Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Diet

One of the most common stomach inflammations is gastritis. Learn what causes it and how dietary changes can help relieve discomfort.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be classified as acute or chronic:

• Acute gastritis: Symptoms appear suddenly and last a short time.

• Chronic gastritis: Symptoms persist for months or years.

Due to modern lifestyles, there is a sort of “epidemic” of gastritis. Factors such as unbalanced diets, smoking, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and stress are key triggers. Gastritis affects all age groups, from teenagers to older adults.

Older adults are at higher risk because:

• Stomach lining naturally thins with age

• There’s a higher likelihood of H. pylori infection or autoimmune disorders

Severe physical stress, such as surgery, injury, or serious infections, can also trigger acute gastritis.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Symptoms develop gradually and may last for years. Many people seek help only when symptoms become severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen

• Heartburn

• Bloating

• Hiccups and burping

• Indigestion

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dark stools

• Vomiting blood

Early symptoms are often ignored, and patients may take painkillers or sedatives, which can worsen the condition.

Complications of untreated chronic gastritis:

• Pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency

• Stomach ulcers

• Increased risk of stomach cancer

Mild gastritis is common, but frequent attacks with vomiting and severe abdominal pain require medical attention.

Causes of Gastritis

Most common causes include:

• Helicobacter pylori infection

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen

• Alcohol consumption

• Severe systemic diseases

Gastritis can also be triggered by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic), autoimmune disorders, and allergies.

H. pylori infection:

• Often acquired in early childhood

• Can persist lifelong if untreated

• Often asymptomatic

• Detectable by stool tests or breath analysis

• Must be treated to prevent stomach lining damage and cancer

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:

• NSAID use (e.g., aspirin)

• Heavy alcohol intake

• Severe physiological stress (major surgery, injury)

Chronic gastritis may result from:

• Long-term irritation from NSAIDs

• H. pylori infection

• Pernicious anemia

• Autoimmune disorders

• Age-related degeneration of the stomach wall

• Bile reflux

H. pylori is strongly linked to gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcers and gastritis.

Foods to Eat for Gastritis Relief

Recommended foods include:

• Low-fat pureed vegetable soups (with pasta, rice, or semolina), veal or poultry broth, fish soup

• Lean young meats, cooked in their own juice, steamed, baked in foil (veal, beef, rabbit, white poultry meat)

• White fish, boiled or baked in foil, drizzled with olive oil before serving

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Low-fat milk (1%), low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, probiotic drinks

• White, stale bread, rusks, toast, pasta, rice, corn or wheat semolina

• Boiled and pureed vegetables (potatoes, spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, young peas, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peeled tomatoes, kohlrabi, beetroot, young green beans)

• Olive, sunflower, or corn germ oil

• Biscuits, pudding, semolina, or rice cooked in milk

• Cooked fruits, natural fruit juices, fruit purées, bananas

• Mild herbal teas (chamomile), yarrow, green tea, fresh cabbage juice

• Diluted lemon juice, salt, bay leaves, parsley

Foods to Avoid

Avoid or limit:

• Fried or breaded meats, smoked meats, sausages, pâtés, canned meat

• Fatty fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines, carp, catfish), canned, dried, marinated, smoked, or salted fish, squid, mussels, crustaceans

• Full-fat milk, aged or fatty cheeses, smoked cheeses, heavy cream

• Spicy or acidic vegetables: peppers, sauerkraut, cucumbers, kale, eggplant, tomato paste, canned vegetables

• Fried or roasted potatoes, dry beans, broad beans, lentils, soy

• Pork or goose fat, mayonnaise

• Fried pastries, pancakes, chocolate, nut-filled cakes

• Unripe or sour fruit, grapes, citrus, canned fruits

• Black tea, coffee, beer, spirits, sugary soft drinks, lemon-based drinks, cola

• Strong spices: red onion, garlic, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, ketchup, MSG, hot paprika, black pepper

Sample Gastritis Menu

Breakfast: Toast with plum jam
Snack: Fruit
Lunch: Chicken breast with carrot salad
Dinner: Rice with carrots

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if:

• Abdominal pain lasts more than 2–3 days or worsens

• Severe abdominal pain lasts over an hour

• Periodic pain lasts more than 24 hours

• Inability to ingest liquids or food for hours

• Fever > 38.5 °C

• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like contents

• Black or bloody stools

• Rapid, unexplained weight loss

Conclusion

Gastritis is a disease of modern times. Our understanding has evolved since the discovery of H. pylori in the 1980s.

• Digestive diseases, especially of the stomach, are a significant public health problem and rank fourth among causes of death.

• Everyone experiences digestive issues at least once in their life.

• Risk factors include unhealthy diets, lack of movement, and chronic stress.

Treatment:

• Depends on the cause

• H. pylori infection: Combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

• Avoid NSAIDs if possible

• Dietary changes help significantly: reduce caffeine, avoid fatty foods, eat smaller meals (4–5 times/day), and avoid foods that trigger symptoms

Sources:

• Vaše zdravlje

• Kreni Zdravo

• Adiva

• Pliva Zdravlje

• Healthline

• Adiva – Nutrition for Older Adults

If you want, I can also create a condensed English version with causes, symptoms, diet tips, and warning signs, perfect for a quick reference or patient guide.

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