Diet for Gastritis – What to Eat & What to Avoid

By Dr. Karan R Rawat – Best Gastroenterologist & Stomach Specialist in Agra

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining, commonly caused by acidity, spicy diet, infection (like H. pylori), stress, painkillers, or alcohol.
Diet plays a major role in relieving symptoms, healing the stomach lining, and preventing recurrence.

✅ Best Foods to Eat in Gastritis

1. Easily Digestible Foods

  • Khichdi (moong dal)

  • Dalia

  • Oats porridge

  • Soft rice

  • Idli

  • Upma

These soothe the stomach and reduce irritation.

2. Low-Acid Fruits

  • Banana

  • Apple (peeled)

  • Papaya

  • Pear

  • Melon (kharbooja / tarbooz)

Avoid citrus initially (like orange, lemon).

3. Non-Spicy Cooked Vegetables

  • Lauki

  • Tori

  • Pumpkin

  • Carrot

  • Spinach

  • Cabbage (light cooked)

  • Beetroot

Avoid raw salads in the acute phase.

4. Lean Proteins

  • Moong dal

  • Masoor dal

  • Boiled egg white

  • Chicken soup (mild, no spices)

  • Fish (steamed/boiled)

Avoid oily or fried proteins.

5. Probiotics

They help repair the stomach lining and reduce acidity.

  • Curd

  • Chaach (buttermilk)

  • Lassi

  • Greek yogurt

6. Healing Drinks

  • Coconut water

  • Jeera water

  • Lukewarm water

  • Herbal teas (ginger tea, chamomile tea)

  • Aloe vera juice (unsweetened)

Avoid fizzy or carbonated drinks.

7. Healthy Carbs & Fats

  • Whole wheat roti

  • Brown rice

  • Ghee (1 tsp – soothing for stomach)

  • Olive oil for cooking

❌ Foods to Avoid in Gastritis (Very Important)

1. Spicy & Oily Foods

  • Red chilli

  • Fried snacks

  • Pakoda, samosa, chole, rajma

  • Pickle, chutney

These increase acidity.

2. Citrus & Sour Foods (Initially Avoid)

  • Lemon

  • Tomato

  • Orange

  • Vinegar-based foods

3. Caffeine & Carbonated Drinks

  • Tea (limit to 1 cup)

  • Coffee

  • Soda

  • Energy drinks

4. Dairy in Excess

Milk may worsen gastritis in some people.
Curd is better tolerated.

5. Alcohol & Smoking

Both irritate the stomach lining and delay healing.

6. Fast Food & Packaged Snacks

  • Pizza, burger

  • Chips, namkeen

  • Bakery items

⭐ Eating Habits That Help Gastritis Heal

  • Eat smaller meals every 3–4 hours

  • Do not skip meals

  • Do not lie down immediately after eating

  • Chew food slowly

  • Drink enough water throughout the day

  • Avoid late-night eating

  • Reduce stress, as it worsens acidity

🩺 When to See Dr. Karan R Rawat

Visit a Gastroenterologist if you have:

  • Burning pain in upper abdomen

  • Bloating / gas

  • Vomiting

  • Burping

  • Black stools

  • Pain worsening after meals

  • Suspected H. pylori infection

Dr. Karan R Rawat offers:

  • Gastroscopy

  • H. pylori testing

  • Advanced gastritis treatment

  • Diet & lifestyle guidance

  • Treatment of complications like ulcers