Chronic Gastritis Diet: What Patients Need to Know
Establishing a Regular Eating Schedule
For individuals with chronic gastritis, maintaining a consistent and healthy diet is crucial. It's important to eat three balanced meals at regular intervals each day. Skipping breakfast should be avoided, and dinner should not be eaten too late. Ideally, no food should be consumed within two hours before bedtime. This helps reduce the burden on the stomach and supports better digestion.
Eat Slowly and Mindfully
When eating, avoid rushing or overeating. Instead, chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. Aim to feel about 70-80% full at each meal. Choosing soft, finely textured, and easily digestible foods can also help reduce irritation to the stomach lining and improve overall comfort after eating.
Choose the Right Types of Food
Opt for grain-based foods like noodles or bread as your main source of carbohydrates. Avoid high-fiber vegetables such as leeks and chili peppers, which may be harder to digest and could worsen symptoms. Additionally, it's best to avoid spicy, acidic, overly greasy, cold, hot, or hard foods that can irritate the stomach lining.
Avoid Harmful Beverages and Habits
Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided, as it can significantly aggravate chronic gastritis. Similarly, limit intake of strong tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks, as these can stimulate the stomach and increase acid production.
The Importance of Consistency in Diet and Lifestyle
Maintaining a consistent eating pattern and adopting a healthier lifestyle are key factors in managing and improving chronic gastritis. A well-balanced diet not only reduces flare-ups but also supports long-term digestive health. By making mindful dietary choices, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the frequency of gastric discomfort.