Top 10 Tips For Sparing Nutrition In Gastritis, Ulcers And Enterocolitis

The main goals of a sparing diet in gastritis / ulcer and enterocolitis are suppression of gastrointestinal secretion, improvement of protective factors, elimination of exogenous aggressive factors and suppression of muscle spasms.

1. Coffee / cola, black and green tea, chocolate and other caffeinated beverages and foods

Eventually, caffeine is metabolized to theobromine , which stimulates gastric secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsin - aggressive factors that help maintain the inflammatory focus and irritate the mucous membranes. Carbonated drinks are also banned - on the one hand, carbonic acid contributes to lowering the stomach pH, ​​and on the other - a large amount of gas worsens dyspeptic symptoms.

2. Smoking and alcohol

Smoking stimulates gastric secretion and also increases many times the risk not only of lung cancer but also of stomach cancer. Alcohol in chronic terms leads to atrophy of the mucous membrane, reduced absorption of vitamin B12 and worsening of the inflammatory process.

3. Reduce the intake of fats and proteins - meat and meat products, dairy products, nuts, etc.

Fats and proteins are another factor that stimulates gastrointestinal secretion, and in conditions of an existing inflammatory focus we aim to suppress it. Therefore, it is important in the acute phase of gastritis, ulcers and enterocolitis to eliminate meat and meat products from your diet, especially in the afternoon and late evening. If you eat foods rich in fat and protein, it is good to do so by noon, because in the evening lying down is a factor supporting gastro-oesophageal reflux. If you still eat meat, it is good that it is "pure" - chicken. Milk and dairy products, in addition to being rich in fats and proteins, are unsuitable foods for healthy people, and what is left for patients with gastrointestinal diseases - lactose intolerance occurs in a large percentage of people and leads to lower dyspeptic syndrome with flatulence. ,, flatulence, diarrhea, colic-like pain, etc. It is debatable, but in some people yogurt may have some relieving effect due to the content of probiotic bacteria.

4. Completion of meals in the late afternoon (until 19:00)

It is important to limit gastric secretion in the afternoon to reduce the possibility of reflux in the evening. In addition, during sleep, histamine (H2) receptors are stimulated in the gastrointestinal tract, which in any way stimulate gastric secretion. In the evening, the gastrointestinal motility also decreases, which increases the contact time of the acid with the mucosa.

5. Avoid physical exertion and lying down after eating

Another important point for the proper functioning of the digestive system is the avoidance of physical exertion and lying down (maybe sitting but not lying down) after eating for 2.5-3 hours. On the one hand, increased intra-abdominal pressure during physical exertion or lying down increases the possibility of reflux, which can further worsen the symptoms. On the other hand, in terms of physical exertion - after feeding there is increased blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract and physical exertion can even lead to collapse due to lower blood pressure.

6. Sleep on the left side if possible

Sleeping on the left side is extremely gentle on the digestive system, as the stomach contents fall into the large curve of the stomach, where a "pocket" is formed and the possibility of reflux is reduced. During an acute gastric "crisis", patients usually experience a reduction in abdominal pain.

7. Gentle foods?

Dry foods are extremely gentle and suitable for breakfast and small meals between the main - for example, the most common dry biscuits, toast, plain salads, boiled white rice, boiled potatoes, baked peeled apple, bananas, oatmeal and more. These foods have certain hygroscopic properties and "absorb" gastric juice, reducing its possibility of contact with the mucosa and its irritation. In addition to peeled apples and preferably baked and bananas, it is good to avoid other fruits. Citrus fruits, which are extremely irritating to the stomach lining, are especially forbidden. All fruits and vegetables with peels, seeds and pickles are prohibited. Reducing salt intake also reduces symptoms.

8. OTC drugs?

Low-dose proton pump inhibitors, H2-blockers and antacids are sold in pharmacies without a prescription. It is important for the patient to know that if he is to be tested for Helicobacter pylori , he should not have taken such medications for at least 2-4 weeks before the test, as it will most likely turn out to be false negative. In acute pain crises, H2-blockers (famotidine) act faster than proton pump inhibitors. They can be combined with an antacid (eg gaviscon) and an antispasmodic (eg spasmalgon, buscolysin, no-spa), which are also sold without a prescription. In enterocolitis, the use of smectite and probiotics is appropriate. Smectite should be taken at least several hours apart with other drugs, as it impairs their absorption.

9. Sleep and stress?

Sleep and good rest improve the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. The digestive system is one of the most sensitive to emotions and stress. Lack of sleep and chronic stress stimulate the release of cortisone, which stimulates gastrointestinal secretion and increases inflammatory responses.

10. Distribution of portions

With a sparing diet, it is important for the patient to eat every 3-5 hours, and for the day there are 4-6 meals in small portions. Large portions stimulate more gastric secretion, digest slowly and increase the contact time of the acid with the mucosa, as well as increase the possibility of reflux.