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5 minutes
More than once you must have heard a myth about gastritis. But not everything you hear is real. We tell you what science says about this disease.
gastritis is a inflammatory disease of the mucosa that lines the walls of the stomach and can be chronic or acute. For this reason, there are many myths and realities regarding how much the diet should vary for gastritis.
Gastritis usually causes certain symptom as the following:
- Pain and discomfort in the stomach; in the upper abdomen.
- Fullness during and after eating.
- involuntary weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting.
- loss of appetite
Being so common people often have preconceptions about this disease. In this article we are going to establish the myths and the truths about food for gastritis.
Myths and truths regarding gastritis
In popular culture, much is said about gastritis. But reality is one. That is why we tell you what is true and what is not.
Myth 1: Gastritis is an infection
This is false. The reality is that this disease can be caused by many factors.but one of the main ones is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. In fact, it is the cause of 90% of cases.
The bacteria H. pylori It is common in developing countries. It can live in the body without causing symptoms, but it is also capable of promoting the development of ulcers, stomach cancer and gastritis.
Gastritis is thought to be an infection, when in fact it can be the consequence of one. An infection is an invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body. In this case, the infection is H. pylori and the consequent inflammation is gastritis.
Myth 2: If you eat citrus fruits you will get gastritis
Lie. Citrus fruits are acidic, but they do not have the capacity by themselves to cause gastritis. What they can cause is gastric reflux.
The gastroesophageal reflux It is when the stomach content made up of hydrochloric acid, pepsin and bile salts ascends to the esophagus and causes damage and discomfort. Citrus fruits generate reflux, since They lower the pH of the stomach and stimulate fluid movement.
Myth 3: starving causes gastritis
It’s possible. If it is done frequently, fasting causes gastric juices to come into direct contact with an empty stomach and increase mucosal irritation.
In addition, in this situation there is another that is capable of worsening the condition, since a certain amount of food can be eaten that makes the stomach more sensitive. The classic recommendation is to schedule 5 small meals a day to avoid this.
Myth 4: Painkillers and antibiotics cure gastritis
Fake. Neither analgesics nor antibiotics are able to cure gastritis or calm it down.
Analgesics are used against pain. Instead, antibiotics are for fighting infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are only prescribed if there is gastritis as a result of an infection by Helicobacter pylori.
Another drug they recommend to treat gastritis is an antacid. However, it is not capable of healing, but of relieve symptoms for a short period of time.
What is prescribed for gastritis are proton pump inhibitors, which act by reducing the amount of gastric juice secretions. That’s why they are called gastric protectors.
Food for gastritis: recommendations
Yes there is one proper diet for people with gastritis. Here are some nutritional recommendations.
At first, gastritis requires a soft and non-irritating diet of the mucosa. As well as chewing slowly and eating sitting down to avoid gas.
As for liquids, they should be taken in small sips and avoid abundant meals. The temperature of both food and drinks should be warm.
Drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages is discouraged. Avoid tobacco, fatty foods, and spicy foods, including ground pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
recommended foods
Before talking about the foods that are recommended to eat, we must make clear the types of cooking. They must be simple cooking, such as grilled, grillbaked or boiled.
You can eat the following:
- Pasta.
- Rice.
- Popes.
- White bread.
- Cooked vegetables without skin.
- Fruits cooked in compote or preserves.
Regarding proteins, the following are recommended:
- lean meats
- Fish.
- egg white
- Skim milk and cheese.
Foods to eat in moderation
You can eat, but in moderation, the following foods:
- Sausages.
- Raw vegetables.
- Chocolate and pastries.
- Fiber-rich products.
- Fruits with skin and little ripe.
- Whole milk, cream and butter.
Eat well and feel good
The idea with this type of diet is make the person feel better about their discomfort. In this way, collaborate with the treatment provided by the specialist.
If you suffer from gastritis or have the symptoms, we recommend attending a gastroenterologist and not getting carried away by the myths regarding the disease.
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