Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFoods to EatFoods to AvoidOverviewHow It WorksBenefitsWhen to EatModificationsSocializing
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Foods to Eat
Foods to Avoid
Overview
How It Works
Benefits
When to Eat
Modifications
Socializing
There are foods to eat and foods to avoid if you are trying to healgastritis, a condition that affects the lining of your stomach.A gastritis diet can help ease symptoms of gastricinflammation, including indigestion, bloating, nausea, and burning stomach pain.
The key to agastritisdiet is avoiding acidic, spicy, fatty, fried, sugary, processed, and caffeinated foods that irritate the stomach.Instead, eat foods that are low in sugar, acid, andsaturated fat, including lean meats, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water.
Zorica Lakonic for Verywell Health
Foods to Choose
Certain foods may limit thesymptoms of gastritis.
1. Fruits and Vegetables
2. Whole Grains
Include whole grains, like bread, brown rice, and pasta in your gastritis diet. These are ideal because they are bland and have fiber important to digestive health. Oats, barley, and quinoa are other nutritious options.
If you have symptoms that make eating difficult, such as gas or cramping, plain white rice or white potato may beeasier to digest.
3. Dairy
Low-fat dairy products like non-fat, plain yogurt. Yogurt is especially good as it contains gut-healthyprobioticsthat may help control bacterial infections in the gut. Researchers are increasingly looking at the role of probiotics intreating gastritis.
4. Protein
Eggs, egg whites, and egg substitutes are excellent sources of protein, but avoid preparing them with butter, cream, and seasoning. Legumes and beans are generally good, but keep portions small to avoid gas and bloating. Broth-based soups are a good choice, too.
5. Desserts
Choose fresh berries with a low-fat, non-dairy whipped topping or a little fat-free ricotta cheese. Applesauce and sliced melon can also be an easily digested sweet treat.
6. Beverages
Best options include water, herbal tea, non-dairy milk, and light apple or cranberry juice. Some studies suggest that peppermint, ginger, and turmeric tea are especially useful in easing gastritis symptoms.
7. Spices
Basil, oregano, sage, and tarragon are less likely to cause stomach irritation than other options. Some spices, like ginger and turmeric, may even help ease stomach upset.
Best Cooking Methods for GastritisLow-fat cooking methods like baking, boiling, poaching, and steaming are less likely to irritate the stomach. Deep-fat frying is bad, but even pan-frying and air-frying should be avoided as they expose you to unnecessary fat.
Best Cooking Methods for Gastritis
Low-fat cooking methods like baking, boiling, poaching, and steaming are less likely to irritate the stomach. Deep-fat frying is bad, but even pan-frying and air-frying should be avoided as they expose you to unnecessary fat.
Certain foods may contribute to symptoms of gastritis and slow the healing process.
Avoid acidic fruits. such as citrus and tomatoes, or vegetables used to add flavoring and spice, such as hot peppers and chilis.
The 8 Most Acidic Foods and Their Impact on Your Health
2. Dairy
Fat can irritate the lining of the stomach and make gastritis symptoms worse. This includes full-fat dairy products like milk and butter.Avoid sauces, fillings, or puddings made with heavy cream or soft cheeses.
3. Protein
Skip processed meats like bacon or sausage.You also need to avoid red meat, especially ground beef and fattier cuts. Instead, choose skinless poultry or a piece of grilled, broiled, or steamed fish.
Nuts and nut butter are high in protein but also high in fat, which can be a problem for people with gastritis. Avoid cream-based soups.
4. Desserts
Most desserts are high in fat and sugar and should be avoided. This includes baked goods, pastries, ice cream, puddings, and chocolate.
5. Beverages
Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, sodas, and acidic fruit juices (especially orange or tomato juice). In addition to regular coffee, you may need to avoid decaffeinated coffee as it can be highly acidic. Other forms of caffeine, including black tea, green tea, hot cocoa, and energy drinks, should also be avoided.
