To support your recovery from gastritis, it's essential to eliminate certain foods that can harm your stomach lining. Here's a rundown of the top foods you should steer clear of if you want to manage gastritis effectively.
1. Chillies and Hot Peppers
Spicy foods, such as chillies and hot peppers, might not directly cause gastritis, but they can significantly worsen your symptoms. These foods can inflict further damage to an already sensitive stomach lining. Studies suggest that capsaicin, the active component in hot peppers, can exacerbate gastric inflammation and increase the perception of pain in individuals with gastritis, making avoidance a prudent choice until your condition improves[1].
2. Processed Meat, Grains, and Sugar
While they don't directly harm your stomach lining, these foods can be difficult to digest. This means your stomach may have to work overtime to process them, potentially leading to further damage. Research indicates that diets high in processed foods may contribute to gastrointestinal disorders, including gastritis, by promoting inflammation and altering gut microbiota[3].
3. Deep-Fried and Baked Goods
These foods are generally high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats. Regular consumption can lead to gastritis on its own, as high-fat meals can increase gastric acid secretion and delay gastric emptying, exacerbating symptoms. Therefore, indulging in these treats while dealing with gastritis is not wise[4].
4. Coffee, Citrus Juices, and Sodas
These beverages are known for their acidity and can cause irritation when your stomach lining is already compromised. Specifically, caffeine can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which may worsen gastritis symptoms. Switching to fruit juice until your stomach heals may aid in your recovery, as non-citrus juices are generally less irritating[2].
5. Milk, Soy, and Their Products
Although not common, an allergic reaction to milk (like lactose intolerance) or soy can lead to gastritis and other issues. While these cases are rare, such products may trigger lactose intolerance in certain individuals, which can contribute to significant gastritis if left unaddressed. Lactose malabsorption has been associated with various gastrointestinal symptoms, including those resembling gastritis[1].
6. Processed and Fast Foods
Due to their convenience, many people opt for tinned and packaged foods. While they save time and curb hunger, these foods are best avoided. The preservatives and artificial flavoring can be potential sources of irritation and inflammation. Research highlights that the consumption of fast foods is linked to increased inflammation markers in the body, which can aggravate conditions like gastritis[5].
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References:
- Margherita Di Costanzo, Giacomo Biasucci, Ylenia Maddalena, Carmen Di Scala, Carmen De Caro, Antonio Calignano, Roberto Berni Canani. Lactose Intolerance in Pediatric Patients and Common Misunderstandings About Cow's Milk Allergy.. PubMed. 2021.
- Julia Leszkowicz, Katarzyna Plata-Nazar, Agnieszka Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz. Can Lactose Intolerance Be a Cause of Constipation? A Narrative Review.. PubMed. 2022.
- Mohammed Attieh Alzahrani, Saad Khaled AlGhrab, Mohammed Yahya Althwabi, Abdulaziz Abdullah Sudan, Nasser Saeed Jurays, Fahad Abdullah Alalyani, Saud Abdullah Bin Fudhayl, Mohammed Abdullah Alfahadi, Yahia Mohammed Asiri, Abdulaziz Saad Alshahrani. Awareness of Lactose Intolerance Disorder in Saudi Arabia Population.. PubMed. 2022.
- Claire L Jansson-Knodell, Edward J Krajicek, Dennis A Savaiano, Andrea S Shin. Lactose Intolerance: A Concise Review to Skim the Surface.. PubMed. 2020.
- Péter Varjú, Birgit Ystad, Noémi Gede, Péter Hegyi, Dániel Pécsi, József Czimmer. The role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and false positive diagnosis of lactose intolerance in southwest Hungary-A retrospective observational study.. PubMed. 2020.