Gastritis in kids: Causes, symptoms and foods that help

October 18, 2022January 3, 2023 | nirkayani

Does your child have constant tummy aches? Is your child burping all the time? Does your kid feel full and eating less than usual? Does he/ she have frequent stomach upset? If this is the case, your child may be dealing with “Gastritis”. Continue reading to know more about gastritis.

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Gastritis

Gastritis is a common condition which occurs due to a variety of reasons. More than half of the people around the globe have gastritis. Our stomach is coated with two protective mucus layers. The outer mucus layer is thin but the inner mucus layer is 50-200 micrometre thick and coated in the inner wall of the stomach. This mucus layer protects the stomach from acid and germs. When this mucus layer gets irritated or inflamed, it will cause damage in the stomach lining which is referred to as “Gastritis”.

Gastritis is mainly caused by a harmful bacteria (bad bacteria) which causes infection in kids. Most of the bacteria in our body are good for our gut which is called as “Beneficial bacteria”(Good bacteria). These good bacteria help in digestion and maintaining the gut health. If we increase the good bacteria through our diet, it will fight with bad bacteria, virus and fungi thereby reducing gastritis.

Also check, Causes of stomach pain in kids

Types of Gastritis

Gastritis can be classified into two types, acute gastritis and chronic gastritis depending on how long the symptoms persist.

1. Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis will suddenly start with intense stomach pain when we have spicy and oily foods or due to bacterial infection or injury. It is also known as Self-limiting which means the illness and pain will be temporary that goes away on its own and doesn’t impair the health in the long run.

2. Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis on the other hand starts with dull stomach ache and will cause serious illness in the stomach. It is also known as Non Self-limiting which means the inflammation of the mucus layer will be aggressive and damage to the stomach lining will be permanent.

Also check, Tips and foods for bloating

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis can be caused due to various reasons. Here are some of the causes of gastritis

1. Bacteria and fungal infection

The main causes of chronic inflammation of the mucous layer of the stomach are bacterial and fungal infection. It will spread through contaminated foods or drinking water. It will also affect people with weak immune system.

Also check, How to increase child’s immunity

2. Food habits

All spicy foods contain a chemical compound called capsaicin. This compound may aggregate the esophageal irritation and also the food remains in the stomach for a long time. Eating spicy, oily, salty, deep-fried and highly acidic foods will increase the severity of gastritis.

Also check, Gut healthy foods

3. Medicines

Some painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin are often advised to be taken after a meal. Food aids in reducing the inflammation of stomach lining. Taking more antibiotics or painkillers in an empty stomach can damage the mucosa of the stomach leading to gastritis.

4. Stress

Stress and anxiety usually causes excessive contraction of muscles. If the stomach muscles get impacted by stress, it pressurizes the stomach and leads to the increased production of acid. The acid thereby damages the stomach lining and causes gastritis.

Also check, How to handle anxiety in kids

5. Auto-immune

The parietal cells present in the stomach produce the stomach acid. The body’s own immune system mistakenly destroy these cells and causes inflammation of stomach lining thereby leads to chronic gastritis. This will further increase the pH of the stomach which makes it difficult to absorb Vitamin B12 and iron leads to deficiency.

Signs and Symptoms of gastritis

Frequent stomach ache or stomach upset
Burning sensation in the stomach
Constant burping often associated with foul smell
Indigestion
Bloating
Loss of appetite
Feeling of fullness in the stomach
Nausea
Vomiting

Foods that help to reduce gastritis

Following are some foods and herbs that can help to manage the symptoms of gastritis.

1. PARTIALLY HYDROLYSED GUAR GUM

Guar gum is a fibre made from guar bean or Indian cluster bean. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best gut-healthy foods. While partially hydrolyzed guar gum is derived from guar gum by the process of enzymatic hydrolysis. PHGG is a water soluble dietary fibre and it regulates gut function.

When the gastric emptying is slow, it will cause inflammation in the stomach. According to the study conducted by NIH, guar gum helps in increasing the gastric emptying time in patients with severe gastric retention which leads to reduction of inflammation of stomach lining. It has also been useful in treating Ulcer, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in both adults and kids.

2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS- Prebiotic Fibre)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are composed of short fructose chains. They are a type of carbohydrate called oligosaccharides. FOS occurs naturally in many plants. They are prebiotic fibres that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract which in turn stops the spread of Helicobacter pylori. It helps in reducing the symptoms of gastritis.

Also check, Role of prebiotics for gut health

3.Papaya

The papaya fruit contains two enzymes, papain and chymopapain. Papaya is also high in fibre and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. Papaya is rich in antioxidants like zeaxanthin as well as micronutrients like folate, vitamin A, magnesium, copper,B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and vitamin K. The natural enzymes present in papaya help to improve digestion and reduce the inflammation caused by gastritis.

