8 Things To Avoid When Suffering From Gastritis
Gastritis is an umbrella term for any condition that occurs due to an inflammation of the stomach. The causes of acute or chronic gastritis can vary in each person. But what you eat can make it worse or better. Your best bet is to avoid any irritants, which include spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, processed foods, and anything you are allergic to.
No matter what causes gastritis, one factor remains the same – what you eat. A healthy, balanced diet and a good lifestyle can keep just about any disease at bay. So here we give you 8 entities you need to stay away from to prevent and reduce any kind of gastritis problems.
1. Spicy foods
Spicy foods may not be the main cause of your gastritis problem, but they can definitely make it worse. In gastritis issues, your stomach is already sensitive and the dominant spices can irritate it that much more. So whether it’s your favorite curry or mouthwatering chicken, stay away from all of them! These include pickles, peppers, chilies, and hot sauces.
2. Coffee and Other Caffeinated Beverages
Most mornings, all you need is a strong cup of coffee to get you going. But drinking coffee on an empty stomach, especially at the end of the day, can actually trigger gastritis. Any beverage containing caffeine can aggravate an already present gastritis problem, (even decaffeinated coffee). This also includes carbonated drinks, which can induce gastritis.
If you don’t have gastrointestinal problems, reduce the number of cups of coffee you down. Instead, go for green tea. Studies show that tea can reduce the risk of gastritis, as it is anti-inflammatory and has less caffeine.
3. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is the most common cause of gastritis.5 Alcohol contains certain toxins that can irritate the stomach lining and cause inflammation when you drink too much and constantly. And if the stomach is already inflamed, alcohol consumption will cause it to bleed and lead to more serious conditions such as stomach ulcers.6
Moderation is the key because according to studies, limited alcohol consumption can even prevent gastritis by fighting the H. pylori bacteria.
4. High-fat foods
You may have noticed that eating a lot at one stretch makes you feel really uncomfortable. This is because your digestive system can’t handle that much work. This also applies to foods high in fat, which can cause the stomach lining to inflame. Studies have even shown that eating fatty foods for as little as 3-4 months can result in gastritis!2
However, there are specific fats, such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids), that can heal your gut. Food products that contain these fats include peanut butter, seeds, nuts, and olive oil.
5. Refined, processed, and fried foods
Refined foods such as white bread and pasta, those containing sugar, and processed foods with artificial flavors are potential irritants that can trigger gastritis. Frequent consumption of processed foods with red meat can increase the severity enough to cause gastric cancer.8 So, no matter how tempting the food is, eat healthy and as much as possible at home.
6. Smoking
Smoking is one of the main lifestyle habits that can aggravate gastritis. It is one of the main risk factors in the development of various stomach-related issues. Although studies have not yet found a direct link to gastritis, smoking can slow the healing of the gastric mucosa and lead to stomach ulcers.
7. Dairy products
High-fat dairy products, such as cream of milk, trigger the secretion of gastric juice, worsening your gastric condition. Some even believe that regular milk, with calcium and protein, can cause increased acid production. However, it all depends on how your body works.
Try dairy products in small amounts and see how it works for you; retain them in your diet if they don’t affect you. Dairy foods such as fermented yogurt (probiotics) can relieve stomach irritation and reduce any gastrointestinal problems.
8. Foods you are allergic to
If you’ve always had a gastritis problem, certain vegetables can cause irritation and make things worse. Most people complain of a burning stomach ache after eating onions, garlic, tomatoes and potatoes. Look at which vegetables you are allergic to and decide on your diet.
Source:the-wau.com, curejoy.com
