If you’re grappling with the news that you have gastritis, you might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about what comes next.
The journey to managing gastritis starts with knowledge and understanding.
While it’s a condition that affects millions, the path to managing it is unique for each person. In general, when it comes to treating gastritis, typical approaches often involve a combination of medications, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
The diet for gastritis is crucial but, in some cases, dietary changes alone might not be sufficient for managing gastritis.
Gastritis, caused by various factors such as H. pylori infection, prolonged use of NSAIDs, or even stress, can manifest in multiple ways and requires a comprehensive approach to treatment.
All these factors make gastritis a complex condition to handle. That’s why effective management often requires a multifaceted approach.
Step 1: Identify the Main Cause
Effectively managing gastritis starts with a critical step: understanding its underlying cause. This task, essential yet often challenging, involves closely examining what might be causing or exacerbating the inflammation in your stomach.
What could have led to your gastritis? Is it an infection like Helicobacter Pylori? Could it be due to the regular use of NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen? Perhaps excessive alcohol consumption or chronic stress are factors?
Gastritis can arise from various sources, and in some cases, it’s a mix of multiple factors that contribute to the inflammation of your stomach lining.
The key to effective management lies in identifying these contributing factors. This process requires a thorough evaluation of your lifestyle, dietary habits, and any medications you may be using.
It’s important to address these potential triggers before you begin adjusting your diet or considering medication for gastritis. Strive to reduce stress, modify your diet for the better, and have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your current medications.
As you embark on your gastritis treatment plan, ensure that no underlying issues are impeding your progress. Addressing these root causes directly will greatly enhance your ability to manage gastritis effectively.
Step 2: Eliminate the Triggers
While you’re investigating the root cause of your gastritis, it’s essential to avoid foods and habits that could worsen your condition. Let’s begin by identifying foods and drinks to steer clear of, followed by certain habits you should eliminate.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid:
- Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, etc.)
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Mint
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods (hot peppers, chili, black or red peppers, etc.)
- Processed foods
- Fried foods
- Sodas
- Coffee
- Teas and caffeinated drinks (energy drinks, green and black tea, etc.)
- Alcohol
- Vinegar
Bad Habits to Eliminate:
- Smoking
- Skipping meals
- Overeating
- Drinking liquids with meals
- Lying down after eating
Adhering to these guidelines can significantly help in reducing gastritis flare-ups and support your overall treatment plan.
Step 3: Follow a Gastritis-Friendly Diet
Now that you’re aware of which foods, drinks, and habits to avoid, let’s focus on what you can consume.
Foods to Eat:
- Fish and seafood like like cod, trout, tilapia, fresh sardines, and wild salmon are recommended.
- Poultry such as chicken, turkey, and eggs are good choices.
- Low acid vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and herbs such as basil and oregano are beneficial.
- Low acid fruits such as watermelon, papaya, and ripe bananas.
- Condiments like sea salt, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like stevia or maple syrup.
Initially, it’s recommended to avoid gluten and dairy, as well as any personal trigger foods. As symptoms improve, these foods can be gradually reintroduced.
Drinks to Have:
- Herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, and ginger tea are suitable.
- Nut milks such as almond, coconut, and other nut milks without harmful additives are recommended.
- Smoothies prepared with plant-based milks and low-acid fruits.
- Chicory coffee as a low-acid, caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
- Alkaline water
These drinks are selected to be gentle on the stomach and help in reducing irritation.
You can read more about the gastritis diet here.
Step 4: Support the Healing Process
Apart from following a gastritis-friendly diet, it is also recommended to include some natural supplements and remedies in your treatment plan.
The supplements recommended for gastritis are chosen based on their ability to reduce inflammation and soothe and protect the gastrointestinal lining.
Zinc-carnosine is known for its role in strengthening the stomach lining, while herbal supplements like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root are valued for their soothing properties, aiding in the reduction of irritation and inflammation (1).
These supplements are best used in conjunction with other gastritis management strategies, such as dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments, to enhance overall effectiveness.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your regimen. This ensures that they complement your treatment plan safely and effectively, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Take the Next Step
On this website, you’ll find an abundance of free resources dedicated to gastritis management. From crafting a tailored gastritis diet to selecting the right supplements and tips on preventing flare-ups, there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips.
If you are looking for an in-depth guidance, I highly recommend exploring our comprehensive healing program detailed in The Gastritis Healing Book. This resource unfolds a structured 3-part, 90-day plan specifically designed to effectively fight gastritis and prevent its recurrence.
I hope you find these resources and this post instrumental in your journey towards overcoming gastritis.
Thank you for your time and dedication to helping others with this condition. Gastritis can feel so isolating at times which can make recovery feel overwhelming.