Healing Foods for Stomach Inflammation

If you suffer from gastritis, your stomach lining is inflamed and you make less acid, enzymes and mucus. Acid and enzymes help you break down food and mucus protects your stomach from acid. Gastritis can be acute or chronic and may result in stomach bleeding, erosion and ulcers. Medications are available to reduce stomach acid and treat gastritis, but you may benefit from changes to your diet. Certain foods reduce stomach inflammation without the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Abdominal pain. (Image: Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images)

Fiber

Fruits are high in fiber. (Image: kjekol/iStock/Getty Images)

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating a high fiber diet to reduce stomach inflammation. Foods high in this nutrient include fruits, vegetables, dry beans and whole-grains. Some high fiber foods may give you gas, so avoid foods that create this problem. Gradually incorporate extra fiber into your diet so your digestive system can adjust. Increasing fiber too quickly can cause gas, bloating and abdominal cramps.

Flavonoids

Apples contain flavonoids. (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

H. pylori is a bacterium that infects your stomach lining and it's the leading cause of chronic gastritis. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that 20 to 50 percent of people in the United States are afflicted with this bacteria. Foods that contain flavonoids may stop the growth of H. pylori. These include apples, cranberries, celery, onions, garlic and tea.

Antioxidants and B Vitamins

Cherries. (Image: Natikka/iStock/Getty Images)

Eating antioxidant-rich foods will alleviate gastritis symptoms suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially cherries, berries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers. Zinc and L-carnosine also have antioxidant properties that help repair and heal your stomach lining. You find zinc in oysters, meat, seafood, beans and nuts while L-carnosine is found in meat and beans.

Other Considerations

Avoid cookies. (Image: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images)

A high-fat diet, especially one high in trans fats, may exacerbate your gastritis symptoms so steer clear of cookies, crackers, french fries, onion rings, margarine and processed foods. Eliminate coffee, alcohol and carbonated beverages, which can irritate your stomach lining. Use healthy oils when cooking, such as olive oil; avoid too much sugar; and opt for whole-grain breads and pastas over refined grain. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends eating foods high in B vitamins and calcium such as almonds, beans, spinach and kale.