What is Gastritis?

What is Gastrit? How Should Nutritional Treatment Be?

Expert Dietitian Özge Uçucu / 2021-09-26

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach lining. It occurs when too much stomach acid is produced or when the protective inner layer of the stomach wall is damaged. Excess stomach acid comes into direct contact with the membrane we call the gastric mucosa and damages the cells there.

So what are the causes of gastritis? Let's take a look at it together:

Infections caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori are in the first place among the causes of gastritis.

· Smoking

Excessive alcohol consumption

Long-term use of drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, known as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs

Physical stress, i.e. catching a serious illness, major operations, traumas such as serious injury and burns

mental stress

Various bacteria, viruses or fungi infections

Food allergies

Radiation therapy

· Advanced age

Food poisoning

If we take a brief look at the symptoms of gastritis;

Signs and symptoms of gastritis primarily include a scraping, burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen. These discomforts may be alleviated or increased by eating. At the same time, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen after eating are among the symptoms of gastritis. However, gastritis may not always cause signs or symptoms.

Nearly all of us have suffered from indigestion and stomach irritation a few times. Most of the complaints of individuals with indigestion are short-lived and may be related to what they ate within a few days. The person should think about what he ate that day and get an idea about the foods that cause indigestion. At this stage, help from a dietitian can be sought.

If vomiting of blood is observed in addition to or independently of stomach upset, if there is blood in the stool, or if the stool appears black in color, a doctor should be consulted immediately to determine the cause of these conditions.

How should gastritis be treated?

Gastritis can usually be treated with dietary changes without the need for any medication. When these changes are not enough, various drugs are used in the treatment.

The first step in the treatment of gastritis is to avoid anything that irritates the stomach lining. Therefore, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes should be stopped.

Easily digestible foods should be consumed in small meals.

In cases of gastritis triggered by stress, relaxation methods such as meditation or a progressive muscle relaxation technique can be helpful.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually seen in gastritis complaints caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, injections of vitamin B12 can be used during treatment.

 Diet is an essential part of gastritis treatment. In the gastritis diet, it is recommended to add foods that destroy Helicobacter pylori bacteria to the daily diet. For this purpose, probiotic yogurt, sauerkraut, tarhana can be consumed. Broccoli and garlic have a killing effect on Helicobacter pylori with its active ingredients and antibacterial properties. Additionally, research has found that ginger, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, thyme, cranberry juice, pineapple, green tea, carrot and beet juice both improve gastritis and relieve symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, burning, bloating, and heartburn.

Some of the foods and drinks that trigger gastritis;

Chocolate

Coffee

Alcohol

Acidic foods like tomatoes

All kinds of processed food

Foods and beverages high in fat and sugar

fries

Food and drinks containing artificial sweeteners

Extremely spicy foods

• It can be listed as frozen foods.

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