Also check, Health benefits of fruits

4. Turmeric

Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties turmeric is one of the best foods for gastritis. It inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori (bad bacteria) and treats the inflammation of the stomach.

Also check, How to make turmeric and honey balls

5. Garlic

Garlic is a prebiotic, naturally high in inulin, a type of non- digestible carbohydrate that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and prevents disease promoting bacteria from growing at the same time. It alleviates the symptoms of gastritis.

6. Water

If you keep yourself hydrated, it controls the level of acid in gastric juice as well as the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Water intake is as important for the gut as food intake. You can also offer your kids Coconut water which helps to heal the inflammation of the stomach and buttermilk which neutralises stomach acids.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that aids in digestion and maintain the gut health. These “beneficial” bacteria are rich in foods like yogurt, kefir and kanji. Probiotics help to reduce the inflammation of stomach lining.

Also check, Role of probiotics for healthy gut

8. Giloy

It is a shrub and an essential herb in ayurvedic medicines. Giloy treats wide range of health conditions. It contains important plant compounds like terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids. Research shows that these compounds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties which not only helps in boosting immunity, but Giloy stem can also help improve digestion, reduce constipation, acidity, gastritis and bloating. It works well for people with a weak digestive system.

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9. Isabgol (Psyllium husk)

Isabgol is driven from the seeds of plantago ovate. It have probiotic potential, which supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and increases the production of short chain fatty acids, which has positive effects on colonic health. Psyllium is also rich in fiber contents and has the ability to absorb water that means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movement easier. It is a natural remedy for gastritis.

Foods to Avoid

These foods do not cause gastritis but aggravate the symptoms of gastritis.

1. PROCESSED SUGAR AND MEAT

Sugar mixes with saliva which contains beneficial bacteria to cause an acidic environment. It causes inflammation in the body which results in weaker immunity. Greatest source of sugar in the average kid’s diet are sugary snacks and beverages like cookies, cakes, candies, fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks. Everything that the child picks up to eat today has strains of added sugar in some form or the other. Meat is rich in fats and proteins, so it is difficult to digest.

Also check, Foods for providing healthy nutrition

2. SPICY AND SALTY FOODS

Avoid chillies and pepper loaded spicy foods. High-salt foods like pickles will worsen gastritis.

3. FRIED FOODS AND HIGH FAT FOODS

Avoid fried foods, butter, and heavy whipping cream which are rich in fat.

Also check, Natural way of reducing weight

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Understanding the role of Prebiotics in foods for Health

June 17, 2021November 24, 2022 | Rupali

Prebiotics in foods are a type of dietary fiber that humans cannot digest but the gut bacteria can. Prebiotic is a source of food for your gut’s friendly bacteria. It is a food which does not get fully digested in the body and reaches the large intestine (commonly known as GUT). The good bacteria in the large intestine eat this food and flourishes. Good bacteria multiply and win over the bad bacteria (disease causing). This allows your gut bacteria to produce nutrients for your colon cells, which helps in healthy digestion.

Some of these nutrients include short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate and propionate that are released into blood circulation, consequently affecting not only the gastrointestinal tract but also other distant organs. Prebiotics should not be confused with probiotics. Each have their separate role in the battle for better gut health, where probiotics are the friendly bacteria, prebiotics in foods are food for these bacteria.

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Health benefits of prebiotics in foods

Consumption of prebiotics increases the useful gut flora, which synthesize the B complex vitamins.
Positive effect on calcium and other mineral absorption, by increasing their solubility.
Prebiotic may help reduce inflammation, especially in your intestines, and thereby strengthen the immune system.
Prebiotics in foods reduces constipation by maintaining the regularity of bowel movement.
It also may help with allergy prevention and symptoms of eczema.
Helps in maintaining healthy hormone levels. Prebiotics help your body absorb essential nutrients that help in building hormones.
Prebiotic are fiber and eating lots of fibrous food keeps you full for a long time, thus prebiotics in foods are great for weight loss.

Also check, What are some foods for healthy gut?

Food sources of prebiotics:

Moong Daal (Mung Bean):

It is an outstanding prebiotic. It has been used in Ayurveda for over 1000 years to make medicine for digestion. Other than being a food for the bacteria in the Gut, it is the most powerful antioxidant amongst all lentils, and is also loaded with many micro-nutrients. Mung bean is also extremely high in Protein, which digests slowly and keeps the kids energetic and Fit.

Due to these powerful results, billion dollar companies in the west are moving to Moong Daal (Mung bean) to prepare plant-based non-veg. protein which is more nutritious than original. (What are other easy protein sources for kids?) Soaked Mung beans can be cooked for a longer while with extra water into a soup or blended into a paste of Dal for small kids. It’s so rich in good bacteria and fiber that it helps in easy digestion and manages gas, colic, and bloating in kids. Without removing the cover of the mung bean, it can be prepared as Khichdi (porridge), Wrap, Cheela (pancake), Dosa or a paste to add in bread dough for all age-groups.

