Gastritis: Causes, Treatment And Diet Plan

Do you feel uncomfortable after eating spicy food? Could it be a medical condition like gastritis?

Experiencing gastric issues is common today. Sometimes it lasts a few days, and other times it stays longer. It comes with discomfort and occasional pain, among different symptoms. If not treated on time, the problem can become a chronic medical condition and leads to weight gain issues, where you might have to follow a weight loss diet plan.

So, to solve the problem from the root, one must know its causes, symptoms and treatment mentioned in this blog. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Gastritis? 

2. What Are The Causes Of Gastritis? 

3. What Are The Symptoms Of Gastritis? 

4. What Are The Treatments Of Gastritis? 

5. Gastritis Diet Plan 

6. Dietitian’s Recommendations

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

What Is Gastritis? 

Gastritis is a medical condition characterised by inflammation, irritation, or stomach lining erosion. It can be acute, which occurs suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, which develops gradually and lasts for a long time. 

There are several factors causing gastritis, including infection with the bacteria H. pylori, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stress. 

Gastritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, swollen stomach, and loss of appetite. Its treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation or acid production in the stomach, avoiding irritants like alcohol and NSAIDs, and following a healthy diet. 

What Are The Causes Of Gastritis? 

Gastritis happens due to several factors. Sometimes the reason is simple, and sometimes it is complex to be identified. So, let us look at some known causes of gastritis below:

1.H pylori Infection- The infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is one of the primary causes of gastritis.

2.NSAIDs- Chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.

3.Alcohol- Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production.

4.Stress- Stress can be another reason for the rising stomach acid production and cause stomach lining inflammation.

5.Bile Reflux- Bile reflux occurs when bile from the small intestine flows back into the stomach, irritating its lining to cause gastritis.

6.Autoimmune Disorder- Autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system attacks the stomach lining cells, can also cause gastritis.

7.Viral Infections- Viral infections, such as herpes simplex or cytomegalovirus, can cause acute gastritis.

8.Crohn's Disease- Crohn's disease or other chronic inflammatory conditions can lead to chronic gastritis.

9.Spicy Food- Spicy food sometimes irritates the stomach lining and increases stomach acid production and pain.

10.Indigestion- Indigestion will cause regurgitation and hence will lead to gastritis. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Gastritis? 

Although gastritis symptoms may vary from mild to severe and are very much person-specific. Here are some common signs of gastritis:

1.Abdominal pain or discomfort

2.Nausea or vomiting

3.Loss of appetite

4.Bloating or feeling of fullness after eating

5.Belching or flatulence

6.Heartburn or acid reflux

7.Indigestion

8.Presence of blood in vomit or stool (in serious cases)

What Are The Treatment Of Gastritis? 

Here, you must know that not everyone with gastritis experiences symptoms. Also, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. 

If you suspect gastritis, contact a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, where they might suggest the following things:

1. Medications

• Antacids- These medications can help neutralise stomach acid and relieve symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)- These medications reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the stomach lining.
• H. pylori Eradication Therapy- In this treatment, you get a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications to eliminate H. pylori bacteria, which can be a common cause of  gastritis.
• Histamine-2 (H2) Receptor Blockers- These medications can also reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
• Cytoprotective Agents-These medications help protect the stomach lining and promote healing.

2. Lifestyle And Dietary Changes

• Avoiding triggers- Certain foods, like spicy or fatty foods, and alcohol and caffeine, can irritate the stomach lining and worsen gastritis symptoms. Avoiding these triggers can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
• Eat less but frequently- Eating large meals can put more stress on the stomach, so eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce symptoms and heal you.
• Managing stress- Stress can exacerbate gastritis symptoms, so managing stress through relaxation techniques and other stress-reducing activities can be helpful. Doing this will also aid in hypertension care.

3. Self-Care Measures

• Rest and stay hydrated- Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help the stomach lining heal.
• Quit smoking- As smoking can worsen gastritis symptoms, quitting smoking can be beneficial.

Remember that in severe cases of gastritis, hospitalisation may be necessary to administer IV (Intravenous) fluids and medications and to monitor the patient's condition.

Gastritis Diet Plan 

When managing gastritis, it can be helpful to follow a specific diet that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the stomach lining. Here are some general guidelines for a gastritis diet:

1. Avoid Or Limit Trigger Foods

Certain foods can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms, like spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods and drinks (like citrus fruits and tomato-based products), and carbonated beverages. 

Here, understand that a few things might be a trigger for one individual but not for others. Hence, you should analyse personal trigger foods very precisely. 

2. Choose Easy-To-Digest Foods 

When the stomach is inflamed, it may have difficulty digesting certain foods. So, eating easy-to-digest foods can help reduce stress on your tummy and alleviate symptoms. These meals may include

1.Lean proteins like fish, poultry, and tofu

2.Low-fat dairy products like milk, yoghourt, and cheese

3.Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa

4.Fruits and vegetables that are cooked or steamed rather than raw

5.Sometimes avoiding or restricting gluten also helps in relieving symptoms of gastritis 

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help keep the stomach lining hydrated and help improve digestion.

4. Consider Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance in the gut and promote the healing of the stomach lining. They can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut or in supplement form.

5. Consider Herbal Remedies

A few herbs, like chamomile and ginger, may help soothe the stomach and alleviate gastritis symptoms. You can take them in tea or supplement form.  

Here, you should know that not all foods will affect everyone with gastritis likewise. So, track your individual symptoms and identify foods that may trigger them because improper gastritis diagnosis and treatment can lead to more severe complications.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Take a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid or limit foods that aggravate gastritis, like spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. 

Here, a gastritis diet aims to reduce inflammation and heal your stomach while providing the individual with adequate nutrition and energy to meet their daily needs.

-Dietitian Aditi Upadhaya 

The Final Say

Following a specific diet can help manage gastritis and promote the healing of the stomach lining. A gastritis diet may involve avoiding or limiting trigger foods and choosing easy-to-digest foods, among other remedies. 

One must track their symptoms and make adjustments to the diet accordingly. With proper diet and lifestyle modifications, individuals with gastritis can find relief from symptoms and promote healing.

FAQs

1. What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis? 

It is best to avoid or limit foods that can irritate the stomach lining, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods and drinks (like citrus fruits and tomato-based products), and carbonated beverages.

2. What are some easy-to-digest foods for gastritis? 

Easy-to-digest foods include lean proteins like fish, poultry, and tofu, low-fat dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese, and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa.

3. How long should I follow a gastritis diet? 

The length of time you follow a gastritis diet may vary depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms.

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