Nutrition for acute gastritis
Food is an important trigger for the production of gastric acid. An inflamed stomach mucosa is often further damaged by additionally produced gastric acid. In the case of an acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the inflamed mucosa should therefore be loaded as little as possible with light food so that it can recover and regenerate in peace.
Similar to the description of home remedies, foods should be chosen that form a protective film on the stomach wall so that the attacking acid cannot penetrate to the stomach wall. Yoghurt or quark, for example, are suitable for this purpose. Oat flakes and rusk are also considered to be particularly gentle foods.
Among carbohydrates, mashed potatoes and rice are particularly suitable. Oatmeal as well as potatoes and rice contain mucilages that form the desired protective film on the affected stomach mucosa. All food should be eaten with as little seasoning as possible, as many spices attack the stomach mucosa.
Fatty or other highly acidic foods that have contributed as triggers to the development of the acute gastritis should be permanently removed from the diet. Every patient with acute gastritis should check and change his or her daily diet. If fried foods are on the menu, they can be alternatively eaten steamed, boiled or blanched, which is much easier on the stomach.
Overall, meat, cheeses with a high fat content and butter should be avoided and instead the focus should be on low-acid fruit, vegetables and other wholemeal products. If meat is indispensable, lean meat should be chosen and prepared with a low fat content. When eating fruit, one should take care not to give the body any acidic fruit, as the fruit acids contained in it cause further damage to the mucous membrane.
Low-acid fruit varieties (e.g. bananas or apricots) are preferable to citrus fruits with a high fruit acid content. It is also helpful to increase the frequency of meals and then eat less per meal. If you are in good health, you can also take a fasting cure over 1-2 days and thus reduce the production of stomach acid to a minimum.
In the case of acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, a fasting period of just a few days can bring about a significant improvement in the symptoms, whereas in the case of chronic inflammation, longer fasting periods are often necessary. After the end of the fasting period, a light diet should also be started and, as described above, several meals should be taken with smaller amounts instead of a few large meals. The same applies to drinks as to meals.
Tea varieties that are easy on the stomach, such as fennel, camile or green tea, should be given preference over drinks such as carbonated lemonade, coffee or alcohol. Tea should also not be drunk hot, but preferably lukewarm, as too much heat can further damage the stomach lining. If coffee is a necessary part of daily life, it is possible to switch to mild coffee.
This contains less bitter substances than conventional coffee. However, the temporary renunciation of coffee is still considered the best alternative. Among beverages, too, fatty drinks such as milk should be replaced by less fatty alternatives.