For most people, gastritis is minor and will go away quickly after treatment. Spicy and fried foods may worsen symptoms, while foods high in fiber and low in fat may provide relief.


Gastritis refers to any condition involving inflammation of the stomach lining. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help people manage gastritis symptoms.

Gastritis can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis comes on suddenly and severely, while chronic gastritis lasts for a longer time.

Different factors cause different types of gastritis. Symptoms include:

  • indigestion
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • feeling full

Gastritis is generally minor, and you may respond quickly to treatment. However, some forms of gastritis can produce ulcers or increase the risk of cancer.

Diet is an important player in your digestive and overall health. Following a gastritis-friendly diet can go a long way toward relieving your symptoms and helping you feel better.

Diet isn’t is typically not the sole cause of chronic gastritis., but the following foods may reduce your risk”

According to a 2022 study, some studies say that probiotics may help with stomach complications caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori.

These bacteria cause an infection in the digestive system, which can lead to gastritis or stomach ulcers. In fact, H. pylori is the most common cause of gastritis.

You can speak with a doctor or healthcare professional to see if you might benefit from probiotic supplements.

Some types of gastritis can make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron or vitamin B12, leading to deficiencies. Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about taking supplements to prevent deficiencies as well.

Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach.

For some people, food allergies can trigger gastritis. In these cases, identifying and avoiding these foods may help to ease symptoms or prevent gastritis.

Some forms of gastritis are caused by drinking alcohol too often or drinking too much in a short period.

Foods that may irritate the stomach and make gastritis worse include:

  • acidic foods, such as tomatoes and some fruits
  • alcohol
  • carbonated drinks
  • coffee
  • fatty foods
  • fried foods
  • fruit juices
  • pickled foods
  • spicy foods

If you notice that a certain food or food group makes your symptoms worse, avoiding this food can prevent symptoms. This is particularly true when it comes to food allergies.

Other dietary habits to avoid

A 2022 cohort study found that people with gastritis symptoms tended to eat irregular times.

They also tended to eat more leftover foods and trigger foods, such as certain spicy, sweet, or salty foods. In addition, they tended not to eat consistent portions of food, snacked, and ate more barbecued food.

If you recognize any of these habits in your lifestyle, making some changes might help reduce your flare-ups. For example, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help ease your symptoms.

Left untreated, some types of gastritis can eventually lead to a stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer. If you have an ulcer, the types of foods that you should eat or avoid are similar to those for gastritis.

With an ulcer, you should make sure you are getting foods full of nutrients. Following a healthful, balanced diet makes it easier for the ulcer to heal.

The following foods are allowed:

  • yogurt and low fat cheeses
  • some fruits, including apples, melons, and bananas
  • some vegetables, including leafy greens, carrots, spinach, and zucchini
  • chickpeas and soybeans
  • lean meats
  • natural juices

That said, very little research supports specific dietary recommendations for gastritis. Your best option is to consult with a doctor or nutritionist for an individualized diet based on your symptoms and reactions to foods.

Different types of gastritis have different causes. Some of these include:

  • bacterial infection by H. pylori
  • stomach lining damage from certain medications, alcohol, infections, treatments, or surgery
  • major injury or illness
  • autoimmune disease
  • food allergies

Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms, especially if the cause is not readily evident.

If you have gastritis, your doctor will likely:

  • prescribe antibiotics for gastritis caused by H. pylori
  • recommend over-the-counter medications, including antacids, for symptom relief
  • recommend appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes

Learn more about gastritis treatments.

What are the warning signs of gastritis?

Gastritis symptoms typically involve stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, burping, and flatulence.

What can cause a gastritis flare-up?

Medications, bacterial infections like H. pylori, fatty foods, physical and mental stress, alcohol consumption, or eating foods you’re sensitive to may cause gastritis symptoms to develop.

Can you eat eggs if you have gastritis?

Yes, you can eat eggs if you have gastritis. Eggs are usually included in a bland diet, which is recommended in cases of gastritis.

What else can you eat on a bland diet for gastritis?

Unless you’re sensitive or allergic to any of these, bland foods may include cottage cheese, mashed carrots and pumpkin, avocados, bananas, boiled potatoes, soft pasta, soda crackers, rice, skinless chicken, and chamomile tea.

What foods help heal gastritis?

You may find low fat and non-acidic foods helpful. Other foods to eat if you have gastritis include fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, and caffeine-free teas.

What else soothes gastritis?

Eating slowly, opting for smaller portions, preferring home-cooked meals, and not lying down after eating may help you prevent and soothe gastritis symptoms.

What is the best drink for gastritis?

Clear liquids such as broth or tea would be best in cases of gastritis. Older research suggests that drinking green tea with honey at least once a week may be associated with a lower risk of gastritis caused by H. pylori.

The length of time your gastritis lasts once you begin treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity.

Most of the time, gastritis will improve quickly after beginning treatment. Talk with your doctor if your gastritis symptoms are severe or last more than a week.

When considering diet changes or new medications, it’s best to check with a doctor first.

For many people with gastritis, food plays an important role. Some foods make them feel better, while others make their symptoms worse.

Spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and others can aggravate gastritis, while foods high in fiber and low in fat may help you feel better. Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional about how what you eat may help you feel better.