Introduction
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach, more precisely of the stomach lining. The irritated stomach lining is disturbed in its function, e.g. production of gastric acid, and reacts with stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. There can be several causes for an inflammation of the stomach mucosa, mostly infections with bacteria or viruses are responsible, but drugs or other substances such as coffee or nicotine can also be responsible for an inflammation (type C gastritis).
Your own immune system can also be the cause of gastritis. Frequently, especially with viral infections, the intestine is also affected and is called gastroenteritis. In addition to nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea is now also common.
What should you consider?
The most important thing in case of gastritis is to protect the stomach by appropriate diet and lifestyle. Rarely is a simple gastritis so bad that it requires medical treatment. However, one should observe how long the gastritis drags on.
If it is a relatively short episode with additional diarrhea, it can be assumed that it is a simple infection, but the body will get a grip on it itself. If the gastritis with stomach pain and nausea lasts for several weeks, a doctor should definitely be consulted. The reason could be an infection with Helicobacter pylorus.
It should also be noted that electrolytes and fluid are lost in the event of frequent vomiting or diarrhoea. This has to be replenished or compensated for by a correct diet and a lot of drinking. Gastroenteritis with fluid loss is particularly dangerous for children and elderly people. If a person suffering from gastroenteritis becomes severely feverish or confused or unnaturally sleepy, one should visit a clinic, as there is suspicion of a solid lack of fluid (desiccosis).
Recommended foods
In the case of gastritis, foods that are easy on the stomach and compensate for possible fluid and electrolyte loss through vomiting or diarrhoea are recommended. Tea is considered the preferred fluid intake, as warm drinks are particularly beneficial for an upset stomach. In addition, there are special gastrointestinal tea mixtures that are intended to support the stomach lining.
They have ingredients such as yarrow herb, peppermint, caraway or even chamomile, which in itself has an anti-inflammatory effect. As a herbal therapy option there are also tinctures, e.g. Iberogast with extracts of medicinal plants, which can be used additionally in the case of gastritis. Ginger, e.g. in the form of tea, is a good remedy for nausea, although it must be weighed out because of its pungency.
Here the respective state of health of the patient is decisive. Soups are also suitable as a substitute for liquids, and they also contain valuable salts and electrolytes. Best are self-cooked vegetable, chicken or also beef broth, because they contain no additives or taste amplifiers and the like.
Especially meat broths contain additional easily digestible fats, which the body needs. Because a gastro-intestinal disease costs the organism a lot of strength and leads quickly to the breakdown of muscles if no nutrients are available. Zwieback is another source of energy.
It consists mainly of carbohydrate-containing flour and otherwise contains few other ingredients that could irritate the stomach. It is also very dry and can therefore absorb excess stomach acid a little. Salt sticks belong to the same category.
As the name suggests, they provide salt and carbohydrates. Furthermore, the coating of the salt sticks contains sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes the stomach acid. A neglected, old household remedy for gastrointestinal diseases is oats.
It supplies both carbohydrates and proteins, is easily digestible and supports the digestive tract. The best, although it takes some getting used to, is porridge, i.e. boiled oats. Cooked vegetables are also easily digestible and full of valuable minerals.
Best suited are carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, leek or celeriac. Somewhat more exotic but also easily digestible are parsnips or Jerusalem artichokes. If you should have an appetite for something fresh, you can fall back on grated apples.
Ripe bananas are also suitable during a gastritis. They replace potassium lost during vomiting. A secret tip for gastrointestinal diseases is blueberries.They contain little acid and a natural agent against viruses and bacteria.