Eliminate alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol not only irritates the stomach but also interacts withproton pump inhibitors (PPIs)used to treat gastritis, making them less effective.These include PPIs like Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole).
6. Spices
Certain spices and seasonings may be irritating for some people with gastritis, including:
Food Reference Guide
The following is a quick reference describing the foods you should and should not eat when experiencing acute gastritis symptoms:
Foods to EatBeans and legumesScrambled or boiled eggsSteamed or broiled fishPeppermint, ginger, or turmeric teaSquash and root vegetablesOatmeal and porridgeLow-fat dairyBrown rice, quinoa, and barleySkinless poultryWhole grain bread and pastaSteamed cauliflower and cabbageBroths and clear soupsFresh berriesApplesauceMelonsBananasFoods to AvoidCitrus fruit and juicesTomatoes and tomato sauce or juiceFried foodsCorn. cornmeal, or polentaSpicy foodsFast foods, including pizzaFull-fat dairyBaked goods like cakes and cookiesRed meatPeanut butter and nut buttersPotato chips and packaged snacksProcessed or smoked meatsSauces, salsa, gravy, and cream soupsOnions, garlic, and peppersAlcoholCoffee, tea, or chocolateSweet carbonated beverages
Foods to EatBeans and legumesScrambled or boiled eggsSteamed or broiled fishPeppermint, ginger, or turmeric teaSquash and root vegetablesOatmeal and porridgeLow-fat dairyBrown rice, quinoa, and barleySkinless poultryWhole grain bread and pastaSteamed cauliflower and cabbageBroths and clear soupsFresh berriesApplesauceMelonsBananas
Beans and legumes
Scrambled or boiled eggs
Steamed or broiled fish
Peppermint, ginger, or turmeric tea
Squash and root vegetables
Oatmeal and porridge
Low-fat dairy
Brown rice, quinoa, and barley
Skinless poultry
Whole grain bread and pasta
Steamed cauliflower and cabbage
Broths and clear soups
Fresh berries
Applesauce
Melons
Bananas
Foods to AvoidCitrus fruit and juicesTomatoes and tomato sauce or juiceFried foodsCorn. cornmeal, or polentaSpicy foodsFast foods, including pizzaFull-fat dairyBaked goods like cakes and cookiesRed meatPeanut butter and nut buttersPotato chips and packaged snacksProcessed or smoked meatsSauces, salsa, gravy, and cream soupsOnions, garlic, and peppersAlcoholCoffee, tea, or chocolateSweet carbonated beverages
Citrus fruit and juices
Tomatoes and tomato sauce or juice
Fried foods
Corn. cornmeal, or polenta
Spicy foods
Fast foods, including pizza
Full-fat dairy
Baked goods like cakes and cookies
Red meat
Peanut butter and nut butters
Potato chips and packaged snacks
Processed or smoked meats
Sauces, salsa, gravy, and cream soups
Onions, garlic, and peppers
Alcohol
Coffee, tea, or chocolate
Sweet carbonated beverages
How a Gastritis Diet Works
Until these conditions are treated or managed, a person may need to stay on the diet to not only ease acute symptoms but also to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Before Starting the DietSpeak with your healthcare provider before starting any diet to ensure that it’s safe and does not interact with your medications or reduce their absorption. Anutritionist or dietitiancan also help design a diet that meets your daily nutritional needs.
Before Starting the Diet
Speak with your healthcare provider before starting any diet to ensure that it’s safe and does not interact with your medications or reduce their absorption. Anutritionist or dietitiancan also help design a diet that meets your daily nutritional needs.
The gastritis diet is designed to ease acute (sudden) flare-ups of gastritis and to prevent complications in people with chronic (persistent or recurrent) gastritis. It is not intended to replace your regular diet but can be designed to meet your daily nutritional needs if you have to be on it for a longer time.
The diet is meant to help with conditions including:
A gastritis diet may also help easepregnancy-related nausea and heartburn.
