Chronic gastritis is a common chronic disease that can cause discomfort and indigestion in the stomach. It is also accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, bloating, and nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to a decrease in the body's immune function, degradation and atrophy of the gastric mucosa, and a decrease in gastric secretion function.
Classification and etiology of chronic gastritis
Chronic gastritis classification: superficial gastritis, atrophic gastritis, special type gastritis.
Etiology of chronic gastritis: Helicobacter pylori infection 80%-90%; duodenal fluid reflux; exogenous damage from improper diet, medications, chemicals; certain endogenous diseases.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis
This disease occurs in all age groups, is very common, and accounts for about 80-90% of patients undergoing gastroscopy. It is more common in males than females, and the incidence rate increases with age.
Most patients with chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection have no symptoms. Those with symptoms may experience upper abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, early satiety, belching, and nausea and other digestive symptoms. The presence and severity of these symptoms are not definitely correlated with the endoscopic findings and histopathological changes of chronic gastritis. Patients with autoimmune gastritis may also have anemia.
Definitive diagnosis relies on gastroscopy and histopathological examination of gastric mucosal biopsy. Helicobacter pylori testing can help with etiological diagnosis. Suspected autoimmune gastritis should be tested for relevant autoantibodies and serum gastric secretions.
Dietary guidelines for chronic gastritis
Avoid foods and medications that are irritating and damaging to the gastric mucosa; quit smoking and alcohol; avoid raw, cold, spicy, and rough foods; eat a light, low-fat, soft and easily digestible diet; chew food thoroughly and eat smaller meals; eat regular and moderate meals, avoid overeating; prevent symptoms of anemia and malnutrition (iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, protein).
For superficial gastritis with excessive gastric acid secretion, avoid concentrated meat soup, acidic foods, and excessively delicious foods. Instead, use milk, buttered toast, and salted dry steamed buns to neutralize gastric acid. For atrophic gastritis with reduced gastric acid secretion, give concentrated meat soup, acidic foods, and fruit juice to stimulate gastric acid secretion. Use foods with high protein content and low fat.
Dietary principles for chronic gastritis
The diet of patients with chronic gastritis should be rich in nutrients and easily digestible. A diet rich in protein and vitamins is beneficial for the repair of gastric mucosa. At the same time, eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamin C to block the formation of nitrosamines, which is beneficial for reducing carcinogenesis.
1. Patients with chronic gastritis should mainly consume nutritious, easily digestible, soft and mushy foods. Hard foods should be eaten less or cooked thoroughly to make them soft and easy to digest. Avoid cold, expired, hot, sweet pastries, fried, and spicy foods. Foods such as chili, mustard, and pepper can damage the gastric mucosa.
2. Patients with chronic gastritis should eat more fresh and light foods, avoid eating stored foods for a long time, and eat vegetables and fruits with low fiber content, such as apples, pears, and bananas. A light and low-fat diet is easy to digest and absorb and is beneficial for the recovery of gastric diseases.
3. Patients with chronic gastritis should avoid drinking strong alcoholic beverages, smoking, and consuming strong tea, coffee, etc. These foods contain elements that can damage the gastric mucosa and are not conducive to the treatment and healing of chronic gastritis.
