In general, a gastritis diet isn’t particularly restrictive, especially when it comes to vegetables, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF). If your gastritis is caused by an underlying condition, however, you may need to avoid additional foods that contribute to symptoms, according to research.
But it’s also important to remember that even if certain foods aren't a problem for gastritis, they might be on the list for other gut problems. According to research, many gastrointestinal problems have overlapping symptoms, so unless your gastritis has been officially diagnosed, it could be something else.
What Is Acute Gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, according to Cleveland Clinic. There are different ways to classify gastritis. It’s considered either acute or chronic, and it can be erosive or nonerosive. Acute gastritis occurs abruptly and is temporary, while chronic gastritis is a long-term condition that often develops slowly over time.
Erosive gastritis is when the stomach lining wears away and can result in sores called erosions, or if they’re large enough, ulcers. Nonerosive gastritis doesn’t cause the mucosal lining to break down, but the lining can become red and irritated. One exception is a type of nonerosive gastritis called atrophic gastritis, in which the lining of the stomach can waste away (atrophy), causing digestive problems.
Vegetables, Fiber, and the Gastritis Diet
Research doesn’t suggest that any vegetables should be off-limits for people with gastritis. But if something is known to trigger your symptoms you should listen to your body and limit or avoid it.
Although fiber-rich foods aren’t common symptom triggers in the case of gastritis, you might have reservations about loading up on fiber in your diet when your stomach is hurting.
But getting enough fiber is also essential for proper digestive function in general. The recommended daily value is 28 grams, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But one study notes that overdoing it on fiber can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and lead to increased stomach acid production.
These high-fiber vegetables, along with many others, can be beneficial as you heal from gastritis:
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Green beans
- Leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, chard, arugula)
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Radishes
- Sweet potatoes
- Taro
Dietary Triggers for Gastritis
While diet generally isn’t known to cause gastritis, excessive alcohol consumption and food allergies can sometimes trigger it, according to Nourish, a virtual registered dietitian practice. Allergies as a cause of gastritis, however, is very rare.
Breaking up your daily calorie intake into smaller meals and eating more slowly can help ease symptoms, too, according to Nourish. But you should also avoid eating or drinking anything that could irritate your stomach.
Triggers vary from person to person, but some common irritants include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Carbonated drinks
- Food that is spicy, acidic, or fatty
- Salty and sugary foods
Vegetables and Other GI Problems
While vegetables aren’t considered off-limits for people experiencing gastritis, there are other conditions that they can still aggravate. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, may require tracking what you eat to see which foods trigger reactions, according to University of Utah Health.
Fibrous foods, like beans or cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) could bring on an attack. But if constipation is a problem associated with your gastrointestinal distress, fiber-rich foods that you can tolerate will be helpful in relieving your symptoms, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD).
If you suspect gastritis, see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and narrow down the cause so you can be given an appropriate treatment plan. If an infection has triggered your gastritis, for example, you may need a prescription for antibiotics. If the cause of your GI distress is actually a different condition, it’s important to know which one, since treatments vary.
Crohn’s Disease and Vegetables
Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition that can attack any part of the digestive tract. It’s sometimes seen in the stomach and can resemble gastritis.
While it’s usually confined to the end of the small intestine and colon, Crohn's disease of the stomach can mimic many of the symptoms of chronic gastritis. High-fiber vegetables could be problem foods for people with Crohn's disease, according to Cleveland Clinic.
