Gastritis Treatment Diet

Gastritis is the irritation and swelling of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis is mainly caused by infection of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Gastritis is also caused by alcohol abuse, smoking, ingestion of corrosive substances, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients with gastritis experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting that prevents them from tolerating certain foods.

Diet to treat gastritis. (Image: Elena_Danileiko/iStock/Getty Images)

High-protein Foods

Patients with gastritis should consume high-protein foods because they help the body repair the damage caused by gastritis, according to Mayo Clinic. Patients should only consume low-fat protein foods because fatty foods increase production of stomach acid, which irritates the lining of the stomach. Examples of high-protein foods that can be consumed by patients with gastritis include fat-free milk, low-fat dairy products, tender fish, seafood, skinned poultry, cooked beans and tofu.

Fruits and Vegetables

Patients with gastritis should also consume plenty of low-acid fruits and cooked vegetables, according to Mayo Clinic. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C and flavonoids, which are antioxidants that suppress overgrowth of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. Examples of low-acid fruits include bananas, watermelons and pears.

Probiotics

Patients with gastritis may also benefit from taking probiotic micro-organisms such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, according to Medline Plus. Probiotics suppress the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes gastritis and peptic ulcers. Probiotics are found in fermented dairy products such as yogurt, acidophilus milk and buttermilk. Patients may also obtain acidophilus supplements from local pharmacies.

Foods to Avoid

Patients with gastritis should avoid certain foods that irritate the lining of the stomach, according to Mayo Clinic. Examples of foods to avoid include black pepper, chiles, chili powder, hot peppers, coffee, teas, carbonated drinks, cocoa, chocolate, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, peppermint and spearmint.