Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, that is, the inner wall of the stomach. This inflammation causes discomfort and pain. In addition, the epigastric area and the belly swell, which causes belching, nausea, a feeling of fullness without having eaten almost, constipation…

It is important to avoid gastritis because not only is it annoying and can cause ulcers, but it implies that digestion is not carried out well and/or appetite is lost, which means we are exposed to another series of problems.

When gastritis occurs, plants can be our allies. However, not all of them are suitable and some infusions, although they are not prohibited in gastritis, may not be recommended. In this article we are going to learn What infusions can help us in the case of gastritis and which ones we should avoid.

Why do we perceive pain when we suffer from gastritis? Find out in this interesting video:

«Prohibited» infusions for gastritis

Do they exist infusions «prohibited for gastritis? It depends on the case. It is important to know that each person may have a more intense or milder degree of gastritis. Gastritis can also be acute or chronic. For this reason, there are people for whom medicinal plants help or harm them to a greater or lesser extent. Let’s see, in general terms, what helps us and what doesn’t.

Is coffee good for gastritis?

A classic example that each person is different is coffee. Coffee acts on the gastric mucosa and promotes the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which in itself irritates the gastric mucosa so people with gastritis should avoid it. Now… Does coffee always hurt the same? It depends on the type of coffee, the preparation method (more intense, less intense, more bitter, blacker, sweeter…) and how and when we take it.

• That “black” coffee in the morning, without anything else, can cause heartburn and gastritis in sensitive people. If you already have gastritis you should avoid it. If you have had gastritis, even if it doesn’t bother you now: avoid black coffee. If you take it, make sure it is accompanied by solid foods so that its effect on the stomach is less. In other words: eat a good breakfast.
• It is also recommended avoid that coffee immediately after a heavy meal (which is not good for you, by the way), especially if there is fat, fried food, sweets…
• Some people notice that Coffee begins to create gastric problems when they drink it frequently. looking for the stimulating effect, such as during exam time, or when they are preparing a job and are short of time.
• You may notice that there is a day when coffee makes you feel sick, it gives you burning, heartburn, your belly swells, you burp and you feel sick all day. Take a break from coffee. Coffee, stress and gastritis are not good friends.

Is tea good for gastritis?

What is stated for coffee is applicable to tea, mainly black tea, which contains a greater amount of caffeine than green tea, although less than coffee.

Other infusions that are not suitable in case of gastritis

In case of gastritis:

• It is advisable to avoid infusions with strong spicy spices such as, for example, cayenne or pepper.
• It is advisable to avoid adding sugar to infusions (can worsen the problem) or lemon or any citrus juice (can cause discomfort).
• The temperature of the infusions is important: inside a stomach with gastritis there is already inflammation (heat). We should not take the infusions very hot.

«Forbidden» foods for gastritis

If you suffer from gastritis, you may want to avoid these foods:

• Chocolate. Although chocolate does not have caffeine, it contains theobromine, which is also a xanthan base, and in large quantities can irritate the stomach. Since there are different types of chocolate depending on purity and mixtures, it is important that you monitor your response to chocolate and, if in doubt, if you have gastritis, it is better to avoid it.
• The drinks containing alcohol, Kola nut, caffeine, carbon dioxide (carbonated drinks) or acids are not recommended in cases of gastritis.
• Sugar must be avoided. Puff pastries are very delicious but they can give you heartburn.
• It is preferable avoid dairy. You will surely find a vegetable drink to your liking.
• The fruits and citrus fruit juicestomatoes, vinegar, pickles can bother your gastritis.
• Avoid spicy foods.

Herbs and infusions that help if you have gastritis

Fortunately, nature has given us a wide variety of plants that we can take as an infusion to help if we have gastritis. The key is to remember that we have to pamper our stomach, so no matter how good an infusion is, drink it little by little, warm.

• Chamomile (Chamomilla feverfew) It is the best known of the medicinal herbs for stomach upset and gastritis. Its anti-inflammatory and digestion-promoting action helps in a gentle way. Remember to avoid sweetening with sugar, and take it little by little, warm.
• The mint (Peppermint) or pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) they can help us. Although they look the same, mint and pennyroyal are two different species of the genus (Mint). Although they are plants with a slightly spicy flavor, their fresh nature, which is perceived when chewing some mint leaves, helps relieve gastric inflammation.
• The sage (Salvia officinalis) It is a plant with an ancient tradition in its use as vulnerary (which heals or heals wounds) in the case of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
• The mallow (Malva sylvestris) and hibiscus (Pink hibiscus – sinensis), They are plants from the same family. Its petals contain mucilage that softens the gastric mucosa, which helps comfort the stomach.
• Licorice (Glyzyrrhiza glabra) It is one of the kings, along with ginger and chamomile, to help with stomach ailments. Licorice is an interesting gastric anti-inflammatory. It provides a curious sweet flavor. However, keep in mind that licorice in certain doses could affect whether you take medication for hypertension, since its chemical composition tends to raise blood pressure. That is, it is not advisable to use licorice daily but very occasionally if you have hypertension.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) It helps relieve symptoms associated with gastritis such as nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness and pain. Remember that it is spicy, and that when it is heated it becomes even more spicy. If you use rhizome, use a small amount and remove it when drinking the infusion: it would be preferable not to eat that part as it will taste very spicy. If you use ginger powder, a pinch is enough.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia) It also helps with the symptoms of discomfort associated with gastritis. Take the same care as with ginger. Remember that the bark of the root or branches is more powerful than the “cinnamon stick.”
• The lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) In a similar way to mallow, it helps soften the inside of the stomach and can also help us be calmer.
• The boldo (Peumus boldus) It can also help in cases of gastritis. Although it is better known for its hepatobiliary action, the support it offers to the stomach is interesting. Promoting bile secretion will help intestinal transit flow better and indirectly the stomach empties sooner, relieving that feeling of heaviness.

What to do if I have gastritis

• Share your meals: Eat more times, less quantity.
• Avoid drinking during meals: just to swallow.
• Rest after eating. A little gentle heat on the stomach helps, but not “heat” but, for example, a cushion on top of the stomach, without pressing.
• Avoid eating and discussing important things or argue itself.
• Eating and running, or eating while walking… is not a good idea.
• Chew welleat slowly.
• Don’t talk while eating (not because it’s rude: it’s just that you swallow air…)
• The feeling that the pain subsides momentarily when you eat is suspicious of severe gastritis and perhaps an ulcer.
• Don’t forget the fiber, avoid fast carbohydrates (non-whole grains).
• Don’t go to sleep having just eaten dinner. Sleep slightly raised from the waist up, to avoid reflux of acid into the duodenum and throat.

Take good care of yourself, the stomach is very powerful and special. It is the center of your life in many ways.