In general, a gastritis diet isn’t particularly restrictive, especially when it comes to vegetables, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF). However, if your gastritis is caused by an underlying condition, you may need to avoid additional foods that contribute to the symptoms, research shows.
But it’s also important to remember that even if certain foods aren’t a problem for gastritis, they can be on the list of other intestinal problems. According to research, many gastrointestinal problems have overlapping symptoms, so unless your gastritis has been officially diagnosed, it could be something else.
What is acute gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are different ways to classify gastritis. It is considered acute or chronic, and it can be erosive or non-erosive. Acute gastritis occurs suddenly and is temporary, while chronic gastritis is a long-term condition that often develops slowly over time.
Erosive gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach wears away and can lead to sores called erosions or, if large enough, ulcers. Non-erosive gastritis does not cause the lining to break down, but it may become red and irritated. One exception is a type of nonerosive gastritis called atrophic gastritis, in which the stomach lining can die away (atrophy), causing digestive problems.
Vegetables, fiber and gastritis diet
Research does not suggest that vegetables should be prohibited for people with gastritis. But if something is known to trigger your symptoms, you need to listen to your body and limit or avoid it.
Although high-fiber foods are not common triggers of symptoms in gastritis, you may have reservations about getting more fiber in your diet when you have an upset stomach.
But sufficient fiber intake is also essential for good digestive function in general. The recommended daily value is 28 grams, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But one study notes that excess fiber can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and lead to increased stomach acid production.
These fiber-rich vegetables, along with many others, can be beneficial in curing gastritis:
- Asparagus
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Green beans
- Leafy greens (like spinach, kale, chard, arugula)
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Radish
- Sweet potatoes
- Taro
Food triggers for gastritis
Although it’s not generally known that diet causes gastritis, excessive alcohol consumption and food allergies can sometimes trigger it, according to Nourish, a virtual dietitian practice. Allergies as a cause of gastritis, however, are very rare.
According to Nourish, dividing your daily calorie intake into smaller meals and eating more slowly can also help relieve symptoms. But you should also avoid eating or drinking anything that might irritate your stomach.
Triggers vary from person to person, but some common irritants include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Soft drinks
- Spicy, acidic or fatty foods
- Savory and sweet foods
Vegetables and other gastrointestinal problems
Although vegetables are not considered off-limits for people with gastritis, they can still aggravate other conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, may require tracking what you eat to see which foods trigger reactions, according to University of Utah Health.
Fibrous foods, such as beans or cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) could cause an attack. But if constipation is a problem associated with your gastrointestinal distress, high-fiber foods that you can tolerate will be helpful in relieving your symptoms, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD).
If you suspect gastritis, consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and narrow down the cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be provided. If an infection triggered your gastritis, for example, you may need a prescription for antibiotics. If the cause of your gastrointestinal distress is actually a different condition, it’s important to know which one it is, as treatments vary.
Crohn’s disease and vegetables
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that can attack any part of the digestive tract. It is sometimes seen in the stomach and can resemble gastritis.
Although it is usually limited to the end of the small intestine and colon, Crohn’s disease of the stomach can mimic many of the symptoms of chronic gastritis. High-fiber vegetables could be problem foods for people with Crohn’s disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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