Timing and When to Eat
When you have gastritis, the amount of food you eat and how long you go between meals can contribute to your risk of symptoms.
If you are struggling with symptoms, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day as opposed to sitting down to three large meals.
It is best to eat something every three hours during an acute flare-up, even if it’s a small snack.
Does Fasting Help Gastritis?Some people assume that fasting can help ease symptoms of gastritis, but the opposite appears to be true. Fasting may increase gastritis symptoms.High levels of stomach inflammation impair the function of mucus-producing cells called goblet cells. The loss of mucus makes the lining more vulnerable to stomach acids and ulcers.
Does Fasting Help Gastritis?
Some people assume that fasting can help ease symptoms of gastritis, but the opposite appears to be true. Fasting may increase gastritis symptoms.High levels of stomach inflammation impair the function of mucus-producing cells called goblet cells. The loss of mucus makes the lining more vulnerable to stomach acids and ulcers.
Some people assume that fasting can help ease symptoms of gastritis, but the opposite appears to be true. Fasting may increase gastritis symptoms.
High levels of stomach inflammation impair the function of mucus-producing cells called goblet cells. The loss of mucus makes the lining more vulnerable to stomach acids and ulcers.
Diet Modifications
If you have other health conditions with their own dietary restrictions, you may need to make certain modifications to the gastritis diet.
Examples include:
Changing your diet can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Meal planning and preparing meals in advance can help keep you on track. If you find it difficult to stick to the diet, talk to your healthcare provider.
When You Eat Out
Joining friends for a dinner party or dining out can be challenging if you have gastritis. But there are a few tips to help you eat safely:
Summary
A gastritis diet involves the avoidance of spicy, acidic, fried, fatty, and processed foods, including fast foods, full-fat dairy, tomatoes, and citrus. Alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine are also on the list of items to skip.
Choose bland foods that are non-acidic and low in sugar. These include whole grains, root vegetables, fish, skinless poultry, and berries. Peppermint, ginger, and turmeric tea are thought to help ease symptoms.
A Word From VerywellChronic gastritis can result from various conditions and disrupt your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms without a clear cause, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Spending time trying to self-diagnose can delay your ability to find long-term relief. Seeing a health professional can help pinpoint the underlying issue and devise a tailored plan to alleviate symptoms more effectively.—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Chronic gastritis can result from various conditions and disrupt your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms without a clear cause, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Spending time trying to self-diagnose can delay your ability to find long-term relief. Seeing a health professional can help pinpoint the underlying issue and devise a tailored plan to alleviate symptoms more effectively.—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Chronic gastritis can result from various conditions and disrupt your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms without a clear cause, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Spending time trying to self-diagnose can delay your ability to find long-term relief. Seeing a health professional can help pinpoint the underlying issue and devise a tailored plan to alleviate symptoms more effectively.
—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastritis.
University of Michigan Health.Nutrition for patients with gastritis.
MedlinePlus.Bananas and nausea.
Ma BT, Sang LX, Chang B.Gastric microbiota transplantation as a potential treatment for immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated gastritis.World J Gastroenterol. 2024 Jun 28;30(24):3123-3125. doi:10.3748/wjg.v30.i24.3123.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Gastritis.
Sipponen P, Maaroos HI.Chronic gastritis.Scand J Gastroenterol.2015;50(6):657-67. doi:10.3109/00365521.2015.1019918
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: stomach cancer.
Gomes CF, Sousa M, Lourenco I, Martins D, Torres J.Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know?Ann Gastroenterol.2018 Jul-Aug;31(4):385–94. doi:10.20524/aog.2018.0264
Mount Elizabeth Hospitals.Gastritis.
Kim JJ, Khan WI.Goblet cells and mucins: role in innate defense in enteric infections.Pathogens.2013 Mar 2(1):55–70. doi:10.3390/pathogens2010055
MedlinePlus.Celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gastritis.NHS Choices.Gastritis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gastritis.
NHS Choices.Gastritis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
