Chronic Gastritis Diet

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that is caused by stress, smoking, viral infections, medications and excessive alcohol consumption. There are two types of gastritis: chronic and acute. Symptoms of chronic gastritis include bloating, slight stomach pain, mild indigestion and nausea. Those suffering from chronic gastritis can only be treated if they remove the cause from their diet, including spicy foods or foods that are hard for the stomach to digest. For relief, antacids are recommended to provide comfort after a heavy meal.

Healing Foods

For those suffering from chronic gastritis, aside from avoiding trigger foods, there are a few items that can help with healing and offer relief from symptoms. Milk has long been known to soothe and heal the stomach lining. During times of discomfort with gastritis, milk should be consumed instead of coffee or tea. Banana is also a food that heals ulcers and gastritis symptoms, especially when eaten as a snack between small meals every three hours. By eating little meals or snacks every three hours, the acid in the stomach will not cause heartburn or stomach pain.

Basic Foods

During chronic gastritis flareups, eating rice, wheat bran and barley are all ideal to provide comfort and healing to the stomach. Eat plenty of vegetables, especially the leafy variety and those high in water content such as cucumber, celery, sprouts and pumpkin. Replace vegetable or corn oils with rice bran or olive oil and eat as many fruits as desired, staying away from the acidic ones.

Foods to Avoid

If you suffer from chronic gastritis, it is important to avoid trigger foods. While these foods differ from person to person, common irritants include spicy foods, coffee, tea, caffeinated colas, fried foods and food that is oily or pickled.