Also check, Easy mung bean recipe

Garlic:

Garlic is a prebiotic that is naturally high in inulin, a type of non- digestible carbohydrate that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and restrict disease causing bacteria from growing at the same time. Pickled garlic is best for kids’ gut health.

Also check,Easy to feed Omega-3 for kids brain development

Onion:

It has prebiotic effects which strengthen gut flora, that help with fat breakdown and boost your immune system and improve digestion. Onion is also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids quercetin which help fight free radicals. Onion is also rich in vitamin C, B vitamins like folate (B9), pyridoxine (B6) and potassium, which aids in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function.

Also check,Home remedy to cure cough using onion?

Banana:

Apart from being rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin B9, it also has prebiotic effects and a small amount of inulin. Banana is high in fiber and prebiotics, both of which support smooth digestion.

Also check,7 super nutritious foods for weight gain

Barley:

Barely is one of the most popular cereal grains. It contains beta-glucan which is a prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract. Barley is also rich in selenium, this helps with thyroid function. It has antioxidant properties as well which boost the immune system of the body.

Also check,Easy pizza recipe using millets

Sprouted grains:

The concentration of fiber increases in sprouted grains. Fiber is one of the most important components for maintaining gut health. Fiber nourishes the good bacteria in the gut and promotes elimination and detoxification of the colon.

Also check,What is the need to sprout grains?

Apple:

Apple has outstanding health benefits as it is rich in fiber, vitamin c, antioxidants and potassium. It has pectin, a type of soluble fiber, which has prebiotic effects and promotes healthy gut microbiota. Pectin increases butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and decreases the population of harmful bacteria.

Also check,Benefits of apple and banana for kids

Cocoa:

Cocoa contains prebiotic fibers that activate good bacteria. Researchers found that cocoa can promote friendly bacteria and helps to reduce inflammation in the gut. Cocoa contains zinc, iron, copper, and vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B12 and vitamin K which also relaxes arteries and increases blood circulation.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder

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What is prebiotics foods: Super Easy Pre-Biotic Fiber

February 3, 2021August 12, 2021 | Vandita

What is prebiotics foods and and why it is important to include it in your daily diet?

GUT <> PRE-BIOTIC <> GOOD BACTERIA >> BAD BACTERIA
What is prebiotics foods?
Prebiotic is a food which is not fully digested in the body and reaches the large intestine (commonly known as GUT). The good bacteria in the large intestine eats this food and flourishes. Good bacterias multiply and win over the bad bacterias (disease forming)

Moong Daal (Mung Bean)

It is an outstanding prebiotic. It has been used in Ayurveda for over 1000 years to make medicine for digestion.

Other than being a food for the bacterias in the Gut, it is the most powerful antioxidant amongst all lentils, and is also loaded with many micro-nutrients. Mung bean is also extremely high in Protein, which digests slowly and keeps the kids energetic and Fit.

Due to these powerful results, billion dollar companies in the west are moving to Moong Daal (Mung bean) to prepare plant-based non-veg. protein which is more nutritious than original. (What are other easy protein sources for kids?)

Soaked Mung bean can be cooked for a longer while with extra water into a soup or blended into a paste of Dal for small kids. Its so rich in good bacterias and fibre that it helps in easy digestion and manages gas, colic, bloating in kids.

Without removing the cover of the mung bean, it can be prepared as Khichdi (porridge), Wrap, Cheela (pancake), Dosa or a paste to add in bread dough for all age-groups. (How to feed nutrition to toddlers?)

Recipe for Spinach Lentil wrap:

1cup whole mung bean (soak overnight) and blend/purée with spinach leaves (boiled or not) and enough water to make pancake like (not too runny) batter (Does soaking lentils or beans benefit health?)
Add salt, pepper and carrom seeds (optional)
Spread on hot non-stick pan (add drops of oil to cook). Covering the wrap helps to cook faster and better.
Flip to cooks on other side.
Take off the pan and serve with sauce or dressing (recipes of some super healthy homemade spreads)
Stuff and roll with cheese, lettuce or salad leaves, grated carrot, mashed avocado, sliced tomato, cabbage and/ or other veggies or
Just serve plain.

Recipe for Mung Bean Soup

1 cup mung beans of any variety (wash and soak in double water for 8 hours or overnight)
4 cups water for cooking
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
3/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon ghee (optional)
Salt as per taste (no salt for babies under 12 months)

Add soaked mung bean to 4 cups water along with turmeric, cumin and put to boil in a pressure cooker or covered container. Once it whistles twice or is completely cooked and cooled, take it in a mixer to grind it to a paste. Add some ghee on top. Serve warm.

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