In my career as a gastroenterologist, I have met countless patients who have sought medical attention for stomach pain. Stomach problems, especially gastritis, are one of our common everyday ailments, but many misconceptions about it are still prevalent. Today, I would like to share with you some real cases and scientific explanations to help you better understand and deal with gastritis.
I remember one time, a middle-aged male patient came to my office in a hurry, pale and holding his stomach in his hands. He told me that he had not been able to eat properly for several days, and that every time he ate something, his stomach ached like it was on fire. He thinks it's all because he has been eating too many acidic foods recently, such as citrus and tomatoes, so he quit them altogether, but his condition has not improved.
After a detailed examination and a series of examinations, I found that his pain was mainly due to long-term excessive stomach acid and irregular eating habits. Acidic foods were not the immediate culprit, but his misunderstandings exacerbated his panic and symptoms.
Acidic foods must cause gastritis
First of all, the stomach itself produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food, so the environment of the stomach is naturally acidic. Ingestion of acidic foods (e.g., citrus, tomatoes, etc.) actually has a negligible effect on the total acidity of stomach acid. The key is to balance the type of food and the amount of food you eat.
For people with gastritis, acidic foods may irritate the already damaged gastric mucosa, which can worsen symptoms, but this does not mean that all people with gastritis should avoid acidic foods altogether. In fact, acidic foods in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, and the key is to be aware of the following:
Portion control: Try a small amount of acidic food at the beginning, observe your body's reaction, and gradually adjust your intake.
Pair it with other foods: Eating acidic foods with high-fiber foods such as whole grains or vegetables can help relieve their stomach-irritating effects.
Pay attention to the ripeness of the food: unripe acidic foods may be more irritating to the stomach mucosa, and it may be more appropriate to choose fruits with higher ripeness.
In conclusion, acidic foods are not a direct cause of gastritis, and avoiding them altogether may be unnecessary and detrimental to nutritional balance. For patients with gastritis, the most important thing is to adjust their eating habits according to their specific situation, and if in doubt, they should consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized dietary advice. This avoids unnecessary dietary restrictions and is effective in managing gastritis symptoms.
All patients with gastritis should abstain from spicy food
Different types of gastritis have different food needs
First of all, gastritis is divided into various types, such as acute gastritis and chronic gastritis, and gastritis caused by different causes, such as infectious gastritis, drug-induced gastritis, etc. Each type of gastritis is pathophysiologically different, so treatment and dietary modification should also be considered individually.
For most patients with acute gastritis, especially those due to infections or medications, avoiding spicy foods is indeed a wise choice. This is because spicy foods may irritate the already inflamed stomach lining and exacerbate the condition, leading to worsening symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
However, for some patients with chronic gastritis, especially those with mild symptoms or those who have entered a stable phase, moderate amounts of spicy foods may be acceptable in the diet. The key is to pay attention to the word "in moderation" and the individual response of the patient.
When is spicy food "safe" in the diet of a person with gastritis?
Patient with well-controlled symptoms: If the patient's symptoms are well controlled with medication and lifestyle modifications, occasional consumption of small amounts of spicy food may not cause significant discomfort.
Try to introduce gradually: At first, try adding a small amount of spicy spice, such as a small amount of black pepper or ginger, and watch the body react. If there are no adverse effects, it can be increased slowly.
Pay attention to the type of food and how it is prepared: avoid eating greasy and spicy at the same time, as this combination is more irritating to the stomach. Choose fresh chili peppers instead of dried chili peppers or commercial chili pastes, as fresh chili peppers are relatively less pungent.
Patients with gastritis should take gastric medicine for a long time
First of all, long-term use of stomach medicine can indeed quickly relieve stomach discomfort, especially for those who suffer from chronic gastritis or frequent hyperacidity, stomach medicine seems to become an indispensable part of their daily routine. However, long-term dependence on stomach medications can cause a range of side effects, including but not limited to nutrient absorption problems, decreased bone density, and potential kidney damage.
One study noted that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a class of drugs commonly used to reduce stomach acid secretion, may lead to malabsorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Not only can this cause osteoporosis, but it can also exacerbate heart problems.
So, how to manage gastritis without over-relying on stomach medicine? First of all, changing lifestyle habits is the foundation. This includes adjusting your diet to avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar and irritating, followed by increasing physical activity to reduce the impact of weight pressure on the stomach, and ensuring adequate rest to avoid excessive fatigue and stress build-up, which are common causes of gastritis.
Additionally, consider using alternative therapies such as taking probiotics to improve gut health, or using herbs such as ginger and peppermint to relieve minor stomach pain and discomfort.
Most importantly, patients with gastritis should work closely with their doctor to regularly assess symptoms and adjust their treatment plan on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in medication use after symptoms have been controlled to observe how your body reacts and prevent potential side effects.
In conclusion, although gastric medicine can effectively control gastritis symptoms, long-term use of gastric medicine is not the best way to treat gastritis. By improving lifestyle habits and seeking personalized treatment options, we can manage gastritis healthier and longer-lasting, without having to rely on medications.