Gastritis and diet - be careful

Chronic gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining, and the most common symptoms are burning or burning in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, as well as belching and heartburn.

The chronic form of gastritis is divided into three groups, namely erosive, non-erosive and special types. While the non-erosive type is most often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, the causes of the erosive type can be various drugs, alcohol, and trauma to the gastric mucosa.

The appearance of symptoms, as well as their severity, in chronic gastritis largely depend on the way the affected person eats. For example, if a person does not eat for a long time, the pain can be stronger, just as certain foods can "activate" gastritis. While drug therapy is prescribed for a milder form of gastritis, with chronic gastritis, the most important thing is that the affected person pay attention to his diet so that the symptoms appear as rarely as possible, while drug therapy is prescribed, but it is not effective for all patients.

What to eat if you have chronic gastritis?

"It is recommended to take a maximum of four portions of fruit per day, especially apples (as well as apple juice), bananas, peaches, pears, grapes, kiwi, melons. This fruit should be eaten on its own and not immediately after a meal, because fruit is normally digested quickly, and an undigested meal will also slow down the digestion of the fruit, which can lead to fermentation of the fruit and digestive problems.

There are no special restrictions on vegetables, except that they should not be eaten raw, but at least slightly steamed, especially boiled potatoes and green boiled vegetables. In case of chronic gastritis, it is recommended to consume vegetable milk, as well as, if possible, homemade yogurt and fresh cheeses. Consumption should be limited to three portions a day, and in those cases choose those with a low percentage of fat. People with chronic gastritis can consume lean young and fresh chicken, veal and beef meat, which should be only slightly spicy. You can also consume meat substitutes - tofu and soy. Cereal products that are allowed for chronic gastritis are rice, whole grain bread, pasta, potatoes, oats...

As always, water is the drink that is always recommended, and fresh fruit juices, caffeine-free drinks, as well as herbal teas, and even carbonated drinks are allowed in moderation," says Dr. Merdović.

What should people with chronic gastritis avoid?

"Some people with chronic gastritis do not like eating fruit for breakfast, on an empty stomach, and unpeeled fruit may also bother them. The most common irritants are orange and grapefruit. Of the vegetables, people suffering from chronic gastritis can be bothered by tomatoes, so they should not be eaten unpeeled, and some people can be bothered even in soups and sauces. Along with tomatoes, pickled vegetables, such as cabbage and cucumbers, should be avoided. Dairy products should be limited, but not completely eliminated, considering that they are a source of calcium and vitamin D. Also, it is important to avoid spicy cheeses, as well as full-fat ones.

As far as meat products are concerned, pork and mutton are prohibited, and fried meat should not be consumed either (this applies to all fried foods). In addition, people with chronic gastritis should avoid processed meat products, such as salami, pate and the like... The symptoms of chronic gastritis will also be activated by the consumption of pepper, vinegar, mayonnaise, margarine, as well as cakes with many fillings. In addition, it is important to avoid any beverages with caffeine, as well as alcoholic beverages and the consumption of tobacco or cigarettes.