
Causes of gastritis
Different types of gastritis have different causesTrusted Source. Some of these include:
- bacterial infection by H. pylori
- stomach lining damage from certain medications, alcohol, infections, treatments, or surgery
- major injury or illness
- autoimmune disease
- food allergies
Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms, especially in cases where the cause is not readily evident.
Treatments for gastritis
If you have gastritis, your doctor will likely:
- prescribe antibiotics for gastritis caused by H. pylori
- recommend over-the-counter medications, including antacids, for symptom relief
- recommend appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes
Frequently asked questions:
What are the warning signs of gastritis?
Gastritis symptoms typically include stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, burping, and flatulence. Learn more about gastritis symptoms.
Can I eat eggs with gastritis?
You can eatTrusted Source eggs if you have gastritis. Eggs are normally included in a bland diet, which is what is recommended in cases of gastritis.
What is the best drink for gastritis?
Clear liquids such as broth or tea would be best in cases of gastritis. There’s also research suggesting that drinking green tea with honey at least once a week is associated with a lower prevalence of gastritis caused by H. pylori.
Learn about home remedies for gastritis.
Is there a 7-day meal plan for gastritis?
A number of cookbooks dedicated to a gastritis diet are available. Some options include:
- Gastritis healing diet for a week: Tasty and health menus to restore your stomach completely and heal gastritis in 7 days
- Guide to ulcer diet
- The healing gastritis diet for beginners
- The ultimate gastritis guide & cookbook
Outlook
The length of time your gastritis will last once you begin treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity.
Most of the time, gastritis will improve quickly after beginning treatment. Talk with your doctor if your gastritis symptoms are severe or last more than a week.
When considering diet changes or new medications, it’s best to check with a doctor first.
